Birthday Party Idea: Simply Sassy Kids Spa

By Guest blogger, Amy Takacs

Sugar and spice and everything nice, ribbons and curls because she's a girl. - Author Unknowned

Girls will be girls, won’t they? And they love all things pretty and sassy. When my oldest daughter, Natalie, turned 7 a few years back, she desperately wanted a girly spa party. I obliged by turning my house into a cute little spa for giggly little girls. I purchased all sorts of colorful nail polish, hair baubles, make-up, etc and set-up cute little stations at my house. This was a successful party, but a lot of work on my part. She still remembers the day of pampering fondly.

So, it didn’t surprise me this year when my youngest daughter, Claire, was getting ready to turn 7 and insisted on her own pampered shindig. Looking back on the hard work and exhaustion from Natalie’s party three year’s ago, I quickly remembered seeing the new Simply Sassy Kids Spa on Jonestown Road.


Simply Sassy Kids Spa is a day spa experience for girls, offering manicures, pedicures, makeovers and facial. Brightly decorated with tween-approved furniture and accessories, any girl feels special when stepping inside. Their Simply Sassy Birthday Party is every girls dream! They make sure the birthday girl and her friends are pampered from head to toe.


The Spa Sassy Birthday Package allows the little party-goers to enjoy makeup, a manicure, a pedicure and with the special flavor of your birthday month. Whether it be cotton candy or banana split, your fingers and toes will find it delicious! Or they can simply hang out in the party pad and chill with their friends! The party is filled with music, spa treatments, and cupcakes.


Or choose the Spa Tacular Birthday Party Package, which allows you to celebrate your special day while you and your girlfriends unwind in style! Start with a Mani For Me! Manicure and a "Toe" Tally Perfect Pedicure. Choose between a fruity facial or a Picture Perfect Up Do Style before you hang out in the party pad and enjoy birthday treats.


Want just one service or a different combination? Each girl at the party can purchase the spa services of her choice before hanging out in the party room. They supply all of the party goods after the girls get their spa treatments.

Simply Sassy also provides printable spa invitations and a song list for the birthday girl to pick out her favorite music to be played at her party. Adorable cupcakes and drinks are also included.

Simply Sassy Kids Spa is located at 163 Jonestown Road, Winston Salem, NC 27104-4616, Phone (336) 765-5772.


Guest blogger, Amy Takacs is a work-at-home-Mom to two daughters, Natalie (10) and Claire (7). When not caring for her daughters and 9-wk-old Golden Retriever puppy named Wilma, you can find her at her Macintosh designing brochures, magazines, ads and whatnot for her clients.

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Smarty Party Idea: SciWorks!

By Katie M

Where else can you book a birthday party in the Triad that lets you get face-to-face with river otters, travel the solar system, dance on a gigantic floor piano, and walk inside a 20 ft. tree? At SciWorks, of course! You are sure to please everyone at this hands-on discovery museum in Winston-Salem. Not only is it a unique venue for a party but it also offers one of the best party values in the Triad.

What I love most about parties with Smarty Sponsor SciWorks is that kids will never run out of things to do. Unlike some party venues that focus on one or two activities for the entire party, SciWorks has more things to do than you can count in its 25,000 sq. ft. facility which includes museum exhibits, a 15-acre environmental park, and a planetarium show.

Intrigued? Then keep reading to find out how to book the most interactive party in town!


For anyone with an appreciation for science, SciWorks has it all. And what child isn’t into learning something new? From the moment you walk in the door, you are engrossed in educational and recreational special exhibits. The museum always features certain exhibits (Foucault Pendulum, NC’s Mountains to Sea, PhysicsWorks, SoundWorks, HealthWorks, BioWorks, and KidsWorks), along with a 50 ft. dome planetarium and environmental park with nature trails. Here you’ll discover habitats for river otters, deer and water fowl, barnyard animals such as goats, sheep, cows, donkeys, and a miniature horse. Plus, the museum is always bringing in new traveling exhibits that never fail to amaze.


When you book a party at SciWorks, you and your guests will get your own party room for 1 ½ hours (between the hours of 11 am and 4:30 pm) for just $100, and members receive a 20% discount. SciWorks also offers discounted admission fees for your guests:

Under age 2 Free
Age 2-5 $4
Age 6-19 and seniors (62+) $6
Adults $8
Members Free
(Remind your guests to bring their membership cards if they have them, and they are free!)

The party host will also receive one free adult admission for every five children attending the party. The birthday child and up to four grandparents also receive free admission.

And there is no limit on how many children you invite to the party. Just ask for the special group rate when booking your party!

Before and after the party, guests will have access to museum exhibits, the environmental park, and one planetarium show. The host is asked to provide a cake and paper goods.


Even if you’re not booking a party, SciWorks is a great place to visit! Rates are reasonable, and the museum is convenient from any location in the Triad. Membership cards are always available, and they come with discounts, member-only information and invites, and free or reduced admission to more than 200 science centers worldwide!

To book your party, please contact Tiffany Weisner at 714-7105 or tweisner@sciworks.org.

Be prepared to be amazed, Smarties! And we hope to see you there!

Reminder: Don't forget to register for our September giveaway. You could be one of FIVE lucky readers to win a $20 gift card from Invitations Only. Just click here to register. Contest will end at noon on Friday, September 10. Good luck!

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Smarty Party Idea: Soccer Tots

By Guest Blogger Laura Long

Each year, as parents, we worry about what are we going to do for this year’s birthday party, and when it’s in the middle of summer there are only so many pool parties one child can have. This year we wanted to do something different. I was searching on Triad Smarty Pants, and there it was under birthday ideas, “Soccer Tots Birthday Party”. Mercer, our daughter, had just finished Kiddie-Kickers at the YMCA and loved it. In fact, all she talked about was soccer and Toy Story 3. So, I made the call.

They were AMAZING!!! For starters, the facility is indoors, which was perfect because Mercer’s birthday is always on the hottest day of the year. You may choose the location from Winston-Salem Soccerplex, Proehlific Park and Greensboro Sportsplex. Our party was held at the Soccerplex, which had three different plans to choose from. The plan we choose included drinks, pizza, party room, cupcakes, and a Party Coach to go on the fields with the kids.

When we arrived, Andy, our party coach, took us back to the party field and room. The party area was in a separate part of the building, so we had it all to ourselves. The party room looked onto the field and had a large TV with DVD player. I was able to play Toy Story for the kids who didn’t want to play soccer. All we brought were the balloons, dinnerware, tablecloths, and goodie bags.

Once the kids arrived, the real fun began. Andy immediately had all the kids on the field ready to play. They first warmed up with exercises that included jumping jacks, stretching, and running in place. The games he had them play were very age appropriate. There were soccer balls for all the kids to play with and balloons, too.

They raced, shot the ball in the goal, played red light - green light, and parent play time. That’s right, we got to play, too. Mercer and the kids loved having us out there with them. The games segment with Andy lasted a little over an hour.
We then had time for pizza and cupcakes. I told the party coordinator that Mercer loved Toy Story, so when we opened the cupcakes the theme was Toy Story 3, and they were fabulous… Yum Yum Goods baked the yummy little treats and they were REALLY DELICIOUS…

In the end, the kids and adults stayed and played a little longer before heading home. Andy was wonderful and had everyone up and going, he got the kids to laugh, run, and play. They made sure we had everything we needed and checked on us several times during the party. They also offered all the parents the chance to bring their child back to try one of their soccer leagues, which start at learning the skills to playing on teams. It was a wonderful day. The true test of whether the party was good came at the end when I asked Mercer if she had fun. She did!!!! SUCCESS!
THANK YOU Soccer Tots…

For more info on planning a party, call Bryn Heinicke at 336-375-7728 or visit the website here.

And Smarties, don't forget to register for our September giveaway with Invitations Only. You could be one of FIVE lucky readers to win a $20 gift card. Just click here to take a short survey, and we'll announce the five winners after Noon on Friday, September 10. Good luck!

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Smarty Party Idea: Children's Theatre of Winston-Salem

By Guest Blogger Theresa Willie with intro by Katie M

Let me quickly chime in to say that I recently took my six-year-old daughter, Emily, to a play at the Children's Theatre of Winston-Salem. It was our first time there and we watched Aladdin - a story my daughter knows and loves. Our experience was over-the-top. We thoroughly enjoyed the theatre and the performance by the children. Emily especially liked being able to mingle with the actors after the show. It was an event to remember, and we'll definitely be back for another show - and quite possibly some classes for my little drama queen! - KM

For my daughter’s 9th birthday, I struggled with finding the perfect party place. From the first conversation I had with Karen McHugh, general manager at The Children's Theatre of Winston-Salem, I knew we were in for an awesome experience. She was very helpful, thoughtful and especially accommodating.


The children began with playing a few games to help them get acquainted. Next we had a fabulous behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre. This was a special treat and the children really enjoyed themselves. Everyone was given a special role in a play, written by the theatre based on my daughter’s favorite theme. At the end of the party the play was performed on stage for all of the parents to see. My daughter loved every minute.

Every detail was attended to and I was ultimately able to relax and enjoy the party too. I even had a part in the grand finale! All of the children loved the experience they had for Tiara’s birthday. Not to mention my younger daughter was begging on the ride home to have her party there in January! We highly recommend having an unforgettable birthday experience with the Children’s Theatre of Winston Salem. I could not have chosen a better place to celebrate my daughter’s special day.

The Children's Theatre of Winston-Salem is located at 610 Coliseum Drive in Winston-Salem. Phone: (336) 725-4531.

Have you been? Tell us about your experience, and what you liked best!

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Smarty Party Idea: Adventure Landing

By Rachel H

Through the years, we have had a variety of birthday parties for my son and daughter. Some were held at home, while others were at specific venues. This year my son requested Adventure Landing, and I could not have been more pleased with his choice. Things at my house were unusually crazy around the date of my son's party, so it was a relief to have his celebration at a locale with no stress! Literally the ONLY thing I did to plan for the big day was order a cake and send out an Evite. The day was enjoyable and relaxing for all of us, which enabled us to focus on the real reason for the celebration ... my son!

Adventure Landing is located across from Hanes Mall at 1600 South Stratford Road in Winston-Salem. I am sure you have passed it many times and have seen the miniature golf course. This is only a small part of the birthday experience!

Upon arrival at Adventure Landing, your party host will great you and escort you to the private birthday room. We were able to keep any of our belongings here, as well as gifts and food. The room was fun and festive, and all of the paper products were provided for us.

As the guests arrived, each were given a cup of tokens and were able to play video games in the arcade room.

With 12 boys at our party, this was like a dream to them! They played games and collected tickets to cash in for prizes at the end of the party.

Once we were finished in the arcade, the boys gathered in the party room for pizza, popcorn and cake. Drinks, pizza and popcorn were all provided by Adventure Landing, which was another big perk! We also chose to open gifts at this time and took some pictures.

Next, we all moved out to the Bumper Boats.
This was my son's favorite part of the day. We spent about thirty minutes bumping, dodging, and squirting friends in the bumper boat pond, and it was a perfect way to cool off! Again the party host was with us and was extremely helpful to any of the children who needed assistance.

The boys then moved on to play miniature golf. The staff was very flexible and let us divide up as we best saw fit for our group. I was impressed with the seven-year-old boys making hole-in-ones!

When golf came to an end, parents started to arrive to pick up their children, so we gave out their "goodie bags" which were also provided by Adventure Landing. The boys turned in their arcade tickets for prizes and my son was presented with a souvenir mug for his birthday! The mug had an adorable group photo from his party.

Overall, I have to give our party experience a big thumbs up. I think this venue is perfect for a variety of ages, but it was especially fitting for this rambunctious group of seven and eight year old boys! There was no time for boredom here!

To book a party, call (336)768-4730. We are proud to have Adventure Landing as a sponsor on our birthday party directory, so please let them know you read about their exciting parties here on Triad Smarty Pants! You can also save $10 on your party by visiting the website here and printing the coupon.

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My Favorite Birthday Party Theme for Two Years Running

By Jen P, Charlotte Smarty Pants

Every Saturday since we launched this site, I've asked every Smarty Mom the question "What is the Best Birthday Party You've Ever Attended/Hosted?" It dawned on me that I've never personally answered this question. So here goes! My latest and greatest fave is a girly theme and it's so easy breezy to host, that it's scary! Think American Girl meets Pajama Party and it will be the biggest hit in town!


So you start with the invitation. Peep this presh invite designed by our very Smarty own, Krista B:-) She is so talented! Make sure your guests know to bring their favorite doll (does not have to be an American Girl doll) and wear their pjs and this can serve as a mock-sleepover. We scheduled our party from 5-8p to accommodate the night-time theme.

Next is the hit of the party - the handmade doll dress by Remily's out of Charleston. I've blogged about this talented mompreneur plenty of times and I just can't stop going back for more. I ordered these doll dresses to serve as the theme decoration, the party activity and in the end, the best party favor you'll ever send home. The $16 price tag may initially sound steep for a party favor (depending on the order quantity, I'm pretty sure Mary will cut you a discount if you mention CSP:), but if you factor in all of it's handy functions, it's really a steal. You can even order a matching tee for the birthday girl to dress like her doll - how cute is that?!


I set up stations for the dolls. One area is a sleeping corner, one is a hair salon, and one specifically for baby dolls with a cradle and high chair. The hair salon was the most popular station, so I would recommend that you purchase a few extra doll hair brushes for the party. I gathered as much doll furniture as I could find, you can borrow from friends if you have to. Lucky for me, I have two daughters who have been collecting AG items since they were two, so it was not a difficult task.

The party moves so naturally. When the guests arrive, they run up to the party room with their dolls in hand and have a dance party. I always make a birthday party playlist including all of the birthday girl's favorite tunes. You can also send this home as a party favor. Freeze dance and the limbo were big hits this year. After 30 minutes of dancing, the girls are served their pizza dinner - I always serve carrot sticks and cucumbers with their pizza, but who are we kidding? They are only interested in eating cheese pizza and cake, they don't even look at the veggies! But I feel like a better mom and hostess when I serve a healthy option. After pizza, the girls eat cupcakes, then open presents and then go up to the doll room for playtime. This year, our guests were kindergartners, and they could have played in the doll room for hours. I had to cut them off to finish the party with at least the beginning of an American Girl movie - choose from Kit Kittredge, Samantha, Felicity, Molly, Krissa, and more. Make sure you order in advance from Netflix because Blockbuster locations are hard to find and when you do, they don't have much of a selection in this category.

The girls play hard, have a blast and each guest takes home a wonderful gift. What could be better? Share your favorite easy birthday party ideas!

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Smarty Sponsor: Invitations Only

By Katie M

If you are looking to create that one-of-a-kind birthday party invitation but are worried about price or hours of work involved, then consider Invitations Only in Winston-Salem. You won't find a better selection of quality invitations (or stationery), and the friendly staff makes the entire process of printing custom invitations a cinch!

I mentioned how much I love this store last winter when I blogged about Goslen Printing (Invitations Only is a division of Goslen Printing) and I am excited to share more information today about Invitations Only. I was referred to Invitations Only by a friend when I was looking for a business to create a party invitation for me, and after one trip to the store I was hooked. Not only do they have thousands of options (and that is not an exaggeration) and a super cute gift shop with some of the hippest items around, but the staff is incredibly courteous, helpful, professional - and fast. They can turn your most involved order around in three business days. That's faster than any specialty printer and the prices are good too!

Invitations Only is a company started by two sisters (one of whom is Robyn Goslen) who lived miles apart but kept in touch by writing letters and notes to each other. After many years of doing this, they realized that they were unable to find the unique, creative and fun invitations, note cards and stationery they desired. Thus the idea for Invitations Only was born. It's obvious these two sisters did their research, because at Invitations Only you'll always find great selections that will create a lasting impression for any party or event!

The founders of Invitations Only went on to create a web site to give everyone across the United States a way to keep in touch with each other in a fun, unique way! So even if you don't live in Winston-Salem, you can still shop their great warehouse of products! At www.BuyInvitationsOnly.com, you can customize your message and review the actual image on line. All you have to do is select one of its invitations or notecards, customize your message and place your order…and they'll ship your personalized stationery and invitations to you within 3 business days. How cool is that?

Invitations Only is also running specials right now - some of which are great deals for Father's Day too! You can get free printing on all in-stock note cards for Dad, plus 25% off all in-stock Skyros Pottery. In the shop, all in-stock school pottery is 40% off, and you can get free printing on all collegiate note sheet trays, pads and notes. Embossed notes and cards are just $24.95 per set of 50, and memos, lists, tablets and super slabs are just $19.95. Buy 25 of any Whitney English note cards, calling cards or pads and get an additional 25 for free.

And every Wednesday all summer long is Gourmet Day. Come visit and get a taste of some of their new gourmet items!!

You can also find Invitations Only on Facebook. Fan them today and start learning about all their specials as they happen!

Invitations Only is located at 3301 Healy Drive in Winston-Salem. The phone number is (336) 768-9909. And their hours of operation are M-F 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday by appointment only.

I hope you get a chance to check out my favorite gift and stationery store in the Triad - either in person or online. It's definitely smarty-worthy of your time and dollar for your next party invitation!

Our June Giveaway ends TODAY at Noon! Register to win a free birthday party for your child at Funigan's! Please be sure you are first a newsletter subscriber (enter email address in the box in the upper right corner). Then you can click here to read about the giveaway and register!

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Birthday Party Idea: Hotel Sleepover!!!

By Guest Blogger, Amy Takacs

My oldest daughter, Natalie, turned 10 this year. A decade of throwing kid birthday parties already under my belt, my goal was to come up with a celebration fit for a gaggle of tweens. We’ve done the park, bouncy tent in the backyard (twice), children’s museums, Bounce U, slumber party... you name it! Plus, the thought of hosting a bunch of kids coupled with the messy aftermath, I yearned for something with a lot less hassle.

My daughters’ birthdays are two days apart, so spring is the most stressful time for me trying to plan both of their celebrations. Sometimes I think I’d just love to take a vacation from it all. A vacation... in a hotel... where I don’t have to make beds, cook, clean...YES! That’s it! A hotel birthday party!!!

There it was. My ideal celebration for my 10-year-old daughter. She was especially excited as it meant having a special party at her favorite hotel without her younger sister tagging along. So, I made the reservation a few months in advance. A two-bedroom suite at the Embassy Suites was the perfect venue.

The party started with parents dropping off the girls at our house. Since I drive a minivan, transporting the girls to the hotel was a breeze. I had checked in a few hours prior and dropped off some supplies in advance.

We took advantage of valet parking, as the girls happily trudged through the lobby with their bags. The girls got settled into their suite, negotiated sleeping arrangements, then put on their bathing suits for a dip in the indoor pool. But first, a round of Shirley Temples in the lobby to start the party off! After a good swim, it was time for dinner. Pizza, of course! Instead of pizza delivery, I opted for Natalie’s favorite pizza joint - Mellow Mushroom. Luckily, I had a mom friend to help chaperone, as I snuck out to grab the pizza pies.

The girls devoured the pizza in the suite, then it was time to sing “Happy Birthday,” eat cookie cake and open presents. THEN time for more swimming! By 10p.m. the girls were tired and ready to settle down in the suite. Donning their cute PJs, they separated into their bedrooms to gossip, do nails, watch a movie, or doze off to sleep. Having a two bedroom suite, Natalie was able to invite 7 friends, for a total of 8 girls. Four girls to a room, my chaperone friend and I slept on the pull-out couch.

The next morning we all woke up hungry, ready for the yummy breakfast buffet downstairs. Afterwards, the girls had one more quick swim in the indoor pool, then back up to the room to check out and head home.

Natalie’s hotel party was a hit, and sure to be remembered by her and her friends for many years to come.


Tips:
• Limit the group to a manageable amount. 4 kids per room is plenty.

• Suites are a must, as the adult(s) need a place to stay! If a two bedroom suite is not available at your hotel of choice, you can request a suite with an adjoining room.

• Assure the parents that the children will have adequate supervision, and not be allowed to roam the hotel corridors and play on the elevators.

• Pack plenty of snacks and drinks!

Amy is a work-at-home-Mom to two daughters, Natalie (10) and Claire (7). When not caring for her daughters, you can find her at her Macintosh designing brochures, magazines, ads and whatnot for her clients.


Our June Giveaway started yesterday! Register to win a free birthday party for your child at Funigan's! Please be sure you are first a newsletter subscriber (enter email address in the box in the upper right corner). Then you can click here to read about the giveaway and register!

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June Giveaway: A Party at Funigan's!

By Katie M

Are they open again? Are they in the same location? Is it still the same great place? Yes, yes, yes! We are so happy to know Funigan's is open for business again (actually, they re-opened January 29)! Funigan's Family Fun Center (located off Stratford Rd. in Winston Salem, just beyond the Chili’s restaurant and Hanes Mall) is Winston-Salem’s premier indoor family entertainment center with a 17 ft. rock climbing wall, four lanes of miniature bowling, the largest SoftPlay in NC, lots of arcade games, and great kid-friendly food.

If you’ve never been before, shame on you! But now you’ll have no excuse because all of us Funigan-loving fans will be excited to learn that Funigan's is giving away a Gold Package Party to one loyal Triad Smarty Pants reader! This package is valued at $159.99! It’s a great birthday party for any child, but it doesn’t have to be for birthdays alone. In fact, any day is a good day to have a party at Funigan's!

To register for this giveaway, keep reading…

Before we get to the giveaway details, did you know that Funigan's offers deals every day of the week (besides weekends) and its prices are more than reasonable? You can get play packs ranging from just $10 to $40 and there is no time limit. It’s not only great for parties, but also for church lock-ins, play groups, or just a break from the summer heat and pool routine! Funigan's also offers After School and Summer Programs and the After, a safe hangout for teens and young adults on Friday nights from 10 – Midnight.

And if you’re a Facebook user, be sure to “fan” them on Facebook. As a fan, you can quickly find out about all their daily deals.

Now for the giveaway...Funigan's is offering a Gold Party Package to one lucky TSP newsletter subscriber (be sure you are signed up to receive our newsletters before you register).

The Gold Party Package at Funigan's includes a party host/hostess who will guide you through the entire party process from start to finish so you don’t need to worry or stress. This party offers you unlimited play time on its SoftPlay and in its game area, one hour in a private party room (where you can serve cake and open gifts), as well as two cheese pizzas, three pitchers of soda, paper products for food and drink, 20 game tokens per guest, unlimited SoftPlay per guest, and either one game of mini-bowling per guest OR five minutes on the Rock Wall per guest.

All packages are for 10 guests, but additional guests can be added for $8 each. The birthday child also receives a free T-shirt and 100 redemption points to use at the prize counter. Add a cake to any package for just $20 extra. Additional cheese pizzas are only $10.99 each, and additional pitchers of soda are just $1.99 each.

To register for this giveaway, click here. We will pick a winner on Friday, June 11 and announce the winner on June 13. Good luck, Smarties! And if you don’t happen to win, be sure to take advantage of all the great daily specials Funigan's has to offer!

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Smarty Party Idea: Monkey Hooper

By Katie M

If you’re looking for something different for your child’s next birthday party, then look no further than Monkey Hooper. These parties are not only unique, but also stress-free for the parents – and they offer a great way for kids to exercise while having fun!

“We recently hosted our first Monkey Hooper birthday party for my daughter’s 9th birthday. I am so thankful that I stumbled upon the idea for a Monkey Hooper party through the Triad Smarty Pants birthday party directory. This was the easiest party that I have ever hosted at home. Monkey Hooper supplied the supplies for the hoops and the fun. Each girl created their own custom hoop which they took pride in selecting colors and making. (The kids) continued to have fun with their hoops long after the party. I couldn’t have been more pleased with Monica at Monkey Hooper – we had the best celebration for my daughter’s 9th birthday,” writes loyal TSP reader Julie D.

So let’s see what all the hoopla is about!


Monkey Hooper was started by Monica Casey, a former radio DJ, who gave hula hooping a try 13 years ago and fell in love with it. After leaving radio, she started her business making custom-made hula hoops and offering fitness classes – and the idea for hosting birthday parties came full circle. As quoted in skirt! Magazine, Monica said, “I think it's perfect for me because hula hoops are fun and silly, and that's just who I am!”

Monkey Hooper parties can held at your location of choice (large basements, church halls, rec centers, club houses, or outside), and are recommended for parties with at least five attendees (with no maximum limit), and for children over the age of four.


The typical party for children between the ages of four and eight runs between 30 and 45 minutes and includes hoop contests, musical hoops, relays and more games – all set to fun, party music. Additionally, party guests get to select hoops in their favorite colors – or you can have the hoops designed to match the colors or theme of your party.

For older children (recommended for ages 8 and up), Monica works with the party guests to create one-of-a-kind hoops in whatever color or pattern they choose. The children can then try out their new hoops to learn new tricks and skills, or Monica can lead them through team building games, relays, contests and more. These parties typically last between 60 – 90 minutes.


The colorful photo opportunities at Monkey Hooper parties can’t be beat, and the hula hoops make great party favors for children of any age!

Here’s what some of her other customers have said:

“The Monkey Hooper Birthday party was wonderful. It was fun for the children to exercise their creativity to make a colorful, durable hoop and then exercise their bodies with something they made themselves. You could see the kids had a sense of ownership about their special hoops that contributed to the fun they had playing games and being silly together.

I was really impressed that a seven-year-old could make a hoop and keep up with all the 12-year-olds. Even the grownups wanted to participate and had a blast. Everything was so smoothly run that I actually relaxed and had fun while hosting at the same time. That never happens! Thanks so much for all the fun!” - Kristin L

“I think Monica has a special talent to entertain all ages, and Monkey Hooper is such a unique experience, no one at the party will ever forget! I know I won't. Thank you Monica!” -Doug B

It’s a perfect time of year to host a colorful Monkey Hooper party (then again any time is a good time). Visit the Monkey Hooper web site for more details, prices and photos. And if you mention you saw this blog on Triad Smarty Pants, Monica will give you a $10 discount on your next party! Hoop it up, Smarties, and let us know what you think!

Don't forget to register for our fabulous Mother's Day giveaway! Simply click here to read about our fabulous businesses participating and to register! This giveaway will continue until noon on Friday, May 14th. We will then choose our four lucky winners at random and will contact them to claim their prize. Good luck!

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Smarty Party Idea: William G. White, Jr. YMCA

By Katie M

As a loyal member of the William G. White, Jr. YMCA for nearly six years, I can personally assure you that any birthday party you book at this facility will be a party your child will cherish and remember. For years, the staff at this YMCA branch (775 West End Blvd in Winston-Salem) has made me feel like family each and every time I walk in their doors. The staff is outgoing, helpful and fun, and every employee who comes in contact with my children is exceptional with care and support.

If this is something I can expect every day, then imagine what you’ll experience if you book a personal birthday party here! You may have seen this facility on our birthday party directory. Well, we are now excited to help spread the word that the William G. White YMCA has an expanded selection of party formats and themes. Plus, mention Triad Smarty Pants when you book your party, and they will also give you 10% off your first party. Keep reading to get all the scoop!

When it comes to party ideas, there are few places that can give you the variation in formats and themes as the William G. White YMCA. All parties are for two hours and can be booked on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. Available hours vary so check to see what works best for you. Parties and prices are for up to 12 children. Additional children can be added for $3/child, and the party rooms can comfortable accommodate up to 20 guests. The YMCA does not provide food or beverages but has a refrigerator and freezer available. Food can also be ordered in.

Here are quick descriptions and fees for the kinds of parties you can book:

XRZone Party!
This is the newest addition to the YMCA’s party formats, and includes two hours of cutting edge fun for children ages 8 and older. Your child and his guests can spend one hour in the XRZone competing on virtual snowboards, racing bikes and playing interactive games, and the second hour can be spent in a private party room where everyone can enjoy cake, play games or make a craft. For an additional fee, children can experience a climbing wall too! Price: YMCA Facility members $200 (+$50 climbing wall); Non-members $250 (+$50 climbing wall).

Extravaganza Party!
The birthday child and friends can spend one hour in the Adventure Room all to themselves where they can climb, slide, tumble and more. Children need to be three-years-old and potty trained to enter the Adventure Room. The rest of the party can be spent in the private party room. Price: YMCA Facility Members: $150; Non-members $200.

Big Splash Party!
Reserve one hour in our pool and enjoy the rest of the party in a private party room. For this party, children are given a swim test by the lifeguard before they enter the pool. At least one adult must accompany every three children for parties with children under age five. Children ages 6-8 must be accompanied by at least two adults in the water for every 12 children. Children aged 9 and up must be accompanied by at least two adults on deck next to the pool. All children needing diapers must wear plastic-lined swim diapers or disposable swim diapers, and all guests must bring their own towels. Price: YMCA Facility Members: $150; Non-members $200.

Basketball Party!
Your child and his guests can enjoy one hour on the court all to themselves, and then one hour in a private party room. A dedicated – and enthusiastic - party host will be on-hand to lead the party through fun games and drills on the court. Price: YMCA Facility Members: $150; Non-members $200.

Bounce House Party!
One hour in the bounce house reserved just for party-goers + one hour in a private party room = fun, fun, fun! This party also comes with a dedicated party host to ensure kids are bouncing safely while leading the group through fun games. Price: YMCA Facility Members: $150; Non-members $200.

In addition to these great party formats, you can also choose special themes and colors to go along with your child’s party. These themes include: Classic Birthday (a colorful celebration of red, blue, yellow and green), Princess for a Day (a most glamorous party in pink, purple and white), Under the Sea (make a big splash with blue, green and aqua), Sports Package (have a ball in orange, black and white), and The Big Top (have a circus with fun colors like red, white and blue).

And if you have a different theme in mind, the YMCA may be able to accommodate your request. Just ask!

So, “Y not” have our party at the William G. White, Jr. YMCA? Like I said above, you have my personal smarty stamp of approval for this party pick! Call now to reserve your party (721-2100) and hurry because reservations fill quickly!

Have you booked a party here? Are you thinking about it? Let us know!

Smarties, don't forget to register for our Bonus Giveaway with "Send Out Cards". Everyone wins, so why not sign up? You could save more than $50 in greeting cards. This free offer ends Friday, April 30. Click here for all the details.

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Smarty Party Idea: Alice's Place

By Guest Blogger, Karen Petty

This past Christmas, my daughter came to me with the most wonderful idea; she wanted to have a tea party with her little girlfriends. After much thought (and some Googling!) we found out about Miss Alice, the Tea Party Lady.

All it took was one phone call and I was hooked. Alice Cunningham is the most delightful woman with a great passion for teaching and instilling into our daughters the notion that good manners are timeless. She does so by transforming her home into a wonderland for little girls.

Upon arriving to her home the day of the party, the girls were treated to a fantastical land of dress up, complete with feather boas, fancy hats, high heels and everything pink and sparkle you could imagine! Miss Alice then begins her manners lesson: teaching the girls how to sit properly, speak politely, and respect others. From there, the girls have their nails painted and then find themselves seated and ready for the most wonderful "tea!"

Miss Alice uses only fine china (which she reassures us moms have never once been broken by a young child!), and serves the girls lemonade, finger sandwiches and cake. Throughout the tea party, Miss Alice gently reminds us all that good manners are timeless and will never, in her words, go out of style.


We so loved our experience with Miss Alice that we have already booked another tea party for this spring. My daughter and her friends have positively raved about their fun time at Miss Alice's and have been asking to go back since the moment the first party was over! And I have to agree, Miss Alice's place is positively delightful and I too, am ready to return!

We are thrilled to have Alice's Place as a sponsor on our Smarty Birthday Party Directory. Alice's Place is available for birthday parties or tea parties for any occasion. Miss Alice has been known throughout the Triad for providing truly fun and memorable parties for 14 years. She is located at 3120 Robinhood Road, Winston Salem, NC. You can read more about Alice's Place on her blog here. Her blog also includes pricing, menus, as well as gorgeous photos! Please call Alice at 724-9667 for more information. Visit by appointment only, please.

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