How the DSW Kids’ Shoe Party Made Partying with Parents Seem Cool

dsw shoes, soles4souls

DSW kids invited us to enjoy a NY night out and celebrate their highly anticipated kids’ shoe department along with their nationwide back-to- school donation drive with Soles4Souls.  Over 200 doors in more than 40 states will be collecting new and gently worn shoes for the charitable organization which distributes shoes to the needy.  And we couldn’t be happier to help!  After all, we certainly had outgrown shoes to donate.  And I love taking any opportunity to teach Juliet (even at age 3) to appreciate and be thankful.  We have helped her sponsor other kids her age through World Vision and have used the opportunity to discuss how different their lifestyle is and the need to give back to those less fortunate.  So it was to no surprise that I found her happily able to give away her shoes at the event.  She understood the importance.

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And it was truly a treat to not only give back but also to do so in such a beautiful setting!  620 Loft and Garden at Rockefeller Plaza overlooked the stunning St. Patrick’s cathedral allowing for some incredible views!

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DSW really seemed to know how to throw a kid-friendly party, one that parents and kids would both enjoy.  Open bar, networking and tarot card reading for the parents and cute kid DJ,  popcorn, snow cones, hot dogs and this interactive piano for the adults er I mean the kids too!DSC_9504 dsw event

Oh and did I mention they had a flip flop bar??  That’s what’s hiding in the DSW goody bag pictured above!  Speaking of shoes, Juliet’s suede gladiators that everyone was going gaga over at the event were an online find and a steal at just $23.  The dress is vintage.  I love unique deals (as every DSW customer does)!dsw kids party

As the night drew on and we met old and new friends, we suddenly realized that we had closed the party down!  The sun was setting, people were scrambling for their last snow cone and farewells were being had.

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You know it’s a good party when you’re not yet ready to leave!  Thank YOU DSW for providing a fun time for both us parents and kids.  See, perhaps partying with your parents ain’t so bad after all.

Juliet, Stella Leo

Budget-Friendly Mickey Minnie Birthday Party

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Before even having visited Disney World, (which Juliet had done 2 Decembers ago), she loved Mickey and his entire gang.  We have watched the show, played with the dolls, figurines, and Disney toys and have watched her growing up saying, “Oh toodles!” So when it came to celebrating her 3rd birthday at home with family, I decided to bring out all her Clubhouse characters and throw a Mickey Minnie birthday party.

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The oversized “3” was just some cut up cardboard that I covered in 75cent gift wrap paper from Michael’s. I simply glued the paper onto the 3.  And used the remaining paper as: backdrop, dining table runner and dessert table decor.  Mickey and Minnie love black and white stripes and polka dots and so do I!

how to plan a kids birthday on a budget

What’s a Mickey Minnie Birthday without some black and white stripes and polka dots, right?

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The dining room table was set with super affordable paper plates, cups and straws from Target proving you don’t have to spend a lot to add a sophisticated level of decor to a kid’s party.  Just forgo the character plates and linens and opt for modern patterns.  And you’ll still achieve a coordinated but elevated look.  And much of this stuff was re-purposed party goods from past parties (i.e. the striped banner from my black and white party and halloween party, the mini party hats from our at-home new year’s bash).

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Each place setting was unique in its own way, yet coordinated still.

how to throw a disney kids party  mickey mouse party

And instead of traditional cone-shaped kids’ birthday hats, I opted for mickey ears and glitter top hats.  Even grandma got into it!

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kids disney birthday party

The Mickey Minnie birthday dinner menu consisted of breaded pork chops, roasted potatoes, panko crusted cauliflower, mixed vegetables, rice and these skewered fruit.  I considered making a Mickey themed menu and had a whole Pinterest board devoted to such ideas but in the end scrapped the idea in favor of foods that I knew the family would favor (over a hot-diggity dog bar for instance).

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At the last minute I was also able to have delivered these delectable Mickey mouse and Minnie mouse shaped cake pops from The Current Mood.  How cute are they??  I just stuck them into styrofoam rectangles. Easy peasy!

mickey and minnie desserts, disney desserts

My daughter loves cake and she loves lollipops.  These were the perfect mix!

minnie mouse cake pop(Notice her Minnie Mouse tights)?  I’m all about dressing in theme.

how to throw a minnie mouse kids birthday party

For fun, I posted Mickey’s face on a bare wall and asked the kids to pin Mickey’s smile after being twirled around with a blindfold on. Juliet since she was just 3 was given the distinct advantage of not being blindfolded.  Birthday girls get all the perks after all!

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Even daddy got in on the action.

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Juliet loved opening all her presents and especially loved her new ride-on, an electronic white/black motorcycle – notice how its colors match the party decor?  Nice job, daddy!

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Other entertainment included Mickey / Minnie Mouse toys like the ones below.  “If fun and fashion are what you seek,” these toys would totally satisfy!

mickey and minnie mouse toys

What a joy it was planning this party!  Thanks for taking a peek inside our Mickey Minnie birthday party!  Please leave a comment with what you liked most!  And special thanks to BSM Media & Disney for sending us the sponsored #disneyside party supplies seen here (Mickey pin the smile game, Mickey clubhouse character straw attachments for instance).

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Stay tuned for birthday party #2 with all her school friends!

 

© 2024 Stylishly Stella