This post may contain affiliate links. When you click on a link, you are supporting DIY Party Mom, my family, and our blog fun. Thank you for your love and support!

Have Fun Storming The Castle with Free Journaling Cards

Give your kids a trip into the past this holiday season with a trip to the Medieval Times dinner and tournament.  Your family will love stepping into Medieval Times with its delicious food, daring sword fights, and saving the princess.  Check out our review of the Myrtle Beach Castle and discount ticket codes.
Give your kids a trip into the past this holiday season with a trip to the Medieval Times dinner and tournament.  Your family will love stepping into Medieval Times with its delicious food, daring sword fights, and saving the princess.  Check out our review of the Myrtle Beach Castle and discount ticket codes.

I was given free tickets for our family to visit Medieval Times through US Family Guide, but all opinions and experiences are my own.

Hoozah!

This Christmas my goal was to give my kids more memories and less junk.  After 13 moves in 10 years, 2 floods, and a fire scare....we definitely don't need more junk.  Instead, I wanted to give my kids fun memories to enjoy and look back on in years to come.

We've always wanted to go to Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament but have never lived close enough to actually go, so this Christmas, we were able to visit the castle and check that off our bucket list.


My boys and I loved every moment of our trip to Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament.

We wanted to enjoy the full experience in all ways, so we arrived at the castle in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina an hour and a half before the tournament began just as the doors opened.  I'm so glad we did because we got a quick preview of the show as the King and the Princess arrived with their entourage.  It really got us in the spirit and ready for some medieval fun.


As we came in the doors, we were assigned a knight to root for during the tournament by the color crown we were given.  Then we took a group picture with the King or the Princess by the Royal Photographer.  These were offered for sale later during the tournament if you want a fun memory to take home with you.

While we waited for the seating to begin, we got to wander around the outer courtyard that has all kinds of fun things to look at.  My boys were enthralled by the real swords and knives that were on display to buy.  If you had a little princess or prince, you could buy crowns and light up swords, but my boys were drooling over the Conan the Barbarian replica sword.


Once the doors were opened, we were seated in the Green Knight's section.  The seating consists of long tables around a large arena where all the action takes place.  Each of the place settings has a plate, soup bowl, and drink mug with the menu printed on the napkin so you knew what to expect for dinner and in what order.  Notice that I didn't say there were any silverware since you'll be eating like they did in the medieval times--with your fingers.  My boys LOVED that.

The Medieval Times people took a page out of my favorite party playbook and renamed all their foods with fun names like Dragon Blood soup as the serving wenches came around feeding you.  It made things just a little more fun.


As the food was being served, the show began and we were introduced to all the knights and the story line of the castle.  I loved that it wasn't just a bunch of fighting and showing off (although there was a lot of that much to my boys delight), but there was a little bit of a story weaved into the night's events.


We were able to see wonderful displays of horsemanship, falconry, and medieval knight skills.  The horses train for years to be able to do the amazing tricks and feats that they showed with such ease.  It was pretty cool to watch. 

The knights did all types of fun shows of strength and skill as they participated in the tournament.  After each contest, the Princess gave each knight several carnations to hand out to his supporters as we cheered him on.  It was fun for the audience to feel like they were involved and rewarded for our loud cheering.


As the meal ended, we got to the "best part" according to my boys.  Since the knights were using real swords with lots of sparks and attacking, a mesh safety net was lowered between us and the fighting and the Knights battled each other and the "bad guy". 

While you could tell the fighting was pretty staged, there was enough sword clanging, sparks, rolling, and fighting to thrill my twelve and sixteen year old.  I think they were in heaven and were trying to figure out how they could join the ranks of the kings Knights.


Unfortunately, the Green Knight didn't win the tournament, but we were still able to enjoy the show and save the Princess from the evil bad guy.

Once the show was over, we were able to go back into the outer courtyard and meet all the characters from the show.  My boys were able to talk lots of "sword talk" with the knights and get all their autographs.  It was funny to see them get all shy around the Princess who kept encouraging them to come over and talk to her, but they were much more interested in the knights.

Give your kids a trip into the past this holiday season with a trip to the Medieval Times dinner and tournament.  Your family will love stepping into Medieval Times with its delicious food, daring sword fights, and saving the princess.  Check out our review of the Myrtle Beach Castle and discount ticket codes.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Myrtle Beach Medieval Times Castle and can't wait to go again.  If you are looking for a fun experience for your little Princess or even your big Prince, I would definitely recommend a trip to your local castle.

If you want to join me, my Readers save at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament.  CLICK HERE and use this exclusive promo code MT3629 through 2/17/17 and receive Adults for just $36.95 and children (12 and under) only $29.95.

If you end up getting to go, don't forget to save these fun journaling cards that are perfect for scrapbooking your time at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament.  Just click on the journal card and then right click to save it to your computer.


Clip art courtesy of Clipartopia.

Top 10 Party Posts of 2016

We shared lots of fun DIY party projects and printables in 2016 at KandyKreations.net.  Check out your top 10 favorite posts and see what was trending.  Was your favorite on the list?
We shared lots of fun DIY party projects and printables in 2016 at KandyKreations.net.  Check out your top 10 favorite posts and see what was trending.  Was your favorite on the list?
2016 is almost over and I'm looking back over the year to see what were your most favorite projects.  It's always interesting to see which is more interesting to you -- top 10 lists with lots of information, free plastic canvas patterns, or printables for all your holiday and party needs.

This year it looks like there was a combination of all of the projects that I like to create, but Minecraft was definitely the top party theme.

Take a look back through 2016 with me and see if you missed any of these top 10 party posts.  Was your favorite on the list?  If not, tell me what it was in the comments!  I use this list to decide what type of projects you like most so I know what to create in 2017.

Angry Bird Pennant Banner Printable  Celebrate the Angry Birds this summer with this free printable pennant banner.  These five birds and one pig will have your home squaking with loads of fun at your next Angry birds party.
Celebrate the Angry Birds this summer with this free printable pennant banner.  These five birds and one pig will have your home squaking with loads of fun at your next Angry birds party.

Turkey Kisses and Hugs Bag Topper Printable  Give your family and friends a sweet smile with this candy bag topper filled with Turkey hugs and kisses.  With a cute little poem the turkey gets away and leaves a fun treat to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving with a bag of chocolate kisses and hugs.
Give your family and friends a sweet smile with this candy bag topper filled with Turkey hugs and kisses.  With a cute little poem the turkey gets away and leaves a fun treat to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving with a bag of chocolate kisses and hugs.

DIY Minecraft Lever Switch  Make your own DIY Minecraft lever switch to cover your light switch at home.  Add this easy switch to make a perfect Minecraft bedroom for your favorite builder using plastic canvas and this free pattern.
Make your own DIY Minecraft lever switch to cover your light switch at home.  Add this easy switch to make a perfect Minecraft bedroom for your favorite builder using plastic canvas and this free pattern.

Minecraft Faces Mini Candy Bar Wrappers  Have fun with these candy bar wrapper printables perfect for your next Minecraft birthday party.  There's nothing like a little chocolate to help you play and have fun.
Have fun with these candy bar wrapper printables perfect for your next Minecraft birthday party.  There's nothing like a little chocolate to help you play and have fun.

Create fun coaster sets of your favorite Disney characters with these free plastic canvas patterns.  You can make Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy a part of your home, Disney party, or as gifts for the Disney fan in your life.
Create fun coaster sets of your favorite Disney characters with these free plastic canvas patterns.  You can make Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy a part of your home, Disney party, or as gifts for the Disney fan in your life.


Wish your soccer team good luck with these Tootsie Roll themed Team Treats.  They will "Roll over the competition" when they receive these bag topper free printables with lots of yummy candies inside.
Wish your soccer team good luck with these Tootsie Roll themed Team Treats.  They will "Roll over the competition" when they receive these bag topper free printables with lots of yummy candies inside.

Make your Relief Society Birthday party a little sweeter with these candy bar wrappers.  These four wrappers will fit around a regular Hershey candy bar wrapper and add a little fun to your Relief Society activity.
Make your Relief Society Birthday party a little sweeter with these candy bar wrappers.  These four wrappers will fit around a regular Hershey candy bar wrapper and add a little fun to your Relief Society activity.

Are you part of the Inn Crowd this Christmas? If so, print and share this fun free printable that would make a beautiful Christmas gift or decoration for your Christmas mantel.
Are you part of the Inn Crowd this Christmas? If so, print and share this fun free printable that would make a beautiful Christmas gift or decoration for your Christmas mantel.

10 Free Minecraft Printables
Celebrate at your next Minecraft birthday party with these 10 free Minecraft printables.  Find printables that are perfect for adding to a party, a lunch date, or just to make an every day a little more fun.

http://www.kandykreations.net/2016/01/snowman-faces-kiss-label-free-printable.html
Dress up sweet Hershey Kiss bottoms with these cute Snowman Faces. This kiss label free printable will help you add a little extra fun to a Snow day, a Sledding party, or just a cold January afternoon.

We shared lots of fun DIY party projects and printables in 2016 at KandyKreations.net.  Check out your top 10 favorite posts and see what was trending.  Was your favorite on the list?

2017 New Year Free iPhone Wallpaper

Decorate your iPhone for 2017 with these fun wall paper freebies. Such a fun way to get ready for the New Year and celebrate new beginnings.
Decorate your iPhone for 2017 with these fun wall paper freebies. Such a fun way to get ready for the New Year and celebrate new beginnings.

Merry Christmas Printable Candy Bar Wrapper

Wish everyone on your Christmas gift list a Merry Christmas with this printable Candy Bar Wrapper. The beautiful, sweet chocolate gift is the perfect Christmas card and Christmas candy in one.
Wish everyone on your Christmas gift list a Merry Christmas with this printable Candy Bar Wrapper. The beautiful, sweet chocolate gift is the perfect Christmas card and Christmas candy in one.


Christmas is less than a week away!  Yea!!

Are you ready?  If you are still out there looking for a few last minute gifts or stocking stuffers, then I've got a treat for you today.

I created a version of this candy bar wrapper for all my cousins and their kids for Christmas this year.  I think it turned out beautiful with the colors and the swirl designs that I just knew I needed to share it with my friends here.

Wish everyone on your Christmas gift list a Merry Christmas with this printable Candy Bar Wrapper. The beautiful, sweet chocolate gift is the perfect Christmas card and Christmas candy in one.

This printable candy bar wrapper fits around a regular 1.5 ounce Hershey candy bar, so you can make it today and give it to anyone on your Christmas gift list.  It's such a quick and easy idea that your co-workers, your friends, your neighbors, or your kids will love it.

To make my candy bars into beautiful gifts, I like to use these supplies:
Get the candy bar wrapper by clicking on the picture below and then right click to save it to your computer.

Wish everyone on your Christmas gift list a Merry Christmas with this printable Candy Bar Wrapper. The beautiful, sweet chocolate gift is the perfect Christmas card and Christmas candy in one.

How is your Christmas gift giving going?

Wish everyone on your Christmas gift list a Merry Christmas with this printable Candy Bar Wrapper. The beautiful, sweet chocolate gift is the perfect Christmas card and Christmas candy in one.

Graphics courtesy of Delightful Doodles.  Candy bar wrapper for personal use only by KandyKreations

3 Christmas Gift Box Ideas and Dare to Share Saturday



It's one more week before Christmas!

Are you in the midst of all the fun?  After all, school's out now and we are just partying for the rest of the year!  I think we are all super excited to be done with school and are now going to enjoy spending time with family.

We are actually heading to Texas as we speak so I can spend time with parents and older kids.  I don't know how many more years we are going to be able to do this, so we are taking every moment and enjoying the most with it.

I've learned how to make Christmas a little easier through the years when I'm traveling, but I do still need to figure out a few gifts.  It's so hard when your kids are away and you don't know what they have and what they don't yet.  So I'm still looking for a few more Christmas gift ideas.

Fortunately, you guys shared a bunch at last week's Dare to Share.  If you missed them checked out these 3 Christmas gift box ideas.

Make a Beauty Sample Gift Box by Citizen's of Beauty

Gingerbread Decorating Gift Box by Just Measuring Up

Teen Wellness Gift Idea by Mrs Chee-Chee

If you have any great ideas for a 19 year old and 20 year old semi-independent kid---please let me know!  It's driving me crazy.


My friend and co-host Pam from Pam's Party and Practical Tips started her Christmas partying too.  She had a fun Elf Themed Christmas Cookie party that you definitely need to go check out asap.

I can't wait to see what you've been up to this week!



Travel Playlist

If you are going away this holiday, make the trip so much easier and fun with a travel playlist to keep you jamming over the miles.  Here's 15 moving songs to make your travel so much nicer.
If you are going away this holiday, make the trip so much easier and fun with a travel playlist to keep you jamming over the miles.  Here's 15 moving songs to make your travel so much nicer.

As we are getting ready for our Christmas travel, my boys and I were joking that we were going to come up with a complete travel playlist to last the whole 18 hours.  We thought it would be awesome to come up with all kinds of traveling, road, and moving songs.

After so much joking, we decided we had to do it.  So here is our travel playlist for our trip. 

We'd love any suggestions and help to encourage and complete our playlist.  So leave us a comment if you have a great song idea for us!

In the meantime, check out these fun (and kid friendly) travel songs.










10. Moving Right Along






What songs would you add?

Teacher Christmas Gift Printable Candy Bar Wrapper

Give your favorite teacher a great Christmas gift with this printable candy bar wrapper.  He or she will love 7 ounces of yummy Hershey chocolate, 2 weeks of Christmas vacation, and this great teacher gift.
Give your favorite teacher a great Christmas gift with this printable candy bar wrapper.  He or she will love 7 ounces of yummy Hershey chocolate, 2 weeks of Christmas vacation, and this great teacher gift.

It's Monday!  Yea!!! 

That means only 5 more days of school and then Christmas break starts.  I am looking forward to the vacation almost as much as the kids are.

I can only imagine that the teachers feel the same way.

We are celebrating Christmas with a quick and easy Teacher Christmas gift idea.  This candy bar wrapper fits around a XL 7 ounce Hershey candy bar wrapper so your favorite teacher will enjoy a lot of chocolate and good Christmas wishes with this Teacher gift.

Give your favorite teacher a great Christmas gift with this printable candy bar wrapper.  He or she will love 7 ounces of yummy Hershey chocolate, 2 weeks of Christmas vacation, and this great teacher gift.

This wrapper is super simple to make.  Simply click on it to pull it up into a separate window and right click to save it.  Then use your computer's print program to print the wrapper at full 8 1/2 by 11 inch page onto beautiful glossy photo paper.

Watch our candy bar wrapper video to see the easiest way to wrap the candy bar, and use a little bit of glue to secure it around your 7 ounce Hershey candy bar wrapper for a beautiful and yummy teacher gift idea for Christmas.

Give your favorite teacher a great Christmas gift with this printable candy bar wrapper.  He or she will love 7 ounces of yummy Hershey chocolate, 2 weeks of Christmas vacation, and this great teacher gift.

What teacher wouldn't love a extra large bar of Hershey chocolate and 2 weeks of Christmas vacation this year?  You'll be able to proudly say you gave them both with this yummy Chocolate teacher gift candy bar wrapper.

Save it here:

Give your favorite teacher a great Christmas gift with this printable candy bar wrapper.  He or she will love 7 ounces of yummy Hershey chocolate, 2 weeks of Christmas vacation, and this great teacher gift.

Graphics in this candy bar wrapper are from Cutsie Wootsie Designs.  Candy bar wrapper is by KandyKreations and is for personal use only.

Check out more of my Christmas projects and my free Candy Bar Wrappers, the Candy Bar Wrapper Membership Club, and our Printables store Candy Bar Wrappers.

3 Christmas Cookie Recipes and Dare to Share

It has been an absolutely crazy day here.  I feel like I've been running non stop since I got up at 5 am.  Don't you hate days like that?

But I guess that's both the good and the bad of the holiday season.  After today, I'm already looking forward to January and the post holiday slow down.  Is that bad?

But there's still so much holiday fun to be had.  I'm almost done with my shopping, which is good because we leave next week for our annual trip home for Christmas.  If you missed it, I shared how I manage to be able to bring Santa with me when we go away for the holidays here.  



Reindeer Rice Krispie Class Treats

You will seem like a supermom when you make these Reindeer Rice Krispie treats for your kids' class Christmas party.  Only you will know how easy they were to make.
You will seem like a supermom when you make these Reindeer Rice Krispie treats for your kids' class Christmas party.  Only you will know how easy they were to make.

When you do what I do for fun, there's no showing up to a party with a plain old box of brownies.  Or when your son's school party arrives, it's not expected that you'll send a bunch of store bought cupcakes.

I won't get into the rights and wrongs of what that does to us as women--but I have to admit, I do enjoy coming up with fun treats to send to school for class parties.

You will seem like a supermom when you make these Reindeer Rice Krispie treats for your kids' class Christmas party.  Only you will know how easy they were to make.

These reindeer rice krispie treats are the perfect response to the class Christmas party treat need.

And they were super easy to make.  The hardest part was gathering all the supplies (especially since it meant a trip to Walmart at Christmas time!)

Reindeer Rice Krispie Class Treat Ingredeints

To make these, you'll need:
  • Rice Krispie Treats (I used the mini size that I got from Sams in a HUGE bag)
  • Chocolate Candy Melts
  • White Candy Melts
  • Small Pretzels
  • Mega M&M candies
  • Mini M&M candies
  • Popscicle Sticks
  • Small Squeeze Bottle
  • Wax paper
How to dip rice Krispie treats in chocolate

    Start out by melting your chocolate candy melts in a microwavable bowl.  Melt the chocolate at One and a half minute increments at 50% power in your microwave.  Be sure to stir in between minutes to make sure the chocolate doesn't burn.

    Unwrap your rice krispie treat squares and place a poscicle stick inside one of the ends.  This will help the kids be able to eat the treats easier and help you to dip the treats into the chocolate.  Go ahead and dip the treats being sure to cover all sides evenly.  Tap the side of the stick on your bowl to remove any excess chcooalte and then place the chocolate covered treat on a piece of wax paper to harden.

    Use candy for Reindeer noses and antlers

    While you are waiting for your chocolate to harden, add one Mega MandM candy at the bottom center of your chocolate treat.  This is your reindeer's nose.

    Once the chocolate has set for about 10 minutes, dip the bottom back edge of one of your small pretzels into chocolate.  Press the bottom into the top corner of your rice krispie treats for antlers.  You may need to hold it for just a few seconds so the chocolate will harden and the pretzel will stick.  Repeat on the other side so your reindeer has two antlers at the top.

    M&M Candies for Reindeer eyes

    Will your reindeer is hardening up, melt your white chocolate in a small squeeze bottle.  Be sure to be extra careful with white chocolate as it has a tendancy to burn easier than milk chocolate does. 

    Once your chocolate is melted, add two dots in between the reindeer's nose and antlers on your rice krispie treat square.  Place a mini MandM in the center of the white dot to look like reindeer eyes.

    You will seem like a supermom when you make these Reindeer Rice Krispie treats for your kids' class Christmas party.  Only you will know how easy they were to make.

    Allow your reindeer to complety harden and then send them off to school for class treats.  The kids will love them and only you will know how easy they were to make and make you look awesome! 

    5 Tips to Help You Manage Christmas at Grandma's

    Does traveling out of town at Christmas seem overwhelming? Worried about how to bring Santa with you and still enjoy your trip? Here's 5 tips to help you manage Christmas at Grandmas this year.
    Does traveling out of town at Christmas seem overwhelming? Worried about how to bring Santa with you and still enjoy your trip? Here's 5 tips to help you manage Christmas at Grandmas this year.
    One of my favorite things about the holidays is the chance to go home. 

    We have been so blessed as to be able to go visit my parents and family each year at Christmas.  I know this is a super big blessing and I don't take it for granted.  But it is a lot of extra work.

    If you are looking at your first Christmas away from home with kids, you may be stressed trying to figure out how to bring Santa along for the ride.

    After years of traveling Christmases, I've learned a few tips and tricks to help you if you are going out of town this year for Christmas.  Don't worry, it's not as hard as it may first seem, you just need these 5 simple tips to make it an awesome Christmas away from home.

    1. Get planning as early as you can

    The biggest problem with going out of town for Christmas is that you end up shaving time off your "get ready" clock.  Depending upon how long you'll be gone, you may lose a day or a week in your preparation time.  I'm a terrible procrastinator so I usually am shopping and wrapping presents on Christmas eve.  But when going out of town, you can't do that.

    You need to get yourself organized as soon as possible.  Use a planning guide like this gift planner to brainstorm gifts all year round for everyone on your list.  Or make a private Pinterest Board for gift ideas for each of your kids.  Then when your kids tell you they saw something or played a game at a friend's house in June, write it down on your list so you remember in December.  This way you aren't struggling to come up with gift ideas at the last minute.

    Once you know what you are getting everyone on your list, you can watch for sales and buy it as soon as possible.  If you are ahead of the game and doing it months in advance...wow.  You are amazing.  But just do the best you can.  Even if you are finishing up your shopping the day before you leave like me.

    Does traveling out of town at Christmas seem overwhelming? Worried about how to bring Santa with you and still enjoy your trip? Here's 5 tips to help you manage Christmas at Grandmas this year.

    2.  Wrap and label everything ahead of time

    Don't think you're going to have time when you get to the other end of your trip to do some wrapping "on the side." 

    Every year I think I'll be able to take an hour and just wrap things before Christmas and it never happens.  I never have free time or I find I don't want to lock myself away in a room where I'm all alone. 

    Don't do it.  Just suck it up and wrap it all before you go.  And be sure to label it.  You don't want to get to Christmas morning and not be able to remember who's presents are who's.  Just make it easy for yourself and grab some to and from tags.

    3.  Contain it all in a Sturdy box.

    One you have your presents all wrapped, buy a big, sturdy storage container (with a lid!) and put it all in there.  You don't want to find out Christmas morning that you forgot a present at home.  Or get to Grandma's house and find the presents are broken because someone' stepped on the box or kicked it on the ride there.

    I also recommend putting each person's stocking stuffers in their own separate bags.  Put all the candy, fruit, books, little treats into a separate plastic bag for each person.  Include the stocking in there too and tie it up tight.  Otherwise you're going to end up with lots of little candies at the bottom of your container that you need to replace into stockings but will never work out evenly and Josh is going to wonder why Santa loves Henry more and gave him more Reeses peanut butter cups.

    It can be a problem.  (Not that I would know from personal experience.  I just eat anything that falls out and then tell the kids Santa loves me more.)


    Does traveling out of town at Christmas seem overwhelming? Worried about how to bring Santa with you and still enjoy your trip? Here's 5 tips to help you manage Christmas at Grandmas this year.

    4.  Find a corner in the car or Grandma's house to stash it

    Be sure not to tell your kids what's in the box (or your hubby if he's as bad as the kids when it comes to presents) and store it somewhere safe on your trip and then when you get to your Christmas destination.  Otherwise you're going to end up with people trying to peek and not understanding why Santa's gifts are in the box and not on the sleigh.

    I like to use my box as a luggage stool when I get to our Christmas house.  That way my clothes are on top of it and no one thinks to look inside it.  It becomes part of the furniture and therefore over looked.

    5. Let it go and Enjoy your Christmas

    In the end, whatever happens, just go with it.

    If you find you forgot a present, just tell the kids Santa delivered it to the wrong address.  Or that the elves got confused.  It'll all be okay.

    Just enjoy your trip and Christmas with your family and friends.  That's what matters in the end anyway.  That's the whole point of all the extra stress to go out of town for the holidays.  Don't forget that and remember to enjoy it all.

    I hope you do have a wonderful holiday and it's filled with safe travels and happy memories!

    Does traveling out of town at Christmas seem overwhelming? Worried about how to bring Santa with you and still enjoy your trip? Here's 5 tips to help you manage Christmas at Grandmas this year.