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HeysHorty

Cupcakes7 Little Cupcakes, www.7littlecupcakes.com

B i r thday boy : Gabriel Omlor, 4

The hosts w ith the most : Holly & Kyle Omlor, Toledo

Old-fashioned drive-in

Insp i rat ionMom and local photographer Holly Omlor recreated the drive-in experience at home with a large projector screen in the backyard. “Cars” were made from U-Haul boxes that were hand-delivered to each party guest along with their invi-tation. Each box included hand-written ‘’assembly” and customization instruc-tions taken from Pinterest. “It was actu-ally kind of interesting, because we had some kids show up with working tail lights and radios,” Omlor says. “It was like Pimp My Ride in our backyard!”

Photo BoothA DIY photo booth was set up with a sheet for a background.

PhotographyOmlor’s husband, Kyle, managed the party while she captured the scene with her camera. She provides birthday photos services to others with her Snap My Party service. hollyomlor.com

DecorChristmas lights came out from storage and were strung around the backyard, and a sign was painted with the word's "Gabe's Drive-In." Toledo’s Brooke Morris Martin’s from-home business, She's Crafty, created vintage-looking banners, cupcake toppers and photo booth props (like paper "3D" glasses attached to bamboo sticks). "I wanted to get that '50s/'60s vibe," Martin says. www.facebook.com/ ShesCraftyInToledo

FoodClassic drive-in fare, like hot dogs, popcorn and candy, was served in the tree house, which doubled as a concession stand.

Act iv i t iesAfter the ooh-ing and ah-ing over their car creations, the kids watched classic cartoon shorts.

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birthdayWith a little thriftiness (and help from the all-mighty Pinterest), these Toledo-area parents created magical birthday experiences for their children. Luckily, they're willing to share — so ditch the franchise pizza parlor plans and read on for fabulous party inspiration!By Alia Orra

PhotographyVicente's sister, Julie Schmucker Trust of Julie Marie Portraits, snapped photos of the special day. juliemarieportraits.com.

Tab les & Cha i rsAmerican Rental-All, www.toledorents.com

Cook iesSugar Bean by Stephanie Bean, www.facebook.com/sugarbeanbakes?fref=ts

CakeDakota's Custom Confections, www.dakotasconfections.com

FoodVicente served a playful, breakfast-inspired menu of pancakes and sausage links, Fruit Loops marshmallow treats on popsicle sticks and a clever take on "bacon and eggs" (white chocolate melted on two pretzel sticks and adorned with a yellow m&m).

Insp i rat ionMom Jennifer Schmucker Vi-cente's birthday themes come together quickly thanks to two all-important resources: Pinterest and Etsy. She gathers recipe and theme in-spiration from Pinterest, then hunts for crafters who sell unique decorations to match those ideas on Etsy. "With all the great online resources, you literally can put a party together in a week," she says. "It looks like an expensive party, but it's not; it's thrifty and crafty."

DecorBirthday hats, polka dot cupcake liners, fun straws and chevron gift bags were sourced from Etsy; glass jars and bowls from past parties (bought at places like TJ Maxx) were filled with gum balls and cereal and used as centerpieces.

Act iv i t iesA Fruit Loops necklace-making station provided amusement (and fun snack-ing opportunities), and the basement was the setting for a dance party. But Vicente prefers an otherwise agenda-free day. “I find that a lot of people think you have to have certain activities, but I always find the kids have so much fun [even without it].”

FavorsA clever pairing of pajama pants bought from an Etsy vendor and the book "If You Give a Pig a Pancake."

it’s

your

Pancakes and PajamasBirthday g i r l : Julia Vicente, 4

The hosts w ith the most : Jennifer Schmucker Vicente & Brian Vicente, Ottawa Hills

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FavorCake pops doubled as party favors, and were given away along with wands and sunglasses purchased at the Dollar Store. "I'm into edible favors and favors that people can really use. I don't usually do goody bags."

DecorSome items, like stream-ers, were purchased from Amazon.com, Target or Party City; others, like the photo banner and bib, were sourced locally from Maumee crafter Pink Stripe (Facebook page: Pink Stripe). "I am the bargain girl. I like everything to look expensive and have it not be."

Whoooo's turning 1?Birthday g i r l : Francesca Lizcano, 1

Hosts w ith the most : Mara Dionyssiou-Lizcano and Randy Lizcano, Sylvania

InspirationMom Mara Dionyssiou-Lizcano, who runs her own business selling hand-crafted decor called Veronica's Closet Creations, wanted to create a homemade, less-cliche version of a themed party. So she chose chocolate brown, blue and pink as the base colors for stream-ers, cakes and balloons and avoided pre-fab decorations. "I didn't want to do a predictable owl party," she says.

FoodFamily members were re-cruited to help put together a low-key menu of owl-shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grape skewers, coleslaw and chips.

PhotographyHolly Omlor, hollyomlor.com. "That's the first time I ever had somebody photograph a birthday, but I'm so glad I did it," says Dionyssiou-Lizcano.

Cake"The cake is always the focal for me," says Dionyssiou-Lizcano. With that in mind, she hired a professional baker to make a stand-out fondant creation. An Occasional Cookie (also known as Wildflour Bakery), Facebook page: An Occasional Cookie.

SweetsOwl-shaped cake pops and white chocolate-dipped Oreos were prepared by lo-cal baking business Krystal's Cake Stand, www.facebook.com/krystalscakestand

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WinterONEderlandBirthday g i r l : Aubrie Matanick, 1

The hosts w ith the most : Laurie & Josh Matanick, Bowling Green

Insp i rat ionElite Events planner and mom Laurie Matanick created an ultra-feminine bash to celebrate her first daughter. "I wanted something over-the-top girly," she says. She drew from her own work experience creating parties and a personal penchant for crafting to devise a color scheme using her favorite print, chevron, and a pretty-in-pink menu.

CakeMatanick family friend Sue Reedling created the cake.

PhotographyLocal photographer Bethany Leisure snapped shots of the birthday girl and decor before the party. wellspringphoto.com.

FoodThe key to this table of sweets? Sprinkles. Pink marshmallows, strawberries and other treats were dipped in sparkly accents; more complicated desserts, like macarons, sugar cookies and cupcakes, were outsourced to Swanton’s Sugar Shack Specialty Sweets (www.sug-arshackspecialtysweets.com). Matanick served white or pink sweets and snacks, from brie cheese and salmon dip to old-fashioned pink popcorn.

FavorSweets did double duty as party favors — guests were given chev-ron baggies to fill with delicious loot before heading out.

DecorMatnick made the tulle back-drop and table skirt herself with fabric from Hobby Lobby; snowflake ornaments were pulled out of Christmas decor storage and strung from the ceiling. The birthday banner was found on Etsy and glassware was rented from Elite Events.

See more party insp i rat ion

on l ine at www.to ledoparent .com

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A guide to the area's best birthday vendors!

Country Lane Tree Farm3525 N. Bolander Rd., Genoa. 419-461-1298.www.countrylanetreefarm.comHave a birthday down on the farm! Two special packages are available! Package One includes taking a farm animal tour (includes milking our REAL cow!) for 10 children. The tour is followed by additional time spent in the party room for eating and present opening! Pony rides are included for all children in the party! Package Two is the same as Package One, but we supply pizza, beverages, chips and plates to the fun!

Fun Factory877-770-2710. www.ohiofunfactory.comMemories are Made at the Fun Fac-tory! We provide birthday and carnival theme parties for Toledo and sur-rounding areas. From inflatable bounce houses to tents and cotton candy carts, we ensure your child's birthday will be one to remember. Our staff provides a variety of goodies and activities from

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HelpersClara J’s Tea Room 219 W. Wayne St., Maumee. 419-897-0219 www.clarajsat219.comClara J’s Tea Room is THE experience for unique birth-

day fun! Child friendly! Birthday dress up clothes, crafts and gift bags are offered as options for children’s parties as well as Tea Room Sandwiches and a children’s menu. Make lasting memories with friends, mom, grandma, and cousins. Call 419-897-0219 for information.

Birthday

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snow cones to custom face painting. Check out our three to six hour affordable package deals and let the fun begin!

Kempo Martial Arts6801 W. Central Ave. 419-473-1519www.kempomania.comHave the most fun birthday party ever! Everyone will get a kick out the fun, unique birthday experience at Kempo Martial Arts. We'll make sure your child has an extra special birthday they will always remember. We provide a real Kempo Martial Arts lesson for your child and their friends and a special gift from Kempo Martial Arts. Plan on 1.5 hours of fun plus 30 minutes of setup time. Call 419-885-1519 for all the details!

Imagination Station 1 Discovery Way (at the corner of Adams and Summit). 419-244-2674.www.imaginatinostationtoledo.orgGive your little scientist a birthday to

remember. Imagination Station sets the stage for super cool fun! Package includes admission for the birthday child and 15 guests, T-shirt for the birthday child, a decorated party

space for one and a half hours, an Imagination Station team member host, printable

invitations, thank

you cards and one parking validation. Additional package options and add-ons are available, including a liquid nitrogen demonstration!

Mini Motions Dance Center2249 Tremainsville Rd. 419-473-0999www.minimotionsdance.comCelebrate your birthday at Mini Mo-tions family-friendly dance center with two hours of fun, games, dance and more! Our staff will facilitate the entire party for families, friends and kids. The cost is $165 for up to 30 guests to enjoy the fun. We do all the decorating, you bring the food. A special T-shirt for the birthday child is provided along with entertainment to the very end!

Splash Bay Indoor Water Park1705 Toll Gate Dr., Maumee. 419-482-7777 x130.www.splashbayresort.comWith five water slides, lazy river, spray features and other attractions, Splash Bay Indoor Water Park is your child's party destination! We provide the fun, food, cake, and decorations; you pro-vide the birthday child and attendees! Packages available for half or full days. Call today for details! 419-482-7777 x130

Toledo Zoo2 Hippo Way (off the Anthony Wayne Trail). 419-385-4040. www.toledozoo.org.What could be wilder than a birthday party at the Zoo? Our birthday pack-ages include admission and parking, a private party room, pizza and

beverages, a ride on the African carousel and much more. It's a whole Zoo worth of fun! Morning and afternoon times are available, and different birthday packages are available for your special birthday person. P.S. grown-ups — we’re not leaving you out. We have exceptional meeting facilities available for your special events, too, including full catering and bar service.

YMCA of Greater Toledo1500 N Superior St. 419-729-8135www.ymcatoledo.orgHave your birthday party at the YMCA. Includes time in the party room, and may include the basketball gym, pool, or activities in the gymnastics area. Our facilities can accommodate from 15 up to 50 people. Other options may be offered. For complete arrange-ment details and availability contact the facility near you. For the facility nearest you, visit ymcatoledo.org.

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