The Summer I Turned Pretty Viewing Party

Like most of us, my girls and I were highly anticipating the new season of The Summer I Turned Pretty and since it’s the final one (cue the tears), we knew it deserved a full-on Cousins Beach celebration. So, we turned our living room into a dreamy little seaside hangout, complete with candles, cozy blankets, and the ultimate Team Jeremiah vs. Team Conrad debate (shirts included).

@mrsmumaw 10/10 recommend a summer I turned pretty watch party with your teen daughters 🐚#tsitp #momofteens #girlmom #jennyhan #teamconrad #teamjeremiah #teambelly #juniormint #watchparty #tsitpseason3 #tsitpparty #cousinsbeach @Jenny Han @Prime Video ♬ original sound - the summer i turned pretty

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you were spending a night at Cousins Beach, this was it. Our Summer I Turned Pretty viewing party was pure teenage summer nostalgia, themed snacks, and a lot of screaming over who’s hotter, Jeremiah or Conrad. (For the record, the room was divided.)

We leaned all in on the theme. The snack bar was stocked with Belly-approved treats: Sour Patch Kids, Swedish Fish, and Twizzlers lined up next to little bowls of popcorn and pink lemonade. I even made “Belly’s Pomegranate Margaritas” (virgin, obviously)—served in pretty glass cups with sugared rims and paper umbrellas because it’s not summer without something extra.

The night was a memory I'll hold onto forever. Just a bunch of girls, wrapped in blankets, yelling at the screen, and talking about first crushes and summer love like it’s the most important thing in the world. 

Painted Banner: @theprettypartybytara

Cookies: @girlygirlcookieco

Junior Mint I made myself from various things on amazon 2 or 3 Christmas' ago as a gift to Kennedy. I am still shocked they haven't capitalized on selling these!

TSITP Bingo Printables

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Kensley's Love Shack Fancy Inspired 13th Birthday Glam-out | Love Shack Fancy Birthday Party

Kensley's Love Shack Fancy Inspired 13th Birthday Glam-out

Thirteen. It feels like such a big number, the first step into teenagehood, but still young enough to believe in magic. For Kensley, we wanted this to be a birthday she’d never forget, even if it came month after her actual birthday, day. It was one last over-the-top, all-out celebration before both girls start choosing travel adventures over parties.

So we went all in.

This year’s theme? LoveShackFancy everything. Think ruffles, lace, bows, pink on pink, and every girly detail we could dream up. The whole night felt like stepping into a daydream. A soft, romantic mix of vintage charm and modern tween fun.

I'll have everything I can link at the end of the post!

We called it a “glam out”  our version of a fancy campout. Kensley was dreaming up a cozy tent and twinkle lights, floral picnic blankets, and piles of velvet pillows. Each place setting looked like it could’ve been pulled straight from a LoveShackFancy window display & I think I did it!

Luckily, starting my new party planning business {www.theprettypartybytara.com} a lot of this will end up being rentals for future parties for clients! So, it was a win-win!

@mrsmumaw 13th birthday love shack sleepover! 🎀 everything came out so so cute and she had the best day, even if it was belated by like 2 months! Party done by the pretty party by Tara aka me 😆 #loveshackfancy #loveshackfancyparty #loveshackfancybirthday #13thbirthday #coquette #partyplanner #bows ♬ オリジナル楽曲 - ライディーン

A candy charcuterie board is always a must with girls! 

For activities, the girls did a neighborhood scavenger hunt that ended in giggles and handfuls of clues tucked into pink envelopes. Afterward, they gathered at our “Stoney Clover–inspired patch and pouch bar,” where each girl decorated her own bag with patches and charms — their take-home gift and a little keepsake of the night.

Each gift bag also included lip masks, glow sticks for the sleepover, and the cutest pink flashlights (because even fancy girls need to find their way through the backyard).

As the sun set, the night turned into a mix of laughter and chaos — a DIY sundae bar, a water balloon fight, and finally, a backyard movie under the stars. And naturally, the movie choice was Now & Then — because is there anything more fitting for a group of girls standing right between childhood and everything that comes next?

When the girls woke up the next morning, I surprised them with a sleepover breakfast bar, a spread of mini pancakes, fresh berries, hashbrowns, eggs, donuts and syrup that looked straight out of a LoveShackFancy brunch. It was the perfect ending to our glam campout birthday, sleepy giggles filling the air, and tiny stacks of pancakes disappearing faster than I could bring them out. A dreamy, girly breakfast to close out the perfect 13th birthday weekend.

It was the perfect ending to this chapter — one last big birthday before new adventures begin.

Party Decor & Balloons: @theprettypartybytara

Painted Banner: @theprettypartybytara

Cookies are always by @girlygirlcookieco

Cake is by..WALMART! Can you even believe it? & it was $30!

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5 Things to Know Before You Go To Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live | Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live At Gainbridge Field House

5 Things to Know Before You Go To Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live At Gainbridge Field House

Last summer we were invited to go to Hot Wheels Monster Truck LIVE at Gainbridge Field House in Indianapolis! We had the best time & I just was notified they are coming back to Indy with their NEW Hot Wheels Monster Truck LIVE Glow & Fire July 26-27. So, I thought I would give you all the info you need to go to the show! Not going to the Indianapolis show but another city? Keep reading! While some info is location specific there is still a lot of useful information about the event here!

Looking for a show near you? Check here to see if they are coming to a city near you!

Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live 

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live At Gainbridge Field House

1. What even is Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live?

Listen, this was my first monster truck event! I am just now entering the word of cars with my first born son, so I, too wanted to know! From their website: 

"Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live returns to Indianapolis with Glow-N-Fire! This exciting new experience will feature the same level of fun and excitement that fans have come to expect, but with an added fiery twist. Get ready for more heat and action as we continue to bring the ultimate monster truck show to fans. Don’t miss the only opportunity to watch your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks – Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, HW 5-Alarm™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Gunkster™, and Skelesaurus™! Fans can also witness a special appearance by a transforming robot, plus the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team! Special kids pricing is available for all shows providing a great value for the whole family!"

I will say, although I had not attend any other Monster Truck event, this one really seemed to cater to young children like preschool to under 10. I saw other ages very much enjoying their time, of course. But as a toddler mom they made a lot effort for things that toddler Mom appreciate. Like when the pre-show was over, there is a lull in time when the general admission ticket holder come in & find their seats. Normally, you would just be sitting in your seat, but they played the Hot Wheels Monster Truck cartoon series on the jumbotron for the kids to watch. That was so appreciated! 

2. Ear Protection

Safety is number one! We saw so many kiddos that seemed physically in pain due to noise from the trucks. It effects their ears much differently than adults. Our apple watches were going off about the volume, as well. Make this your immediate purchase after you get your tickets, so you don't forget! They do have protection at the venue, but as you would expect you are going to pay more. I got Bo THESE ONES but HERE you can find some others. Consider getting some for youself even if they are just the foam ear plugs. While we were okay, I wish we would have brought some for us. I feel it would have been more enjoyable!

3. Get Hype Before You Go

This is optional of course but the morning of I had a little Hot Wheels outfit laying out for him the ear protection & one of the trucks he would see that day. Another thing I suggest much like a hyping up a child before Disney by watching the movies of the characters they will see, but with the trucks! There is a series on Prime Video for Hot Wheels Monster Trucks. There isn't a ton of episodes but the get to know the name of the trucks & will probably end up with a favorite that they will love seeing in real life! It makes a little bit more of a special experience. 

If you have a bit of a drive or maybe the day before, could print their color truck pages to color available on their website! You can find them HERE!

4. Check Out the VIP Experience

We did this & thought it was very much worth the extra money. Especially if you have a big time fan or with younger kids as it isn't overly crowded.

What does the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live VIP Experience include?

Backstage Tour - we got to go out on to the track & even see one drive that was having thei debut for the first time that day! There is a host that greets you & talks to you all about show, trucks & drivers! The host & drivers were so so good with the kids which I appreciated so much!

VIP Merch - I am unsure the exact merch of this show but I would assume it is similar if not the same. We recieved a really nice high quality VIP pass lanyard, poster {this was great because you could get the drivers autographs so we used it for them to sign} a tote bag & some other goodies.

Behind the Scene Access - You get to meet all the drivers, get autographs, ask question, see the trucks up close & personal. They also had a play area for the kids to play. {PARENT TIP: Bring a toy monster truck with you or buy one from the merch table before you head to this area. I can't tell you how many kiddo were having a fit about leaving the trucks, some even just took them or got up set because another child took the truck they sent down the ramp! Having our own with us worked perfectly to help curb an impeding meltdown!}

Early Entry to the Pre-Show Party-

There is ticket add on to go to the Pre-Show party which is the play area & time looking at the trucks but with VIP you get to do all of that before the people with those tickets are let in. More room & less people which was ideal with my 3 year old. Ensure you arrive early to enjoy the full duration of the Pre-Show, it is 1 hour & 15 mins long & they stop letting people into the Pre Show 15 mins before it ends.

@mrsmumaw Hot Wheels Monster Truck Glow Party! 🛞🛞🛞 #hotwheels #hotwheelsmonstertruckslive #monstertrucks #boymom #momtok #ditl ♬ original sound - mrsmumaw

Hot Wheels Monster Truck LIVE VIP Experience

Hot Wheels Monster Truck LIVE Pre-Show

Hot Wheels Monster Truck LIVE VIP Experience 

5. Ticket Info

Ticket info will vary per venue & experience. 

Ticket Prices & Tiers {as of March 2025 for Gainbridge Field House}

Ages 2 & up require a ticket.

Add ons:

Pre Show Ticket Price:

VIP Experience Price:

Extra: There Isn't Just Monster Trucks

Yes, they have the Monster Trucks but they also had a motor cross show which was also so neat & well received from my toddler!

 If you have a Hot Wheels lover in your house or family, you must see if there is tickets near you! It was such a fun event & I will never forgot how happy & excited Bo was through the show!

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Hot Wheels DIY Valentines Box

If you missed my post on making DIY Custom Hot Wheels Valentines head HERE.

My 4 year olds {that is so crazy saying again} preschool class asked that they make Valentine's boxes for their Valentine party! Since Bo was very adament on having Hot Wheels Valentines, we of course, had to make a matching Hot Wheels Valentine Box.

This isn't anything ground breaking, but if you are want to know how I did it, keep reading!

What you will need:

- Card stock {red, yellow, blue, orange & checkered}

- a shoe box or pre made valentine box {I got mine from Hobby Lobby for a couple dollars}

- Glue

- Scissors

- checked flag {optional}

- Cricut {optional}

First, I measured & cut the card stock to fit onto the sides & top of the box. Boden helped by gluing them on!

I used the font from the template I used HERE to make his name on Canva & transferred that image into my Cricut app to cut out. If you don't have a Cricut you could just print & cut out their name on paper, print just the logo or not put it at all. I think even without a name or logo you can for sure tell it's Hot Wheels themed!

@mrsmumaw Hot Wheels Valentines! #valentinesday #valentines #valentinesbox #diyvalentines #hotwheels #hotwheel #valentines #preschool #pintrestmom #pintrest #boymom #creatorsearchinsights ♬ original sound - mrsmumaw

I used a strip of orange paper to make the loop de loop & hot glued the a car of his choice onto the box!

I let him know that it may mess up the wheels so I encouraged him to choose one he was okay with possibly not working anymore. But, the hot glue peeled right off! No damage at all! 

& that was it! Pretty simple Hot Wheels DIY Valentines box! Getting the right colors really make its scream Hot Wheels with or without the name & logo!

If you make one, let me know! I'd love to see! Tag me on Instagram @mrsmumaw

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