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5 Novel Ideas for Your Wedding

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As you plan your big day, the possibilities can feel absolutely overwhelming. Everything from how to set up the venue to what wedding favors to choose likely swirls through your head, leaving you struggling to choose between all the options. The problem only gets worse from there as you try to make things feel personal to your union. Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone. Here are five novel ideas you can use to streamline your wedding plans and make them feel 100% unique.

Use Circular Ceremony Seating

Circular ceremony seating puts your and your future spouse at centerstage for your big day. All your attendees will feel like the guest of honor, too, ensuring they get the ideal view of your nuptials. Plus, your photographer will have their pick of fantastic angles to shoot all your photos.

All you have to do is find a venue that supports this setup – no front stage allowed. Then, have the chairs arranged in a circular formation around a central area big enough for you, the love of your life, and your chosen officiant.

Create Annual Advice Cards

Wedding guestbooks let you look back on your big day with fondness as you remember all your treasured attendees. But it’s also a complete and total yawnfest, especially as your guests line up to sign their names.

So, go one step further with the idea and turn your guestbook into annual advice cards. You can then open the cards on anniversaries and put your guests’ thoughtful advice into action year after year.

To do this, just hand out cards numbered with different years as guests arrive. Then, instruct them to write their best advice on the cards before sealing them in the provided envelopes.

Enjoy Pub Trivia with Dinner

All too often, wedding reception dinners end up stuffy affairs. So, if you want to keep things lively, you’ll need to think outside the box and roll out pub trivia.

Although this takes a little extra work ahead of time, it’ll get everyone in the mood to party it up after dinner ends. To ensure it all goes off without a hitch, choose your funniest friend to run the ordeal – or hire someone to handle it for you.

Want to take the pub trivia experience to the next level? Skip the fancy four-course meal in favor of food truck madness!

Hire a Talented Live Event Painter

Photographs are cool and all. But how about having your wedding scenes painted by hand? From the moment you walk out of the chapel together to your first dance as a married couple, every last scene just looks more magical when done in oil, acrylic, or watercolor paints.

You’ll still want to have a photographer get all the rest of the shots, of course. The live event painter will just be there to capture the most striking memories of the day.  

Hand Out Toy Lightsabers and Swords

Bubbles. Mints. Magnets. They’re all fine as wedding favors, but they don’t get the party going. Fortunately, it’s easy to jazz things up in an instant by handing out toy lightsabers and swords to your guests.

As your wedding guests get their faux weaponry, ordinary dances quickly turn into dance battles to remember. The scene just gets even more crazy as the open bar fuels the fun, ensuring you get some truly epic photos out of the deal.

As you roll out these novel ideas for your wedding, don’t be surprised if they take the world by storm. Before you know it, your friends will want to borrow from your plans as they figure out the details for their own big day. If that happens, just remember that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

5 Herbs with Scientifically Proven Benefits

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Are you looking for a delicious way to improve your health? Dig into these five tasty herbs with scientifically-proven health benefits.

Science Says these 5 Herbs can Improve Your Health

1. Sage

People have been using sage as a medicinal herb since the dawn of time, but it really became popular for its healing properties in the Middle Ages. In fact, sage gets its name from the Latin word, Salvere, which means “to save” or “to heal.”

Current research suggests sage can improve brain function and memory. Other studies show sage, also known as Salvia officinalis, may be helpful for reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels and decreasing inflammation.

2. Peppermint

Peppermint also enjoys a long history in folk medicine and aromatherapy. The oily components of peppermint give this herb its distinctive aroma – they also provide health effects. Research shows that peppermint helps manage pain in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and helps to reduce abdominal bloating. It works by relaxing the muscles in the colon. Peppermint can also soothe nausea, especially in pregnant women after surgery or following a C-section.

3. Turmeric

As with peppermint and sage, turmeric has stood the test of time for its ability to provide health benefits. Used for centuries in India as a medicinal herb, turmeric gives curry its distinctive yellow color. When used as herbal medicine, turmeric can ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, conjunctivitis (pink eye), a serious type of eye problem known as uveitis, skin cancer, chicken pox, small pox, urinary tract infections, and some liver problems. Turmeric can also speed wound healing.

Turmeric contains several active compounds – curcumin is the most important compound in turmeric. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight the free radicals that cause tissue damage and poor health. The curcumin in turmeric is also a potent anti-inflammatory that rivals some medications.

4. Rosemary

Do you have seasonal allergies? Add a little rosemary to roasted potatoes, soups, casseroles, salads, and stews.

The active ingredient in rosemary, rosmarinic acid, can suppress allergic responses and nasal congestion to help ease your runny nose and other allergy symptoms. .

5. Echinacea

Improving your health may be as easy as picking flowers in your garden – literally. Echinacea, also called purple coneflower, is native to North America. Native Americans have used echinacea as herbal medicine for centuries to treat a wide variety of ailments. Today, it is a popular over-the-counter herbal remedy for colds and flu. You can also use it to treat pain, inflammation, migraines, and other health concerns. It is currently available in tablets, tinctures, extracts and teas.

Research shows that taking echinacea may lower your risk for developing a cold by more than 50 percent, and if you do catch a cold, echinacea can shorten the duration of your cold by one and a half days. Echinacea may also reduce your blood sugar level, decrease inflammation, and calm anxiety.

If you want to optimize your health and avoid illness without having to take handfuls of pills every day, take a stroll down the herbs and spices aisle of your local grocery store, or head out to your garden. Herbs may be the most delicious medicine you’ll ever take.

5 Fish That Are Easy to Keep

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Whether you are a parent who is tired of fighting a pet-loving kid or an animal lover who wants a pet but simply doesn’t have the time or energy for a cat or dog, you may find yourself considering fish ownership. However, many species of fish actually rank among the most difficult animals to care for, requiring expensive aquarium setups, precise temperature ranges, and detailed feeding instructions.

 

If you’re looking for a fish that is easy to keep in a small aquarium or even a bowl, read on to learn about five hearty species that don’t need much in terms of daily care. Otherwise, you might find your new pet floating on top of the water, passing long before its time!

 

1. Goldfish

 

While fancier goldfish with unusual body shapes are more appropriate for intermediate fish-keepers, A standard goldfish (Carassius auratus) with a relatively long body is great for people of all ages and levels of expertise and commitment. While many people keep this classic starter pet in a bowl, but they can live far longer (up to 10 years!) in a proper aquarium. If gold isn’t your color, remember that “goldfish” is a species name, not a color description. Goldfish actually come in a variety of colors including white, orange, and black.

 

2. Betta Fish

 

Like the goldfish, the betta fish can live for quite some time in a small bowl, but it thrives in a simple circulating aquarium. Because males of the species tend to fight one another, beginners should start with a single betta in its own tank. While males should generally be kept separate, owners may ultimately choose to keep multiple female bettas together. As long as bettas are kept in conditioned water that is no colder than 76°F, they are generally easy to care for and quite engaged with their owners and surroundings.

 

3. Neon Tetras

 

Although water pH levels are of more concern to neon tetras, both genders of this fish can easily be kept in groups of six or more. Quite small in size, they make great additions to virtually any multi-species freshwater aquarium, no matter how diverse, without negatively impacting water quality. Neon tetras are also quite easy to breed in captivity, but owners should take great care to look for missing gill covers, misshapen fins, asymmetrical mouths, and other signs of inbreeding.  

 

4. Mollies

 

Similar to guppies, mollies can live in many different environments and under many different conditions. As long as their water temperature is between 72°F and 78°F, they generally thrive as long as they are fed regularly, and their aquarium is kept clean. Like other live-breeding fish species, they also reproduce relatively fast, so if you get more than one, you may see fish babies quite quickly. Although they eat almost anything, owners should primarily feed them algae and other plant-based foods.

 

 

5. Zebrafish

 

If you really don’t want to keep a close eye on your water temperature, the zebrafish might just be the species for you. These fish do quite well in waters of 64°F and even lower, which means people in relatively warm climates might not even need to run an aquarium heater. Like mollies, they also eat a broad spectrum of food.

Is Being A Medical Student Right For You? 5 Ways To Know

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Attending medical school is a major life decision. While attending medical school and becoming a doctor is an excellent choice for many people, it’s not the best course for everyone. 

Wondering whether med school is right for you? 

Read on for a roundup of five signs that you are a good candidate for medical school. 

1. You’ve excelled academically

Medical schools have limited spaces with way too many candidates fighting for them. As such, they’re notoriously difficult to get into. Before setting your sights on attending medical school, you should first consider whether it’s a realistic choice for you. 

If you don’t have top-notch grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities that will give you a decent shot at getting in, you may want to consider another path, such as a less competitive healthcare career or taking a year or two to improve your qualifications. 

2. You comprehend the commitment

One of the reasons medical school is so difficult to get into? Medical schools are seeking candidates who can handle the rigor. No one expects medical school to be easy. Between the intense curriculum, the grueling hours, and the stiff competition, however, few people are aware of just how difficult it is. 

And we’re not just talking about your time in medical school. Attending medical school is a commitment to years and years of learning—both in the classroom and during your residency afterwards. 

Some residencies, like neurosurgery, last as long as seven years. Therefore, aspiring neurosurgeons are committing to more than a decade of training when they decide to go to medical school. The more aware you are of this commitment, the better prepared you’ll be to manage it—both personally and professionally. 

3. You’re supported by your loved ones

The decision to attend medical school doesn’t just impact you.  From the high cost of attending medical school to the time demands of being a doctor, medical school is a huge commitment for families of medical students, too.

The support of spouses, partners, families, and friends can help you stay the course when things get tough. Conversely, lack of support can become one more obstacle to success with the potential to escalate over time. 

This doesn’t mean you should let someone else’s opinions stand between you and your goal of becoming a doctor. However, it is another factor when assessing the pros and cons of going to medical school.

4. You’ve evaluated other options

The healthcare field is booming with a variety of potential career tracks. If you’ve only ever dreamed of becoming a doctor, then attending medical school may make the most sense for you. 

However, if you have a broader interest in the healthcare sector, it’s worth looking at other types of jobs. From clinical to research to administrative roles, there are many healthcare careers that require less training while still boasting a strong outlook. 

For example, if you’re most drawn to patient care, you may find working as a nurse, physician assistant, genetic counselor, occupation therapist, speech-language pathologists, or other patient-centered role equally (if not more) fulfilling. 

5. You’re motivated by the right things

People have many reasons for wanting to attend medical school. Unfortunately, not all of these reasons are conducive to a positive medical school experience and long-term fulfillment as a physician.

If you’re considering medical school because of parental pressure, prestige, or money, you may be setting yourself up to fail. Why? Because these motivations are unlikely to sustain you on the long and arduous journey to becoming a doctor.

On the other hand, if you are motivated by a genuine interest in medicine, aspire to help others in a meaningful way, and love to be challenged, medical school may be a perfect fit. These same qualities happen to be  the key to career satisfaction for physicians. 

 

How to Make Food Safe Disinfectants

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Kitchens are gross. “Not mine,” you think. Of course. You clean your kitchen and keep it spotless. 

 

Unfortunately, your kitchen is gross too. Even when it looks pristine, it’s crawling with microbes, and many of them are dangerous. Unless you’re using a good disinfectant, you aren’t getting rid of those microbes.

 

And, for someone who is into self-sufficiency or homesteading, powerful disinfectants aren’t always easy to come by. Fortunately, you can make your own disinfectants that are safe for the kitchen and won’t hurt you if you use them on cooking tools or preparation surfaces.

 

Now, both of these disinfectants do require ingredients that are hard to make from scratch, but you can get them in bulk and still maintain your self-sufficiency.

 

Mix Bleach and Water

 

This is one of the easiest things you can do, and when you do it right, it’s a very safe, very effective disinfectant. All you need is regular bleach from the store and tap water (and something to hold your mixture).

 

It all comes down to getting the ratio right. You want to use one teaspoon of bleach for every quart of water. You can scale that up or down as long as you keep the ratio right—just like adjusting the size of a batch of cookies.

 

With this ratio, you have enough bleach to kill germs, but it’s not enough to hurt you (probably still don’t drink it). You can use this to sanitize dishes, utensils, and cooking surfaces, but there are a few things to keep in mind. In fact, many restaurants use this exact mixture to sanitize everything.

 

First, this mixture only stays potent for about a week, and that’s only if you store it in a sealed bottle. Also, you should store it in a dark place.

 

Second, this is a disinfectant. You don’t use it to scrub the dishes or surfaces. Do all of the scrubbing first. Then, when things appear clean, you apply the bleach mixture, and it kills any lingering microbes.

 

Just Use Vinegar

 

If the last one seems too tricky, or if you don’t have access to bleach, you can use vinegar instead – although you should never mix the two. Specifically, white distilled vinegar can disinfect surfaces. You need a five-percent vinegar mixture, and, fortunately, that’s the standard percentage sold at stores.

 

You don’t have to mix anything with the vinegar; it’s a disinfectant all its own. But, it’s not quite as potent as the bleach mixture. The bleach mixture can kill germs in about a minute. Vinegar will need to stay in contact with the surface for around 10 minutes to really be effective.

 

If you can add heat, that’s a lot better. Above 130℉, white vinegar becomes more potent. It kills more germs and does it a lot faster.

 

That covers it. These are two disinfectants that are perfectly safe to use in a kitchen, and you can make them at home. If you’re looking to make your own bleach or vinegar from scratch, that’s a lot more complicated and a lot riskier. So, take advantage of modern conveniences, and you can keep your kitchen perfectly clean.

 

7 Tips To Raise Your Profile On Facebook

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Facebook can be a powerful way to build your personal brand or promote your business. But to be effective, your profile needs to be seen by lots of people, and it needs to draw in new followers. Whether you’re using this social media site for work or play, the tactics to get more attention are the same. Use these tips to raise your profile. 

 

1. Post consistently but not too much. 

 

To raise your Facebook profile, you need to increase engagement. This requires you to post regularly, but not too much. Facebook posts are like basic economics. You need to get the balance right between supply and demand. 

 

Ideally, you need to provide just enough information to entice and engage your followers. But you also need to ensure that you don’t dilute demand by over posting. 

 

2. Post when people are online. 

 

No one wants to engage with a dead thread. To get people to engage with your posts, you need to post when they’re online. As a general rule of thumb, people tend to engage with social media the most during school or work hours — that’s Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm.

But the time frame can vary based on your friend group or your industry. Learn when the people you want to target are online, and kick off the conversation then. 

 

3. Keep the conversation going. 

 

Don’t just post and leave. Engage with the people who comment on your posts. Find ways to keep the conversation going. Also, make sure that your profile is public.

If it’s private, only you and your followers will be able to see the conversation. In contrast, public posts will often appear on the pages of friends of friends. This can help you build exposure and expand your network. 

 

4. Include visuals with words. 

 

Don’t limit your Facebook posts to words. Play with different visual elements such as photographs and videos. Visual posts tend to get a lot more engagement than posts that are just written. 

 

5. Learn from other Facebook users. 

 

When you’re trying to create anything, you can learn a lot from other people. Look at Facebook posts that get a lot of engagement and reposts. What makes them stand out? Are they edgy? Humorous? Informative? Figure out what they’re doing right and embrace those tactics when you create your Facebook posts. 

 

6. Post polls or ask questions.

 

To get people to engage, ask them directly by posting a poll or a survey. Or ask them to share their favorite recipe, book, life hack, or whatever is topical on your page. People love to share their thoughts and ideas, but they’re more likely to share when they’re invited to do so.  As indicated above, this tactic works best when your profile is public. 

 

7. Put your name on memes. 

 

Reposts are a common way to get more attention to your Facebook profile. But you need to ensure that you get credited for the original post. If you create a meme or make a video, make sure that it has your business or personal name on it. Then, anyone who enjoys the post can follow it back to its source — you. 

 

Most importantly, have fun. People want to engage with people and brands who fill their lives with delight. The more you enjoy posting, the better you will get at it. 

 

The 5 Worst Major Airports in the United States

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Ranking and rating airports is a bit like ranking and rating trips to the DMV. Nobody really enjoys them, and everybody has a “worst ever” story. However, industry experts have complied hard performance statistics, traveler reviews, and other key criteria to separate true chaotic fiascos from relatively minor annoyances in order to definitively identify the worst of the worst when it comes to terrible airports.

 

 Here are the top five major US airports to avoid if you can!

 

1. LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

 

Located in the New York City borough of Queens, LaGuardia Airport has undergone some significant renovations in recent years, but its confusing, maze-like structure remains, and its older sections are still dilapidated and drab to say the least. And thanks to its slow TSA processing, you can expect to wait for hours in line while inching toward your gate. But thanks to its wonky flight schedule, you may still catch your flight. Nearly 2,600 flights out of LaGuardia were delayed in the first few months of 2022 alone.

 

2. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

 

A single aerial photograph of Los Angeles International Airport speaks volumes about the inefficiency of the Los Angeles International Airport. Positioned around a disorganized, U-shaped, double-decker roadway, this sprawling airport has nine different terminals that are extremely difficult to travel among. Connecting flight passengers must often take a long shuttle bus ride to reach a terminal that requires a second security screening upon entrance. Coupled with its legendarily poor customer service and inconvenient public transpiration options, its convoluted layout makes LAX an airport to miss.  

 

3. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

 

The Philadelphia International Airport landed dead last on a comprehensive 2021 passenger satisfaction survey by the respected consumer research authority J.D. Power. This rapidly aging airport has been described as dated, decrepit, and downright dirty. According to one review, even its newly installed fillable water bottle stations dispense water that “tastes like it was drained from a pool.” Other complains about PHL include its long security screening lines and its terrible restaurant offerings.

 

4. O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

 

The recipient of the lowest ranking on the 2021 J.D. Power air travel passenger satisfaction list in the “mega” airports category, Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport has long suffered from regular flight cancellations and delays. Considering the windy and snowy conditions that are all too common in the area, many of these cancellations and delays are beyond the airport’s control. However, O’Hare also suffers from overcrowding, parking issues, frequent baggage mix-ups, and unclear terminal signage among other problems.  

 

5. Denver International Airport (DIA)

 

Like O’Hare, the Denver International Airport is inhibited by its natural surroundings. Both incoming and outgoing DIA flights are commonly subjected to a phenomenon called “mountain wave” up and down drafts. Due to the presence of nearby mountain ridges, shaky approaches and departures are the norm whenever wind speeds exceed around 25 knots. Beyond the turbulence, DIA is despised for long TSA lines, frequent flight delays, terrible parking, limited shuttle service, poor public transit, and many issues that are common among the other airports on this list.

5 Tips For Instagram Supremacy

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Instagram boasts more than two billion monthly users all over the world. This means that there are billions of potential followers for individuals and brands. If you’ve been struggling to boost your presence on this popular social media platform, you may not be going about it the right way.

Read on for a roundup of 5 tips for getting more followers, boosting engagement, and reigning supreme on Instagram.

1. Be consistent

If you’re using Instagram to share photos with friends and family at whim, garnering more followers may not be your primary agenda. However, if you’re looking to build an audience, conquering Instagram is about much more than merely posting a photo when you feel inspired.

In order to gain people’s interest, trust, and loyalty—not to mention their likes and follows—consistency is key. Setting (and sticking to) a posting schedule lets people know exactly what to expect from you. 

2. Don’t buy followers

On the surface, purchasing followers looks like a quick and easy way to boost your profile. However, this tactic is likely to do more harm than good. 

Market research tells us over and over again that today’s consumers value authenticity over all else. Illegitimate followers hurt your account’s credibility by misrepresenting your audience. They also don’t generate ROI or buzz. 

Look at it this way. If you have 100,000 fake followers but you don’t have the comments, likes, and shares that would be generated by real followers, this lack of engagement will make your account look dead. (Or worse, fake.)

3. Promote, promote, promote

If you want people to find and follow your Instagram account, you have to get the word out. Make sure to include your account across all of your social networks as well as on your website and blog entries.

However, one of the best ways to promote your Instagram is by interacting with other people’s content. When you do so, they’re likely to interact with your content in return. 

Speaking of other people interacting with your content, be sure to respond to all comments on your posts. This is one of the easiest and more effective ways to nurture engagement. 

4. Post the right content (at the right time)

Anyone with any social media experience knows that some posts generate tons of engagement, while others hardly make a splash. While post performance may seem random, there’s usually some rhyme or reason to it. 

From filters and emojis in captions to post times and content types, seemingly small details can make a huge difference when it comes to post performance. Investing in Instagram analytics tools can help you drill down to understand what’s working and what’s not. 

This does take some degree of trial and error. The more content strategies you experiment with, the better data you’ll have to work with and learn from. 

Not sure where to begin when it comes to new content strategies? Keep up with the latest Instagram trends for ideas and inspiration.

5. Use hashtags wisely

Hashtags can be an excellent tool for finding followers. However, not all hashtags are created equally. Using the right ones can make or break a post. 

For starters, seek out hashtags that aren’t overpopulated to avoid your post getting lost in a sea of posts with the #love hashtag. Instead, utilize hashtags that relate to you, the post, your brand, and your target audience. The more relevant the connection, the more likely a user is to like and follow. 

While mastering hashtag use can seem overwhelming, there are many hashtag resources out there offering everything from best practices to tracking tools. 

 

5 Must-See Attractions In Saudi Arabia

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“If there is a final frontier of tourism left, it’s Saudi Arabia,” Lonely Planet recently hailed. If you’re going to be spending time in the country soon, you’ll want to make sure you know the best places to check out. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back!

1. Kingdom Center Tower

Perhaps the most iconic symbol of Saudi Arabia, the city’s signature skyscraper soars a staggering 992 feet over Riyadh.

Take the high-speed lift up 99 floors to Kingdom Center’s world-famous Sky Bridge observation deck. Here, you’ll gain an astonishing perspective of the glistening capital city below thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass panels and panoramic urban views.

One tip to avoid lines and crowds at the popular tourist attraction? Go on a weekday. While you’re there, leave time to enjoy Kingdom Center’s other offerings, including luxury shopping, dining, entertainment, a five-star hotel, and more.

2. King Abdulaziz Historical Center (National Museum)

Also known as the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, this grand complex in Riyadh was erected around the compound of the architecturally stunning Murabba Palace.

This educational landmark plays host to more than eight exhibition halls, a mosque, library, conference hall, park, green fields, and fountain.

3. Mecca and Medina

While two separate destinations, we’re combining these high holy places due to their shared significance to Islamic history as the birthplace and teaching place of the Prophet Muhammad.

These sacred cities also share something else in common—especially if you’re hoping to experience them up close and personal: they’re both open only to Muslims.

4. Elephant Rock

Located in Al-‘Ula area of Mada’in Salih, Jabal AlFil, AKA “the elephant rock,” is one of the world’s most spellbinding geological marvels.

Rising majestically over the golden sands surrounding it, this magnificent monolithic structure more than earns its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Fakieh Aquarium

Traveling with kids? Fakieh Aquarium, the country’s only public aquarium, offers fun for the whole family.

Featuring more than 200 aquatic species sourced from the Red Sea as well as the world’s oceans and seas, this Jeddah destination is a truly wondrous setting for exploring underwater wonders.

In addition to exhibits, Fakieh Aquarium also offers interactive fun in the form of daily dolphin and sea lion shows.

One last thing to keep in mind about this list? While we’ve narrowed it down to five, these attractions shared here are just an infinitesimal sampling of what Saudi Arabia has to offer.

Other spellbinding things to see and do on your visit to Saudi Arabia include Abraj Al-Bait Towers, Al Balad, Al Baqi, Al Rahma Mosque, Masmak Fortress, Jebel Fihrayn, Diriyah, World Sights Park, Rijal Almaa, Makkah Museum, King Fahd’s Fountain, the Riyadh Zoo,  Jeddah Lighthouse, Red Sea Mall, Tabuk Castle, Wahbah Crater, and many other amazing and unforgettable attractions.

5 Awesome Birthday Party Treat Ideas

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Birthday presents are fantastic, of course. But it’s the food that really gets the party going. As you roll out the snacks, entrees, and sweet treats, adults and kids alike hop up in excitement and start digging in. So, if you want to make someone’s birthday truly special, you need to use these five birthday treat ideas while planning their big bash.

Fruit Kabobs

Put out a fruit tray and people will dabble, for sure. A strawberry here. A few grapes there. But if you want people to go ham over nature’s sweets, bring out the fruit kabobs by the boatload.

All you have to do is slice up your fruit into fun shapes, and then thread them onto shish kabob sticks. Want to up the ante even more? Put out interesting dips, too, like chocolate sauce, caramel, and cream cheese frosting.

Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

A snack and dessert all-in-one, chocolate-covered pretzels easily satisfy cravings for sweets while taking the edge off hunger. You can buy these tasty snacks premade but it’s a lot more fun making your own.

You will just need pretzel rods, white chocolate, food coloring, and sprinkles. Then, melt your white chocolate in small bowls while mixing in your food coloring of choice.

Dip the pretzel rods in the colorful chocolate up to about halfway. Salt Bae the sprinkles over the dipped pretzels next – or roll the chocolate-covered rods in sprinkles for better coverage.

Ultra-Savory Snack Mix

Birthdays always get a little sweets heavy, so be sure to get ultra-savory snack mix in on the action. The sky is the limit in how you can make yours, too.

Start with a Chex Mix-esque base with:

  • 3 cups each type of Chex cereal
  • 1 cup mixed nuts
  • 1 cup pretzels
  • 7 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Mix it all together and bake for one hour at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Give it a stir every 15 minutes, and then cool. After that, add cheese crackers, pita chips, croutons, and whatever else you love to snack on.

Walking Tacos

With so many fun things to do at birthday parties, no one wants to sit down for a whole meal. So, you have to keep them moving by serving walking tacos as your main course.

All you need are taco fixings, like ground beef, black beans, shredded cheese, jalapenos, lettuce, salsa, and sour cream. Don’t forget the hot sauce as well.

Then, instead of serving them with regular taco shells, bring out the snack-sized bags of chips. Your guests just have to slice open the side of the chip bag and fill it up with their taco fixings. After that, they can move and groove while eating their tacos with a plastic fork.

Cupcake Cones  

Cake is great, but it’s even more fun when it looks like an ice cream cone. To do that, you just have to whip up your favorite cake mix, pour it into cake cones, and then bake as directed for cupcakes.

Once that’s done, let it all fully cool before making your frosting. Pipe on the frosting in a soft-serve-inspired swirl and then hit it with your sprinkles of choice.

Now that you’re well-versed on all the perfect treats for a special birthday bash, it’s time to get started in whipping up each one. Fortunately, you can make all but the walking tacos the day before, making it easy to roll out the best treats without breaking a sweat.