The blog

Big love, small budget

Party stories, budget-first planning, and the everyday of parenting — from Mama, Ama, and a whole lot of drama.

How to Make the Cutest Halloween Boo Bags for Kids
Mama · Holiday Party

How to Make the Cutest Halloween Boo Bags for Kids

Simple boo bag ideas, fun Halloween fillers, and an easy tradition your family will look forward to every October!

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Kid-Friendly Halloween Party
Ama · Holiday Party

How to Host a Spooktacular Halloween Party the Whole Family Will Love

Décor, food, games, and activities — everything you need for a festive, family-friendly Halloween bash.

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Three Kids, Three Heads of Hair
Mama · Hair Care

Three Kids, Three Heads of Hair: Surviving the Morning Hair Battle

Curly, cowlicked, and fine-and-fussy — the products that turned our tearful mornings into calm ones.

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5 Amazon Finds Under $15 for Kids' Party Favors
Mama · Party Favors

5 Amazon Finds Under $15 for Kids' Party Favors

Pop It keychains, squishies, ring pops, and more — five tried-and-tested favor picks that won't break the budget.

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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce
Mama · Party Story

Love Story: A Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Birthday Bash

Eras Tour glam meets gameday energy — friendship bracelets, karaoke air guitars, and a whole lot of glitter.

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Lego Brick-Building Extravaganza
Mama · Party Story

A Lego Brick-Building Extravaganza: Celebrating 7 Years of Awesome

Minifig crafts, tower competitions, car races, and a Lego brick "7" piñata — how we pulled off a floor-to-ceiling Lego birthday for 23 kids.

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Armadillo Christmas
Mama · Family Tradition

Armadillo Christmas: How Our Blended Family Built a Holiday of Our Own

BBQ, karaoke, joke-offs, and the legend of Arthur the Armadillo — the story behind the holiday tradition our whole blended family calls its own.

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Princess and Knight Birthday Party
Mama · Party Story

A Royal Celebration: Our Princess & Knight 5th Birthday Party

Decorate-your-own crowns and knight masks, two color-coded craft tables, a piñata, and 25 little royals — here's how it all came together.

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Welcome to Mama, Ama & Lots of Drama
Mama Ama · Welcome

Welcome to Mama, Ama & Lots of Drama

Two generations, one recipe for celebrations that feel abundant — even when the budget doesn't. This is our very first post, and it's the story of how we got here.

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Want a hand planning your next celebration?

Browse ready-to-shop party themes, or tell us what you're picturing and we'll help you plan it.