I used all the extra supplies from my kids' parties and threw one for myself. It was a fun, inexpensive celebration.

The author threw herself a 'leftovers party.'

Courtesy of Jillian Pretzel

I keep a box in my garage for all my kids' leftover party supplies.It's where I put the spare princess table covers from my oldest's 4th, the lightly used Goofy Movie banner from my middle's 3rd, unneeded ribbons from my youngest's 1st, and much more.I save this stuff in case any of the kids want to repeat a party theme. But with three kids, and three birthdays per year, the box was overflowing.My first thought was to throw some stuff away (at least enough so I could fit the lid on the box), but looking through the old balloons, banners, and face paints, I got an idea.I always go all-out for my kids' birthdays. But my big "three-five" had just passed without much flair. Maybe I could empty the stuffed party box and Frankenstein together a belated party for myself that the kids and I could enjoy together — a "leftovers party."So I threw myself a birthday party with the old supplies. I had fun planning and throwing the party, and it got me thinking about how much time and money (or lack thereof) I invest in celebrating myself.

The author used face paint and glitter with the guests at her party.

Courtesy of Jillian Pretzel