charming daisies

I just had to share Dominique's daisy-themed fete.

The daisy cut-outs are too cute. Paired with the simple cake below and a sun-filled dining room, the gathering looks like an ideal way to spend an afternoon. I'm personally not a fan of the dangling daisy postcards, but besides that- I think everything else is just perfect! Dominique's flickr page is chock-full of other party ideas as well, be sure to check it out.

yummy fun

My mother-in-law just received copies of Claire Crespo's Yummy Fun cookbooks. Long story- but apparently my brother-in-law's girlfriend's mom's friend is her mom's next door neighbor (got that?), and thought my MIL would enjoy cooking them with or for my son. Someday, perhaps- but he is just 14 months old at the moment.

Anyway- these books are very fun and full of ideas for turning food into something that even the pickiest eater might enjoy. My primary criticism, however, is that the recipes seem to focus on sweet treats (does anyone really have a problem getting their child to eat cupcakes?), rather then more nutritious fare. Nonetheless, I believe in getting kids involved in the kitchen early on. 

The website is a bit trippy...I can't help but hum Grateful Dead tunes while browsing the site...but the yummy fun blog has loads of ideas, including the house shown above. 

happy, happy, fun, fun

When my friend Amy gets really excited about something she says 'happy, happy, fun, fun!' That's just what I thought when I saw this felt dress ensemble. Not sure if it's actually wearable- though it is super fun.

a valentine thought

I booked a couples yoga class for Valentine's this year. My very un-flexible husband is going with it, just because (a gift in itself!). 

I love these Valentine 'oreo's' from Morgan Moore.

needing a pick-me-up (thank you, naomi)

I'm really needing a pick-me-up after the dreadful news that Domino is folding. I don't know why I am taking it so hard- but for me, this is really signaling that the economy is in awful shape. I know that sounds so stupid, but we have been very fortunate not to have anyone laid off in the family, so this is the event that is making it 'hit home' for me. If I were to choose one magazine to curl up with during any downtime I might have, it would be Domino. I've always hoarded each of my issues and poured over every single page. Why, why, why will magazines like US Weekly and People go on, but my dearest Domino fold?!? This is starting to explain for me why I received two copies of Lucky (last month and this month), even though I don't subscribe. I hate that policy of replacing with another mag, but not given a choice. But I digress...

On to these beautiful shots from flickr favorite Hello Naomi. If birds, flowers, ladybugs, owls and cupcakes don't lift the spirits, then I'm in real trouble.  

NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!

I would actually scream at the top of my lungs if my child weren't asleep...

but a friend just passed along the news that DOMINO IS FOLDING!

WHAT? I know the mag felt thin this month, but I had no idea it was in dire straits. My absolute all-time favorite magazine...such a shame.

RIP, my dear Domino.

makes me want a girl!

This party looks like every little girl's dream...

...and on a sidenote: I apologize to anyone whose comments I haven't responded to. If you'd like to send me photos of your party, please email them to hickspapergoods(at)yahoo(dot)com. I can't promise I that I can publish all of them, but I do love seeing each and every one! If you have a direct question for me, that's also the best way to reach me. I don't have any way of knowing when a new comment pops up unless I go back and look through all the old posts, which I often don't have time for (so sorry!). It's not that I'm ignoring you.

But I DO love all of your comments- thank you and keep 'em coming! On the days that it doesn't seem worthwhile to have a blog, they definitely sustain me. Lastly-regrettably, I'm not able to supply ideas for those of you looking for help planning a specific kind of party. If and when I come across some great inspiration I will be the first to pass it along- but I simply don't have the time or resources to invest in party planning, though I wish I did! Thank you to all of you for your continued readership. -sara

she's done it again

Another fantastic birthday party from Brooke.

color du jour

What's red and white and turquoise all over?! Lots of parties, it seems. I'm loving this color combo and keep seeing it pop up in many places.

Maraka passed along this beautiful birthday party from Shim and Sons. I love it! The Martha-Stewart-esque photography (with fabric backdrops to boot) is just up my alley. 

I'm going to have to remember to pull out all of the great Americana inspiration that came out with the inauguration around July 4th! I particularly like this 'waving' cupcake flag.

woof

Cute puppy cookies via tastefully entertaining.

sigh

I love a peak of this party girl's closet...you just know she's lots of fun with this wardrobe!

via the selby

in love again

Loving this 'wedding library' tablescape from the always talented Amy Atlas.

william and wild animals

For some reason I seem to be all kid parties this week. This is another favorite from Sharnel. Her 3 year-old William, had a 'Wild Animals' themed birthday party. Click here for more.

FYI- We moved out of the house this morning and into my in-law's as the tree damage to the house begins repairs. I might be a bit more scattered with my posts for the time being.

charlotte's 2nd birthday

Thank you to Maraka for sharing this sweet celebration for her daughter.

She writes, "Our daughter Charlotte recently turned 2, and living in London during one of the coldest winters I have known we went for a simple afternoon tea in her honour."

wow. (baby shower by brooke)

Having been in the stationery industry for years- I've always found it a tough sell to customers to 'do' hearts for any day other then Valentine's. But Brooke's baby shower almost made me catch my breath, it's so awesome. I'm always a sucker for a quiz, too. Head over here to see all the pictures and details.

inauguration party

Cute inauguration party photos over at Design Mom (seen above, more here). 

Word on the street is that Michelle's green gloves and shoes- as well both of the girl's outfits, were from J. Crew.

kite party...

I can't help but hum Will.I.Am's 'It's a New Day' today...as I'm glued to the inauguration activities.

I thought it was apropos to share this Aussie party (where it is warm and cheery) with a kite theme. Thank you to Nathalie for passing it along!

From Nathalie, "I have the philosophy that you don't need to spend loads of money on entertainers, a few traditional games keeps the children amused for hours. Travis' kite flying party is a perfect example, it was the most amazing yet inexpensive party and the children LOVED flying their kites- so simple! The kite also became their take home gift.

I picked a park with large open space and not too many trees to disrupt the kite flying. I set up a large area in which the children received a kite flying kit and were able to decorate their kites with glitter and paint. This activity was organized first so it had time to dry. Then after having lunch which consisted of a lunch box- apple, bottle of juice, simple sandwich wrapped in red-striped lunch bag and rice crackers- they played a few traditional games.

The 'sack race' was made buying inexpensive material and copying the size of a pillow case- perfect size for the children. An exciting way to give the child their treat bag was to play 'treasure hunt'. Kraft boxes with the same striped bags were used as they found the treats and toys for their bags to take home and enjoy after the party.

By this stage the decorated kites had dried and the children spent the rest of the afternoon flying their kites in the park. The children had such a great time that two of them brought their kites for 'show and tell' at preschool the following day!"

Thanks so much for sharing another amazing party with us Nathalie! It looks like everyone had a blast.

kite personalized noteset (12 envelopes, flat cards + seals)...AUD $35

lovely hang-y things

lovely collection of hang-y things from Copperseal...more here.