kid-sized buffet

I'm still planning to one day replicate the kid-sized buffet in this back issue of Blueprint (pictured in the bottom far right). The 'buffet' appears to be composed of three LACK tables from IKEA (cheap enough to buy just for a party at $8/table) scooted together. How fun would it be to have a kid-sized 'favor buffet' or have small snacks set out their level? Or perhaps an Amy Atlas-inspired mini treat table? It would definitely have to be for the 3+ year old crowd (I can't imagine my almost two year old being able to control himself with a small table of treats), but perhaps something I will contemplate for his next birthday.

backyard glam

Amanda was inspired by this backyard fete, and created her own take on it for her daughter's 5th birthday. Guests walked the red carpet to the backyard movie screening, which included freshly-popped popcorn and cupcakes. What more could a girl ask for?

fairy party in brazil

I love seeing how celebrations for our loved ones share a certain similarity, no matter where we're from! This 'fairy party' from Brazil was crafted by Luiza for her daughter's 3rd birthday. Lots more here.

environmentally friendly birthday

For those looking to lessen their impact on the environment while still celebrating their little one's birthday, check out this party from compact by design.

bake sale

I still love this story from MS Kids Back to School issue- makes me want to have a bake sale!

reader question of the week

Reader question of the week:

"I'm co-hosting a baby shower for my friend who is having a baby boy. We want to do a nautical theme but I'm having a hard time thinking of ideas for cute favors, invitations, the menu, drinks and decor. I would love suggestions or ideas of how to make it a fabulous and classy nautical-themed shower without being cheesy. Thanks for any ideas! -Colleen"

weekend randomness: school days

The past couple of weeks have been a bit chaotic as we have started the school year and baby #2's arrival gets closer and closer (and I panic a bit more and sleep a bit less with each new day). But there's something I just love about the start of the school year... though my child is not yet of 'school age', his childcare feels much like school. New teachers, lunches to pack, things to label, coloring pages full of crayon marks and progress reports from the day have started to become part of our routine once again.

I've put together a collection of things from our start of the school season, above:

1st and 2nd photo: A couple of class photographs from my mom's childhood that she just rediscovered. Apparently my grandmother insisted on getting a class picture every year, even though it wasn't something that the school did. So she would gather my mom's class at their house (second photo, notice living room environment), until she began going to the school to take the picture (top photo, notice blackboard). She did this all the way through my mom's schooling, until her senior year of high school when a professional graduation portrait was taken. She even labeled the back with the names of every person in the class, which my mom says she is now grateful for.

3rd photo: we just had a photog come to the house to do a couple of pictures of little G before his sister arrives. I've only seen a few preview photographs, and am much more pleased with the photos of just G than of the ones that include me. This pregnancy is not treating me as well as the first one did!

4th and 5th: I attempted to follow Kristin's lead and document G's first day of school with a 'sign'. Unfortunately, a 21-month old is not nearly as cooperative as a 3+ year old. The best I could get was G running towards me or eating the paper.

6th: I just rediscovered a set of alphabet stamps I purchased in my Martha Stewart days, and am now labeling just about everything, including G's school napping sheets and our cloth shopping bags.

7th: Haley introduced me to these great divided containers that I use to pack G's lunch for school (bonus, they are BPA free!). Months ago, I bought Gram a set of cocktail forks from Target that he loves- and seems to encourage more eating, so I tape a single fork to the top of his lunch pack.

8th: I've finally started to continue the 'first words' project I did for Gram. My goal is for him to have familiarity with family members- particularly ones that don't live close by. So I've put up a magnet board in our playroom and created magnets (business card-sized ones from Michael's) with pictures of grandparents, uncles, and even the dogs. I try to practice the names with him each day, which so far seems to be going well. I'm adding family as they cooperate with my project- but I still have 5 or 6 must-have people left to go.

On a side note, I've been meaning to thank Pint Size Social for the shout-out on the first words project- it's fun to see that it is still living on, 7 months after I posted it.

All the best to you and your loved ones as we leap into fall!

you won't want to miss...

Amy Atlas' 'space' themed birthday for her son, Zach's, 5th birthday. Much, much more right here.

neviepiecakes

I am definitely smitten with the latest creations from neviepiecakes. Sadly for me, the uber-talented mum, Natasha, is from Britain - but I am definitely admiring (and being inspired) from afar.

construction party

I am SO loving this 'building' party Nancy created for her son's 4th birthday and shared with us! Her construction and tool obsessed son must have thought all his birthday wishes came true when he spotted the cardboard houses his interior designer mom set up in the backyard. The party guests did all of the 'finishing' work on the houses, including painting, gluing on chimneys and decor. Nancy didn't overlook a single detail with this dynamo party- construction hats were given as favors, each child received a construction apron and the building tools-inspired cake is awesome, too. If you are toying with the idea hosting a similar party, you won't want to miss Nancy's play-by-play here and here.

photos by dian lofton

halloween season...

is almost here, and of course- I turn to the Martha Stewart website to see what tricks that crafty staff has up their sleeves. My two favorites, above.

farm first birthday

I'm smitten with all of the 'corralled animals' in this farm-themed first birthday from Nina. The farm animal cupcakes in the miniature white picket fence, the wooden crate cow cookies and pig favors are not to be missed!

pirates

Who says pirate-themed birthdays are just for boys? I love all the details in Kristin's party for her daughter here and here.

candyland

Mom Katherine went all-out for this Candyland-themed birthday. Toothbrushes as favors were a humorous ending to a sugar-y sweet party!

butterfly birthday

Butterfly-inspired 3rd birthday right here (check out those lovely packaged bubbles, above).

peter pan birthday

It seems Neverland is a never-ending source of inspiration for parties! A cute Peter Pan-themed party right here.

reader question of the week

reader question of the week:

"We decided to go all out for my father's 50th Birthday, so a surprise party is in the works! I was hoping for ideas to keep the party going, such as games or entertainment with a twist. We are catering the food and I'm looking for a guitar player for a great way for everyone to have fun, any other suggestions? Thanks so much! -Domenica" 

40th mexican birthday

Very fun mexican-themed birthday for Andrew's 40th right here.

t-riffic train party!!!

You might remember Henri's circus party from uber-creative mom Dana last year. Dana has been at again and recently hosted a 'train' party in honor of Henri's 3rd. I just love every detail! I know many of you moms have train-obsessed boys, and have pondered how to put together something that reflected their passion but wasn't all Thomas the Train-themed (we even had a reader question of the week on this topic). Feast your eyes and be inspired right here.

invites...social circles

cupcake toppers...sugar robot

banner...paperklip