red balloon follow-up

It's rare that I get to see the parties that are queried about in our reader question of the week. That's why I was thrilled when Rachel sent me pictures from her 'red balloon' party (see her original question right here). Apparently one of you lovely readers gave her the idea for these 'red balloon' finger sandwiches (= tomatoes on a toothpick) - brilliant! For more of Rachel's party, check out her blog.

reader question of the week #2

reader question of the week #2:

"I am planning my son's first birthday party for late September. Since our family has spent a lot of time in France (we lived there for 7 months of my pregnancy and went back for a visit with baby this summer), I wanted to have a party loosely themed around Albert Lamorisse's 1956 film "The Red Balloon." I thought something as simple as a red balloon would be age-appropriate, but am having trouble coming up with activity/food/decor ideas! As for decor, I plan on using ball-shaped red paper lanterns, but do any other readers have other ideas inspired by the film or Paris? What about age-appropriate food ideas? I want to make this a fun opportunity for our baby to celebrate with the new friends we'll be inviting from his daycare class. Thanks! -Rachel"

balloon round-up

Since we are still in a celebratory mood around here, I thought it would be appropriate for a long-overdue balloon roundup! Thank you for all of the well wishes...they meant so much.

photos from...tim walker; a cup of joe; martha stewart; black eiffel; amy atlas; creature comforts

balloon 'garland'

I love this twist on a garland from MS Crafts.

well, that sucks...

Um- did you guys know that there is a helium shortage? Seriously- the world could deplete its helium reserves in as little as eight years? Zut alors! I might just have to make this the year of the balloon- as if it's a species on the brink of extinction. The immediate effect of this shortage (on parties) will mean higher prices for balloons. Crazy!

A favorite photo of this dying breed, above, from Jen Gotch.

article...here

found out about it (plus check out these cool 'balloons')...here

balloons, balloons

Another fab 3rd birthday party right here! I love all of the balloon-inspired touches.

via molly winn

more balloon love...

from top: creature comforts, black eiffel (2), simply lovely, frolic(2)

in case you missed it...

Of course I can't resist passing along Joy's balloon-inspired post, and am throwing in another lovely from Cup of Joe as well!

valentine round-up

I couldn't resist a Valentine round-up before heading into the weekend. So many goodies out there... from top: handmade hearts via Purl Bee (2); tiny valentines via Oh Happy Day; ginger heart cookie string via Modern Country; valentine picnic via Design Sponge; heart box via D Sharp; balloon heart via Creature Comforts; matchbox valentines via Inchmark; Martha Stewart Kids valentine bags via Black Eiffel; cupcakes via Absolutely Beautiful Things.

balloons!

I love this balloon image round-up from It's Lovely...

preppy first birthday

Preppy Mama had me at the bunting-inspired cake and hand-sewn details for her son's 1st birthday. You'll want to check out all of the red + blue fabulousness (look at that 'balloon wreath'!) right here.

sidenote: I apologize for my spotty appearance on the blog the past couple of weeks- I've been knee-deep in a blog redesign that I simply can't wait to share! Hopefully we will be up and running on the new site by the beginning of next week.