letter cake

I love how perfect this imperfect cake is. The oversized letters are splendid!

...via life from the hilltop

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.

coastal-inspired birthday party

Brazilian mom Juliana shared this great party for her son Thomas and cousin Sofia. So many colorful details you won't want to miss, right here.

100 day celebration

Long ago I had read an article on the Korean tradition of celebrating the 100th day of a babies life. I loved this sweet, small celebration Minhee and Truman Cho threw for their little Tru's 100th. (More on this special tradition right here).

ahoy!

You won't want to miss this gorgeous nautical-themed birthday party for Charlie's 1st birthday! I can't get enough of that cardboard boat.

from the tilman family via birthday girl

yellow yellow yellow

Of course I couldn't resist posting a link to this lovely yellow party featured on nesting. Much more here, here, here, here and here.

max turns one

Great colors and fun party elements for Max's first birthday- check out the full story here.

henri's circus party

I must admit I am not a fan of the real-life circus. But Cirque Du Soleil and circus-themed birthday parties are just dandy!

Dana went all-out for her son Henri's first birthday party. I'm personally in love with the favors (look at that amazing fabric and ticket-stub tags!). That cake- especially the lettering- really has me hooked. And all of the sweet vintage touches keep it from feeling like a 'factory-ready' party. I really adore everything, with the exception of the occasional tilted photo (a personal pet peeve of mine). Tip: Try cropping your photos differently or putting your 'scene' in a corner of the photo next time and see what a difference it will make!

I also heart the spelling of Henri's name. You can see all the love and hard work that was put into this lovely affair!

sources: 

vintage wares... etsy and ebay. 

invites and paper goods...gaddie and tood. 

painting...kiki and polly.

And- OH! For those with kids- this article is laugh-out-loud funny. 

1st birthday gifts

A friend is headed off to a 1st birthday party this weekend, and asked me about my favorite gifts for a one-year-old, since it is fresh in my mind. 

Personally, I don't like electronic gifts- things that make 'annoying' noises (my husband was actually the worst culprit this time around), or anything too big, since we're short on storage around here. Touch-and-feel books are favorites, as are anything that 'shakes' (maracas, particularly), things that stack (blocks), anything that can safely be put in the mouth (stuffed animals or lovies), and puzzles with big knobs.

Above: maracas by schylling, charlie monkey book series (they have a robot, dinosaur, etc. as well), haba's first blocks (lots of fun things in the blocks: jingle bells, etc); melissa and doug puzzles (love those big knobs for little hands); jelly catz plush animals (they are SO soft and cuddly); and another great touch and feel book series, by Usborne. 

There are many great independent vendors out there as well, so if you are looking for something more unique, head to Etsy. 

Also- I promise to give a photo garland how-to very soon (hopefully tomorrow), since I know a lot of you have asked for one!