rock star birthday

Angie threw another winning party for her daughter, a 'singing and dancing'-themed birthday. Check out that cake!

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On a side note, I love what Irene of Bloesem Kids wrote about her son's last birthday..."I try to live life to the fullest, enjoying each moment, and birthdays play an important part in this for me, not so much throwing big parties but rather standing still and cherishing the moment of yet another year gone by…so we celebrated BIG time with small group…Lode, our eldest, my husband and myself, we ate chocolate cake, sang songs, gave presents..."

I love birthdays (and birthday parties, specifically) because it's one of those times when life stands still for just a moment. Isn't that why all of us love to throw parties for our kids? Their childhood flies by, and it's so nice to have a moment of time to reflect, cherish, and celebrate.

jedi + star wars birthday

Yes- it seems the mothers of mini-Jedi warriors are among the most creative (remember this party and this one?). Natalie does not disappoint with her version for son, Dean. Among her more inspiring ideas: paint your own planet and jedi wardrobe selection. Check it all out here, here and here!

coloring party

It's no secret that I love the idea of using a book as a jumping off point for a party. When I saw this gem from Kensington Blue, I couldn't resist sharing! Lesley used her 2 year-old daughter's favorite book 'I absolutely MUST do coloring now' as party inspiration. The cake is irresistable, among many other details. Any budding artist would appreciate this colorful shindig. Be inspired, right here.

fairy princess

Fairy princess party you won't to miss (from Blonde Designs)!

dora

For those of you who are parents to Dora the Explorer lovers, you will love this Dora-themed party. Who says Nick Jr.-themed parties can't be done tastefully?!

via sweetbeaker

'tea' party

Apologies for my absence...a colicky baby, illness, jealous toddler, preparations for christmas and houseguests has meant little time to spare! My inbox is overflowing and many of you are due a response- I hope to get back to you soon.

I stumbled upon this beauty of a party, and couldn't resist sharing. I can't translate most of the text, but it appears there are outstanding favors, delicious food and lots of cuteness from what I can tell. More here, on menina's photostream.

robot. party.

Yet another brilliant party from down under! How great are these homemade robot costumes and cake? I love the idea of covering the table with foil for this themed party- very smart. (And thanks to Leonie for sharing).

carnival party

Prue gave me a heads up to this awesome carnival party she threw for her 3 year-old daughter- you won't want to miss it! For more, see here and here.

ribbit

For a super fun frog-themed birthday party, check out the princess and the frog blog! 

in case you missed it...an election party

Thank you for your patience. I am very slowly getting back into the groove of things and am easing back into the blog world.

I found this amazing party several places, so not quite sure who to credit...but here's the original post and here's the expanded version on Real Simple. I'm in love with every detail!

The blue and red color scheme is very similar to what I'm working on for Gram's birthday (party in 10 days- yikes!), so I'm finding it particularly inspirational. For those of you whose jaw hit the floor (like me) at the level of detail in this 3 year old's birthday, take heart in knowing this mom had plenty of help- a cake maker and chef, a photographer, and party planner friend to help pull together the details. 

it's a small world party

Yolanda was kind enough to give me a heads up on this Small World party- lots of cute details not to be missed!

not-to-be missed subway party

Where, oh where, have I been- you ask? Busily trying to get a million things done before baby arrives. Besides work items I have been: cooking furiously (trying to get baby meals out to a long list of loved ones, as well as stocking our freezer); trying to prepare nursery and house for another baby; getting down baby items from storage, replacing some items (hard to believe BPA-free bottles weren't as available just two years ago); starting to brainstorm for my son's second birthday party next month, finishing up long overdue house projects...the list goes on and on. Plus I've turned into an insomniac, with several recent nights of no sleeping at all. But believe me- you have been on my mind, and I will try to make it up to you- at least in the amount of time I have left!

First up, this not-to-be missed subway/transportation-themed birthday from Erin Jang via Black Eiffel. Don't you love all the graphic details? I think it's quite brilliant.

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.