February 11, 2016

VALENTINE HOOP OF LOVE

February 11, 2016/ MARLAN

Inspired by The House That Lars Built's Balloon Heart Backdrop, I set out to make a kid-friendly version. I like to call it, "Hoop of Love." I used: a bamboo hula hoop from Ikea, about 80 balloons in two different pinks, white, gold and red and 5 XO balloons from Target, and baker's twine in metallic gold from Amazon. I tied each balloon individually with string so I could move and adjust them as I added more balloons.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Mila's Twinkle Toes Onesie is by Tutu Du Monde via Mini Joops.

August 13, 2015

PARTY TIME! EXCELLENT BALLOONS

August 13, 2015/ MARLAN

We love parties! So I thought we'd dedicate today to party supplies, specifically balloons. There are so many incredible balloons now -- just one gets me in the party spirit. It makes sense that the queen of party crafting, Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day, now has an online party decor shop. I mean, dream come true, right? So lets start with some our favorites from OHD and move onto more great picks!

mylar zebra balloon via oh happy say shop!

mylar watermelon balloon via oh happy day shop!

mylar pineapple balloon via oh happy day shop!

giant round confetti balloon via oh happy day shop!

Northstar xoxo balloon kit via urban outfitters

June 30, 2015

MODERN QUEEN KIDS LAUNCH PARTY

June 30, 2015/ MARLAN

If I were to dream up a magical launch party for a kids' line, this would be it. Hilary Rosinkranz and Stacy Rosen, founders of MODERN QUEEN kids, really outdid themselves on this one -- the perfect celebration for their new luxury accessory brand.

The party was a mini queen's fantasy filled with dreamy portraits, glittering makeup, custom hair braids, tattoo jewelry art, cotton candy, macarons, cupcakes, cookies and donuts.

Bon Puf spinning fruity flavors that were then topped with edible stars, hearts, flowers and butterflies, atop gold glitter cones.

Queen prep underway.

The line includes a stunning collection of fanciful jewelry, sparkling adventure sticks, crowns and warrior bands.

Launch Party for MODERN QUEEN kids

Venue: Ron Robinson Flagship Store in Santa Monica

MODERN QUEEN Event Portraits: Rebecca Farmer Photography

Event Photography: Rebecca Farmer Photography and Krissy Millar

Capelets, capes and tutus for MODERN QUEEN portraits: Tutu Du Monde

Macarons: 'Lette Macarons (gold dusted with gold painted stars)

Cotton Candy Cart: Bon Puf

Custom Cookies: Modern Bite

Donuts: Best Donuts

Cupcakes: Sprinkles Cupcakes with custom MODERN QUEEN kids logo toppers, stars and hearts

MODERN QUEEN kids Gold Glittered Signs: Blessed Blondies on Etsy

Gold/Pink Glitter Star Picks: Catch Some Rae's on Etsy

Pink Paper Straws: Kikkerland

Gold Glitter Straw Toppers: Sandy Lynn B Scrapping

Florals for Photo Wall: Floral Art

Balloon Wands and Star Crowns: Party gift to guests from MODERN QUEEN kids

June 01, 2015

BRIXTON'S FIRST BIRTHDAY

June 01, 2015/ Laurén

I can't believe it, but my baby boy just turned 2! And as Sis and I are gearing up for Brixie and Mila's rager this weekend, I'm reminiscing on his 1st birthday last year. It was one of the most fun and special days ever!

All photos by One Eleven Photography.

I wanted to create an animal-themed party with whites, light blues, mint green and silver. I took inspiration from OH HAPPY DAY and created "party animals" by making fringed party hats for each of them. They were my favorite element of the party.

I purchased plastic animal figurines from Amazon and made mini party hats from card stock and tissue paper from Paper Source, and attached them with a glue gun. I love the way they turned out! To create some height, I placed the animals on kraft paper boxes of varying sizes, that I purchased from Etsy. I also purchased the fringe banners on the main table from Etsy. The blue striped cups, napkins and plates are from Shop Sweet Lulu. The extra large white balloons are also from Shop Sweet Lulu. I used twine as balloon string and cut my own tissue fringe in sea blue and green, white and silver.

I wanted to make B's first birthday a celebration for all of our friends and family. I had to think of a location that would comfortably hold over 100 friends and their kids. The Franklin Gardens of The Manor Hotel in Hollywood, was a perfect hidden gem, with expansive grass and waterfalls.

I purchased extra large white balloons and made my own fringe by cutting tissue paper from Paper Source. I had my local balloon shop blow up all of the balloons and brought in my own twine for them to tie the balloons to.

I made my own organic, low-sugar lemonade and hibiscus iced tea and used my Pottery Barn drink dispensers for easy group serving.

I filled silver buckets from Pottery Barn with sparkling water and flat water.

It was important to me to have great food that both adults and kids would enjoy. We had ComidaLA there making their delicious South American food - arepas filled with organic meats and slaw, as well as rice, beans and quesadillas.

I like to have a lot of food and snack options! Especially with the large age range of the party. I made a huge fruit salad.

I filled treat bags from Paper Source with organic popcorn and chips and I put a variety of organic yogurts on ice for the little guys.

The birthday boy and Grampie.

Mila partying it up.

Not the prettiest ball pit ever, but I made a last minute purchase from Amazon and filled a blow-up kiddie pool with balls. I also purchased animal beach balls, from Oriental Trading Company, for the kids to throw around the large grassy area. It was a all a big hit.

The Giraffe Bouncy house, from Magic Jump, was also a hit.

The main attraction at the party was the awesome children’s music duo, The Beat Buds, who perform and engage the kids with songs and instruments that they can participate in. And their songs are really good!! Even the adults enjoyed them.

Gluten-free cupcakes and donuts were from Erin McKenna's Bakery (formerly Babycakes).

Small kraft bags, purchased from Etsy, were filled with animal sunglasses, stickers, bubbles and mini animal figurines. The sunglasses were a big hit.

Happy Birthday, Brixton!

Event Design: Twink + Sis
Photography: Jenna Elliott, One Eleven Photography
Venue: Manor Hotel, Franklin Gardens
Catering: ComidaLA
Cupcakes & Donuts: Erin McKenna's Bakery
Fruit & Yogurt: Whole Foods
Chips & Popcorn: Gelson’s
Balloons, Baker’s Twine, Cups, Plates & Napkins: Shop Sweet Lulu
Wooden Forks, Plastic Animals, Glue Gun: Amazon
DIY Tissue Fringe, Animal Hat Paper, Paper For Signs, Stencils for Sign: Paper Source
Favor Bags, Brown Twine, Fringe Banners, Kraft boxes: Etsy
Favor Bag Contents: Oriental Trading Company
Drink Bins & Dispensers: Pottery Barn
Vintage Glass Water Bottles: Sur La Table
Cupcake Stands,Large Silver Platters & Bowls: Town & Country Event Rentals
Pop-up tent rentals: AAA Rents & Events
Entertainment: The Beat Buds
Brixton’s Outfit: Muscle Tee - Nununu, Pants - Shampoodle Sweden, Moccs - Freshly Picked
Bouncy House: Magic Jump

May 11, 2015

"GIANT PLAYDATE" BENEFITTING ALLIANCE FOR CHILDREN'S RIGHTS

May 11, 2015/ Laurén

Over the weekend, Brixton and I attended The Alliance of Mom's "Giant Playdate," benefiting The Alliance for Children's Rights. The Alliance of Moms is an auxiliary group whose overall mission is to grow a community of moms in Los Angeles who believe their role as parents extends beyond their own children and their focus is to support children in foster care who live without the foundation of family. This quote from their website really struck a chord with me - "AOM moms feel passionately about modeling a life that includes philanthropy for their own kids." Prior to having kids, Sis and I talked a lot about how to demonstrate giving to our children and how this was really important to us. This was a beautiful family-friendly event supporting a beautiful cause. So many talented people and wonderful companies contributed to it, to make it the best playdate I've ever been on!

Colorful and fun set-up at the the gorgeous Lombardi House in Hollywood.

Brixton working the step and repeat.

Super cute arts and craft tables.

Delicious dessert display from Sweet and Saucy Shop.

The striking barn housed the awesome silent auction, Flipbooth and informational video.

B and I selfie-ing it up in the Flipbooth area.

HeirloomLA contributed to the event with their famous lasagna cupcakes and fresh market salads.

My current obsession: SiPaletas artisanal, all-natural, handmade frozen treats. SO GOOD!!!

Love this make-your-own Mother's Day bouquet stand.

Brixton went crazy for the bubble-making pools by Best Bubble Parties.

Found Rentals provided their gorgeous furniture and accents for the perfect family lounging experience and Geronimo Balloons added pops of color and fun with her amazing fringe balloons.

We ended the day with a massive jam mesh with Free To Be Me Drum Circle.

Little drummer boy had a great time supporting Alliance of Moms and Alliance for Children's Rights. To find out more about these wonderful groups and how you can help, CLICK HERE. xx