personal current even organizing

New for 2012: Skills Clinic

2012-01-18T21:27:00.000-08:00

This year's Ann Arbor Spring Training Series will kick off a week earlier than normal with a skills clinic. This clinic is intended for new and experienced racers alike to learn and practice both basic and advanced skills of bike handling. It will take place Sunday, March 25, 9:00 am – noon at the race course. Additional details are available on the skills clinic page.

2012 Ann Arbor Spring Training Series

2011-12-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

The 2012 race session is a few months away but we're starting to put together details for the 28th annual Ann Arbor Spring Training Series (STS). Check out the dates and details listed on this site to get a sense of the calendar for 2012.

Week #4 Recap, results, and overall standings

2011-04-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

The last week of the Ann Arbor STS was windy to say the least. Those who managed to not get blown off the course fought hard for the final overall points in every category. Cutting straight to overall, the top 5 in each category fell out as follows. Results for the week and full overall standings are on the results page.

Thanks to Pear Tree Pens for donating some primes for the final week's races. Mark your calendars for the Cone-Azalia Classic Road Race p/b Pear Tree Pens on May 1!

"C" overall
1. George Bracken (41)
2. Stephen Doll (37)
3. Jody Cagle (35)
4. Jeff Plotzke (30)
5. Chris Roper (27)

Women's overall
1. Grace Singleton (25)
2. Hana Berkooz (22)
3. Laura Johnson (20)
4. Sarah Demerly (12)
5. Chelsea Clark (10)

"B" overall
1. Scott Gifford (38)
2. David Manges (33)
3. Joe Lekovish (31)
4. Jody Cagle (28)
5. Seth Kleinglass (26)

"A" overall
1. Tim Finkel (54)
2. Robert Foshag (43)
3. Vince Roberge (42)
4. Alexey Vermeulen (39)
5. Alan Antonuk (30)

Week #4 Cook Out!

2011-04-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

Skies should be dry again this Sunday for the last Ann Arbor STS race, and to celebrate the end of the training races and beginning of the "real" racing (Michigan Race Series) that starts in two weeks, we'll be cooking out! The grilling will start about the time "A" race starts, roughly 11:30. We'll have brats, burgers, chips and drinks. So plan to stick around, bring your own fruits, veggies, or other sides you want, and enjoy the day. Pass the word!

Week #3 video

2011-04-11T14:07:00.000-07:00

Video from the start, mid-race, and finish line camera during week #3, including the C, B, and A races. Our camera operator was working during the women's race so we'll make sure to capture some action during that race in week #4.

Week #3 Recap and Results

2011-04-10T22:53:00.000-07:00

The fog rolled in for the start of week 3, but with temps at 45°—almost three times warmer than 2 weeks ago—and chance of rain disappearing, not too many people were complaining. By the time the A race started, the temps we in the 70s and everyone was no trying to get used to the “heat”.

The C race saw a few moves go early but generally stayed together, though, single file with a high pace. With about 5 laps to go one rider rolled off the front, taking about a 15 second lead. With 3 to go the very strong new comer, Evan Boese, took chase as finished as the lone rider off the front.

The women's race was fast from the start with the small field working well together and staying single file throughout their contest. When it came to the finish, Sarah Demerly took charge and took the sprint.

"B" field stacked up at the finish line.

The warm weather helped the field sizes grow, and the B race saw a good sized field keep a good tempo throughout the race, made more challenging as the fog burned off and the winds picked up on the back side of the course. David Manges made a late race escape, staying clear of a crash that took out a few riders in the sprint, and he finished just off the front of the rest of the charging field.

The A race was again quick but battling into the growing headwind on the backstretch meant good chances for a break to roll away. Vince Roberge went early and fast, soon joined by 5 others before leaving them behind to lap the field on his own and go back off the front again. A couple chase groups slipped away in the second half of the race leaving the field to fight for 13th place, while Vince hung on strong for the win.

Full results are posted on the results page.

Prizes for the Women's Race Sunday!

2011-04-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

The Ann Arbor Velo Club's women's team has put up $50 in prizes for the women's race this week. Pass along the word, and have women racers in the area take advantage of the warm forecast for Sunday.

Week #2 recap and results

2011-04-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

The temperatures were warmer than week (how couldn't they be?) and the rain just barely held off until the end of the A race, making for a dry morning of racing despite the forecast.

The C race saw a number of riders try to get away, but nothing stuck. Aaron McCready opened a gap on the last lap, though, to take the win. Hana Berkooz took the two-up sprint for the win after riding a quick tempo with Grace Singleton in the women's race. No break stuck this week in the B race, but that didn't keep Joe Lekovish from staying near the front again this week and getting the win in the sprint.

A handful of Canadian riders joined the mix for the A race, and with a blistering pace in the first half of the race some riders in the peloton were asking if there was an international conflict they hadn't heard about. Despite no truth to those rumors the attacks persisted throughout the race. With the speed in the field remaining high, nothing could stay away and it came down to a field sprint with Robert Foshag taking the win.

Check out the full results and points standings on the results page, or watch the finish camera videos for the C race, B race, or A race.

Flashback video

2011-03-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

A shot of some action from the Ann Arbor STS back in 2008.

Week #1 Recap and Results

2011-03-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

It was a cold morning, but the sun was out and so were a lot of racers for the sub-20 degrees temps that started the day. Results are posted along with the initial overall points for the series. Check out the C race, B race, and A race finish line videos.

The C race came down to a field sprint with Jody Cagle taking the win. The B race saw 5 riders go clear of the field by 20 seconds with Brad Legris taking the win. The A race saw 6 racers go clear about 15 minutes in and take a lap on the field with youngster Rudy Peterson getting the win. Houston Peterson and Martin Vecchio chased much of the race, not getting a lap but staying clear of the field for 7th and 8th.

New Racer Tips: Pinning on your Race Number

2011-03-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

One of the basics every bike racer has to learn to do is pin on your race number. While it's not difficult, it helps to follow a few basic tips.

Make sure it is on the correct side and right-side-up so the officials and finish camera can see it
Use at least 6 pins to hold on big number—8 are better as no part of the number will catch the wind

Well positioned number with the ideal 8 pins.

Do not use the pre-cut holes in the corner of the numbers—ignore them as these will cause your number to flap in the wind a lot. Just pin right through the surface of the number.

For more details about how to pin your number, check out the Cycling Skills blog post on the topic.

New Racer Tips: More than You Want to Know

2011-03-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

If you're brand new to bike racing there are a lot of details to learn. We'll do a quick series of posts this week to help new riders coming to the Ann Arbor Spring Training Series or to any other race.

The first installment for those with a bunch of extra time on their hands is the very thorough My First Bike Race webinar video hosted by USA Cycling last year. It covers nearly everything (and a lot more) that a new racer might need to know about getting started racing. It's about 1 hour 20 minutes, with the first 56 minutes being the presentation and the last bit being a question and answer.

2011 Race Here Soon—Flyer Available Now

2011-03-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

The fast corner on the course is looking a bit snowy, but two weeks in Michigan gives us plenty of time for the weather to change. Probably enough time for it to change a dozen times.

Regardless of today's weather, the race flyer is now available, or check out the links at the top of the page for event details. See you March 27! Online registration should be available shortly, and race-day registration will be inside the Robertson-Morrison building adjacent to the start/finish line on the course.

2011 Planning is Underway

2011-01-17T13:37:00.000-08:00

We're currently working to confirm details for the 2011 Ann Arbor Spring Training Series. A slightly revamped schedule to help us stay on time will be a part of the mix. Check back here before the end of February for additional details.

come on over...

2010-06-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder to those of you who haven't switched your blog feed over to the new website...

please join me at:

www.saraspartyperfect.com

hope to see you there!

sara's party perfect!

2010-06-09T19:49:00.000-07:00

YAYYYY...the day has finally come! I'm happy to announce the new website has launched. From now on party perfect is officially sara's party perfect. Come on over...

www.saraspartyperfect.com

Sounds a bit vain, I know. But let's just say the most obvious domain names were taken, so I had to regroup and figure out the best substitute. I will no longer be posting to this blog site. Waiting for you at the new site are some great new features- including bigger pictures and a better search engine, among other things. You won't want to miss the latest party from MikoDesign- come join the party!

princess and the pea

2010-06-07T18:35:00.000-07:00

Brilliant! I know you'll love this Princess and the Pea party as much as I do...from the winding road.

ladybug loveliness

2010-06-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

One color scheme that's tough to pull off any other time than Christmas: red + green. So I loved to see this fresh take on a 'ladybug' party without a hint of the holidays! The bright polka dots, the fresh green grass, and all of the graphic elements make for a stunning party. You'll want to swing over to WH Hostess for all the details!

reader question of the week #2

2010-06-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

"I was wondering if you or your readers have any ideas for a cow-themed rather than farm-themed birthday party for girls and boys? My daughter will be turning 2 and is obsessed with cows, so I wanted to incorporate them as much as possible into the the theme. Thanks! -Susanne"

reader question of the week #1

2010-06-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

"My son, Oliver, is turning 2 on July 2nd. My little man LOVES sushi so we are throwing him a sushi themed second birthday party at a local Sushi restaurant. My question is what ideas do others have to make this party complete? What would you do for favors? Decor? Treat bags or favors? Invitations? Thank you! -Christine"

alice in wonderland

2010-06-06T19:24:00.000-07:00

Verrrrry cute Alice in Wonderland-themed party. from sweet! cupcakes and treats

shim + sons

2010-06-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a crapper of a day, so I need a little party awesome-ness to cheer me up! Just what the doctor ordered: the latest gem from Shim + Sons. Mom Sally took a tad of lizard, and lot of white, black and green to make a memorable party for her son's 7th. Her cute thought bubble (which reminded me of MikoDesign's talk bubble) was also a hit. View more of this clever party right here.

letter cake

2010-06-03T20:09:00.000-07:00

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

...via life from the hilltop

wizard of oz

2010-06-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

So many adorable ideas to steal from Claudia's Wizard of Oz party for her daughter's 5th birthday. I'm loving the red 'sequined' cookie shoes on the yellow brick road, and the rainbow assortment of jelly beans accompanying the scarecrow. Too cute!

preppy first birthday

2010-06-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

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.

maryam in marrakesh

2010-06-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

Any time I want to take a mental vacation I hop on over to My Marrakesh. Oh, how I'm loving this 'henna' party! So exotic, so lovely, so inspiring....

blue + red 2nd birthday

2010-06-01T20:11:00.000-07:00

A punchy red and blue 2nd birthday for car-obsessed Jake. Mom Suzanne did a great job pulling together all of the details...even the jello is color-coordinated!

bollywood beauty

2010-06-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Bird for sending over her Bollywood Bling extravaganza. For more of this colorful beauty, head over to birdcrafts.

precious in pink

2010-06-01T19:55:00.000-07:00

A pinkalicious party for Zoe's first birthday from little sooti.

reader question of the week #2

2010-06-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

"Our best friends are moving to Dubai for a new job opportunity with his company. We are hosting an outdoor going away party for them in July. Any inspiration for us?! Thank you! -Brooke"

reader question of the week #1

2010-06-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

"My sweet 16 is going to be in december and I have to celebrate it with my twin brother (I am a girl) I was thinking maybe a candy theme? I need some color ideas (maybe blue,yellow and orange/lime?) and something that can be used for both a boy and girl! Help! -Paige"

derby perfection

2010-05-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love this Derby party from Abby- so many thought-out details! She did a great job incorporating elements of the 'race for the roses.' Filing away for future Derby party inspiration!

CSI party

2010-05-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

What a clever CSI-themed party for 10-year old Charlotte. More at confectionery concepts.

housewarming party

2010-05-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

A very charming housewarming party from drywall and diapers. Leslie made pies for her guests, had a hand-drawn map of her home for friends to explore, and asked guests to write 'what home is' for them.

blue + pink

2010-05-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

A fun, upbeat party (with cute favors to boot) from DecoPeques- more here.

picnic birthday

2010-05-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

Picnic-themed first birthday for Tomas from love-ink. Even if you don't read Portugese, you'll still be inspired by this lovely affair! More here.

sex and the city bachelorette

2010-05-26T20:21:00.000-07:00

This SATC-themed bachelorette party from Meaghan is fab! The hostesses didn't leave anything out. Among the many details...

-The bride received a SATC-themed gift from her bridesmaids, which included a gift bag for each character... each filled with character-appropriate lingerie (think conservative and classy for Charlotte; leopard print for Samantha)

-Flirtinis and cosmopolitans were the signature cocktails of the evening, served in hot pink martini glasses

-A pink-and-black New York City skyline cake was baked using the Magnolia Bakery recipe and was adorned with a Manolo Blahnik and pearl necklace

-Guests received copies of the Sex & the City Movie DVD as prizes for the night's various games

Sounds like the gals had some fun! Thanks for sharing, Meaghan.

robot party for hudson

2010-05-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

Crafty mom Katelyn dreamed up this robot party for her son, Hudson. Look at that homemade robot (I love the button detail on his chest)! More at domestic charm.

coveting...

2010-05-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

this whole spread from Spruce designer Sarah's wedding. She, fiance, and 2 friends managed to cater the entire wedding themselves! I love the limited bar menu on the chalkboard, as well as the homespun cheese setup. (via style me pretty)

perfect teacher gifts

2010-05-24T17:59:00.000-07:00

Melodie has spotted some super cute teacher gifts for end of year presents (I needed these about 2 weeks ago!). Mentally filing away for next year...

(from the sweetest occasion and simply seleta via pink cupcake vintage)

our house!

2010-05-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

What an honor to be featured on design*sponge's sneak peak today! Thank you, Amy and Grace. More here.

this one's for the girls

2010-05-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

More girl-party loveliness from Nicole! I couldn't choose, so I'm giving you a smattering of her party creativity. Some highlights from a 'rainbow unicorn' party, a tea party, and an under the sea/ mermaid extravaganza.

reader question of the week #2

2010-05-23T21:35:00.000-07:00

"I was wondering if anyone has altered a pinata to follow their birthday theme? I am having a party for my daughter which will be where the wild things are. My question is what is the easiest way to alter a pinata? My color scheme for the party is white, purple, and green. If anyone can give some helpful advice I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you! -Naomi"

strawberry picnic

2010-05-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

Oohhh...some fabulous parties from mom Nicole. First up, this awesome 'strawberry picnic' themed affair for daughter, Niamh! Love the pattern on pattern, splashes of strawberry, red and gingham- and check out that cake.

reader question of the week

2010-05-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

"My son is turning three this summer. He is very into planning a party (I dont know where he gets it) and has finally decided on a theme. "GIANT". I asked him what that meant. Giant cake. Giant balloons. Giant plata (translation- pinata). There will be more adults than kids and it will be at our home.Any ideas? Thanks! -LB"

springtime in paris

2010-05-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

I'm sure there are more then a few girls whose hearts go pitter-patter over this 'springtime in Paris'-themed birthday! From Icing Designs.

pink and yellow circus

2010-05-19T21:06:00.000-07:00

Tallie's 4th birthday is looking mighty fine with the pink and yellow touches throughout her circus-inspired fete. Check out that sweet 'ticket booth' made from a refrigerator box! All this and more at TomKat Studio. (You might want to check out a recent firetruck party while you're there!).

backyard garden party

2010-05-17T21:06:00.000-07:00

I love living vicariously through blogging friends...this garden party from Chelsea is oh so lovely!

japanese tea party

2010-05-17T20:58:00.000-07:00

So, so, so smitten with this 'japanese tea party' from the brilliant team at LMNOP.

noah's ark

2010-05-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

There are days when I feel like a creative person and other days when I'm totally humbled by some other creative mom out there. Kristen is one such mom who threw this awesome 'Noah's ark' party for her twins 2nd birthday. Think about it for a sec. Okay- are you starting to see the brilliance? The 'two by two' of Noah's ark being mimicked by the twins turning two? Kristen went so far as to have her husband build an ark for their mantle (propped with stuffed animals). Other cute additions were umbrellas for favors, a cloud and raindrop garland, and a fantastic ark cake. Many more details at lullaby lubbock.

little mate-y's 3rd birthday

2010-05-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

Check out Aiden's adorable pirate-themed 3rd birthday at munchkin designs.

reader question of the week #2

2010-05-16T19:56:00.000-07:00

"I was wondering if you have any ideas for a dog-themed birthday party for girls? My daughter will be turning 2 and is obsessed with dogs, so I wanted to incorporate them into the theme. I could go in any direction on colors, but am still leaning towards pink/purple. Thanks!! -Carrie"

reader question of the week #1

2010-05-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

"We are throwing a party for my son's first birthday (this coming Saturday), and we will have family members from both my husband's and my side of the family. The majority of family members do not live near us or each other and so do not know one another that well. I am trying to come up with things to do at the party that won't feel too orchestrated but will prevent everyone from sitting in silence (during those moments the one-year-old is not providing the entertainment). There really won't be any other children at the party to liven it up, either. I am trying to balance playing hostess with just enjoying all the family and our little birthday boy. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you! -Amber"

what fun...

2010-05-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

to be strolling through trees draped with lanterns. I clipped this photo from Marie Claire awhile back and cannot, unfortunately, credit the photographer (please let me know if you know!). But I do love it.

pink birds!

2010-05-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, another bird party. But I'm loving the 'birds + blossoms' twist on this one, plus the doses of hot pink.

Dawn of Bee*s Knees parties writes, "I threw a 2nd birthday party this past weekend for my niece Olivia. The theme was Birds + Blossoms. My sister just had another child, so due to slight budget constraints, I needed to be extra creative. The color palate was primarily hot pink and orange, with subtle splashes of light pink. I based the design around a fantastic print of paper that I found at my local craft store. I made all of the blossoms out of tissue paper, using the Martha Stewart shredding scissors. I made blossoms for the girl's hair and boutonnieres for the little boys. For favors, I painted unfinished wood frames from Ikea and filled the frame with handmade bird prints. The children glued rhinestones on the frames as their craft. We played "pin the beak on the bird", and had a blast during musical circle time. We also had a make-shift photo wall, with a fantastic floral print wrapping paper that I found at The Container Store as the backdrop. The desert table and dining tables were inspired by the work of Rebecca Thuss and Amy Atlas. My favorite detail was the adorable floral cups I found at The Container Store! I filled them with pudding and Oreo crumbs and placed little flower lollies in the middle."

Very. Cute.

fern & feather

2010-05-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

Loving all the party-inspired snippets on Fern and Feather (tissue paper party from Design Sponge).

birds + rainbows

2010-05-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

How can I resist sharing a rainbow & bird birthday for a cutie pie named Georgie (love the name!)? Plus, I'm in love with the gift bag pictured at top. Much more to devour at heartfelt handmade.

ace turns one

2010-05-13T18:15:00.000-07:00

Ahoy! It's a red, white and blue 'nautical' first birthday for Ace. More details at live out loud.

picnic party

2010-05-12T21:07:00.000-07:00

Do you love this 'picnic' birthday as much as me? I love the red gingham and touches of 'ant.' For more details, head over to little household.

race car party

2010-05-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

What's blue, black and white all over? A fun race car party from Daniela. More here. (the race track reminds me of this Amy Atlas party- I love this interpretation of the idea!)

'how tweet it is' baby shower

2010-05-12T20:57:00.000-07:00

I'm the first to admit I can't get enough of bird-themed parties! So I loved when this 'how tweet it is' baby shower popped into my inbox. You won't want to miss all the 'tweet' details at nickandkaysi.

pink first birthday

2010-05-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

A girly feast for Eleanor's first on Making It Lovely. So sweet.

fit for a princess

2010-05-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

A lovely princess-themed party from Nicole Parker! Much more here.

first birthday x3

2010-05-10T22:51:00.000-07:00

Three close friends banded together and threw their adorable sons a first birthday party their guests won't soon forget. I love the color scheme and the outdoor setting! Much more from dave and miranda.

bake sale

2010-05-10T22:45:00.000-07:00

Oh so cute bake sale from the bird and the berry (that qualifies as a party, right?).

rainbow fish

2010-05-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

A clever 'rainbow fish' party (swimming was a primary activity) full of easy D.I.Y's from photo peel.

g.i. jane's army party

2010-05-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

See Jane Blog threw a military-inspired party for her son, KJ. Check out the plastic army men set up for target practice, the dog tags and binoculars for the guests, the cake (!), and much more.

reader question of the week

2010-05-09T20:50:00.000-07:00

I'm baaaack....missed you all greatly. We survived the Great Flood of 2010 with no flood damage. Thank you for your sweet comments and emails. So many in our area were not nearly as fortunate, so we are feeling very blessed and thankful. My son's school, unfortunately, was very damaged, which means no more school for the rest of the school year, and no more summer school! Yikes. We are scrambling to get some extra help, but I'm not complaining. (If you are truly interested in seeing some more firsthand photos of the flood, check out my friend, Miller's, blog)

On to this week's reader question of the week:

"Hi! I have a graduation party that I am planning for brothers who are graduating from high school and college and we are celebrating both together. I would love some fresh ideas for how to combine them and make both feel special. Plus we will be feeding about 30 people but many are teenage boys who eat alot. Food ideas are a must! Thank you! -Kelly"

break

2010-05-02T20:46:00.000-07:00

Friends- Those of you following the news might know that Nashville had the most rainfall this weekend in its history! Crazy flooding everywhere- my son's school, included. We were very fortunate and weathered the storm well, but I'm going to take the week off while we regroup. I'll be back to the Party soon! See you next week...

so cool

2010-05-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

Wishing there was a 'coop' in Nashville (but it's in L.A., of course!).

rustic baby shower

2010-04-29T22:52:00.000-07:00

I'm totally smitten with this 'rustic baby shower' from imprintables. It had me at the burlap tablecloths. Combined with the 'shinier' elements like glittered silver letters and coral-colored drinks, I find the whole set-up simply divine! More here.

magical forest dinner party

2010-04-29T22:42:00.000-07:00

Susie threw a 'magical forest dinner party' for a dear friend's birthday, with lovely results! This could easily be translated to a 'woodland fairy' party as well- check it all out at rock scissor paper.

lego 5th birthday

2010-04-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

My oh my, I guess I know what to look forward to when my son turns 5! The number of lego parties I've seen keeps growing, and they just keep getting cuter and cuter. This one from Kelly is chock full of great details....look at her clever lego bingo game, her son's name (Joey) turned into the Lego logo, and juice boxes disguised as large legos. Party perfect, indeed.

pioneer party

2010-04-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

I thought the pioneer birthday I featured last month was so unique- but here is yet another pioneer birthday that I'm gaga over (again thanks to Yolanda). This one was American Girl-inspired. Check out the bread making, clothes-pin dropping and wagon riding at this awesome 8th birthday! From one charming party.

cowboy cuties

2010-04-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

Yolanda is my (blog) eye in the sky this week and spotted two great parties I must share (thanks, Y!). First up, this adorable cowboy affair from Twig and Thistle. I love the 'stable' of horses.

tracy lau

2010-04-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

Lots of eye candy to be had at Tracy Lau! Top two photos from her 40th birthday, bottom two from her celebration for easter.

livin' la vida brooke

2010-04-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

If I were a celebrity, I, too, would hire Amy Atlas to design a desert table for my little ones. I don't see that happening anytime soon, so alas, I'll live vicariously through Brooke Shields (table above for her daughter, Grier). Cute. Photo by Allan Zepeda.

shabby chic cuteness

2010-04-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

A sweet, vintage-inspired 1st birthday from polkadot prints.

fairy 6th birthday

2010-04-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

A girly celebration for Aleena's 6th birthday, from two bees tutus.

farm first birthday

2010-04-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

Darling details from Quinn's first birthday party will have you charmed! This farm-tastic feast is chock full of DIY's and inspiration...head on over to Prudent Baby for more.

attention, sports fans (a soccer birthday)

2010-04-25T21:55:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness. Susie outdid herself for her son, Saleem's, 6th birthday party! This soccer-themed birthday is jam-packed with ideas that could be applied to any sports-themed party. Each guest received a custom jersey with a '6' on the back, as well as a personalized sports bottle. And check out that cake! What a great party for a special little boy.

reader question of the week #2

2010-04-25T21:45:00.000-07:00

hmmm...this question veers into territory that I have not yet touched on this blog. I long ago asked a friend (ahem, Whitney) to be my etiquette lady on PP but she's one busy lady and thus, hasn't gotten around to it yet. But we'll try out this question to see how it goes and I'll decide from there if we want to go down this road in the future. Which brings me to reader question of the week #2:

"My husband and I want to throw a mother's day brunch at our apartment this year. We would like to keep it to just us and parents but here's the problem... my husband's 21-year-old sister lives at home and tags along to all family gatherings because her parents don't want to her to feel left out. I'd really like our parents to get to know each other without the sister there because her parents sometimes talk down to/treat her like a baby around others. Our parents have never had time together with just us and now that we're considering starting our own family I think time alone would be helpful. Am I crazy? I don't want to cause crazy family drama but have a nice, warm brunch for our parents. I guess my main questions is am I obligated to invite siblings if they live at home? Is there etiquette on this somewhere? -Emily"

reader question of the week #1

2010-04-25T21:40:00.000-07:00

"My girls are turning 10 in June and I'm at a loss as to what to do for them. For some reason when it comes to my boy I have plenty of ideas but ... at the moment all I have is a painting party, with a brush as the one for the cake and the finger palette as the 0 and the rest is a blur. I see mini painting easles with mini water color palettes for favors but that's it. And I don't even know if you can get mini painting palettes!!! aaaarrgghh! Could you please give me some inspiration!!? -Catherine (frazzled mother of four)"

pamper me! (a spa birthday)

2010-04-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

I am a girl who likes to be pampered. I come from a mother who likes to be pampered. And I've got a feeling that my daughter is a pamperee as well.

So OF COURSE I love this 'pamper me' themed birthday with details that are so very, very cute! Maja pulled together this darling celebration for her daughter Lucia's 7th birthday. A 'spa' was set up for the girls, with robes, masks, and flip flops as favors. Looks likes Lucia and Maja are girls after my own heart.

another little ladybug...

2010-04-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

1st birthday! I'm loving all these ladybug 1st birthdays, and I must confess- it's quite possible that I might be copying all of you come October. My little Adah was named for my grandmother Adah, who collected ladybugs- so they hold a special place in my heart. More of this cute party here.

black and green baby shower

2010-04-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

What a cool baby shower from Brooklyn Limestone! I especially like that the host added glasses to objects around the house to honor the mama-to-be. More here. (Thanks, Whitney!)

table setting

2010-04-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

I keep coming back to this wedding that was featured in Martha Stewart Weddings. The homespun feeling, the pops of red, the kraft paper placemats...I just can't get enough! Nothing's too fancy or pretentious, which reads perfection to me.

party in a box

2010-04-22T22:07:00.000-07:00

I love this idea from you are my fave on melodie's blog...who wouldn't love to receive this 'party in a box' on their birthday?

rainbow party

2010-04-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

More rainbow party inspiration from jessi arrington via swiss miss. (Remember their rainbow pancakes?)

spa party

2010-04-21T22:27:00.000-07:00

Adrianna's 'spa'-themed 11th birthday looks like it was a hit with her guests! More here.

oh my (around the world party)!

2010-04-21T22:16:00.000-07:00

Wow. I took one glimpse at that silhouette-y map and thought, I'm gonna like this party. 'Like' is an understatement! The level of detail is astounding. The birthday guests were greeted by an 'airline staff', who took them on a tour of all seven continents. There was a boarding pass, a passport, and activities inspired by the continent they were visiting (example: snow playing in Antartica). What an inspired 5th birthday! For much more, check out a party style.

wild thang

2010-04-21T22:11:00.000-07:00

Caroline's take on a Wild Things party is pretty darn cute. More from her here!

reader question of the week #2

2010-04-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

"My son is turning three soon and he's asking for a "big, red party." We're not doing Clifford the Big Red Dog because, well, I don't want to do a character party and--though we live in Cincinnati--we're not doing a Reds baseball party. I've got a few ideas--red, black and white decor, giant red balloons, etc.--but I'm having trouble tying everything together. To make things more difficult, we're combining his party with a backyard party we're throwing as a last hurrah for all our friends before we move to another state. So whatever decor/theme we do for the kids party has to be tasteful enough to do double duty for the adults. I'm starting to think this is too much to ask from one party! I'd appreciate any help! Thanks, Katie"

reader question of the week #1

2010-04-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

"My daughter is turning 4 in June and she isnt 'into' anything much. She has started learning to ride her bike at our local bike park which has roads, roundabouts, traffic signs etc, and lots of play equipment. She would probably love having a bike party there, plus as the guests would range in age a lot, it would amuse all the kids and keep them out of my in-renovation-full-of-mud garden. It would be winter here in inland Australia so cold, but as long as the sun shines and its not too windy a morning there would be lovely. I like the colour scheme of yellow, pink, white and a dash of orange, but am struggling to find ideas for a bicycle theme - especially a cake that is still girly.Any ideas please - anything at all would be a huge help! -Shani"

spaceship party for toby

2010-04-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

Toby had a blast at his rocket-themed 3rd birthday. I love the restrained color palette and all of the homemade details. From house of giggles

modern safari party

2010-04-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

This super cute party was for a grown-ups only gathering- what fun details! It has a Jonathan Adler-eque feeling with all the bright prints and fun animals. Much more from celebrations at home on flickr.

a tweet first birthday

2010-04-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

Bird-inspired party for Charlotte's first from Icing Designs.

toot, toot!

2010-04-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

That's me tooting my own horn- which I try not to do too often, but I can't help myself (sorry!). While I was doing a 9:30 p.m. grocery run on Friday night, I spotted the May issue of Better Homes and Gardens. On page 24, there it is...a shout-out to Party Perfect- hooray! Thanks to Miranda for putting up with me (I'm not the best interviewee as I tend to go off-point and then forget what I was saying), and to BH&G for choosing little ol' me as one of their faves! I'm so incredibly honored. And apologies for my tilt-y head, not quite sure what I was doing with that one.

3.4.

2010-04-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

I had the best of intentions to take detailed photos of my 34th birthday soiree, but as luck would have it- we ran out of time. Turns out managing two young kids while sending mom out for a massage and getting ready for a party is next to impossible. So I only got so far as to photograph the mint-infused ice cubes before I was instructed to put down the camera and get ready! I wish I could show you pictures of cute hubby dressed in all-white with a bow tie, of custom 'specialty' drinks he created (he considers himself an iron chef in the kitchen, but unfortunately, is not), of my sweet Gram eating up the attention of all the ladies. But alas, all I have are the ice cubes. Hopefully you get the picture- I promise to be better next time!

invitation from hpg right here

party poms

2010-04-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

Those of you looking for pre-assembled party poms need to look no further than PartyPoms on Etsy. Love the colors!