Plagiocephaly Party {It's Tortilly Adorable}

I never intended for it to take me this long to finally blog about Noah's Tortilly Cute Helmet Decorating Party, but alas it did. Despite the great length of time it took me to sit down and write this post, it certainly doesn't make it less important.

Noah was diagnosed with severe plagiocephaly and torticollis just a couple months after he was born, and started his helmet treatment as soon as he turned 4 months old. It was a roller coaster of emotions for us (mommy and daddy) at that time.

 We felt immense guilt (could we have done something differently to prevent it?), sadness (our sweet baby boy is going to have to wear that helmet 23 hours a day for how many months???), more guilt, fear (will this helmet treatment harm him in some way? Will he have facial deformities for life?)...it was a challenging time for us new parents at the time.


You can read more about how we felt at the time in the "Tortilly Adorable" party post which debuted on HWTM, here.

We chose to have a helmet decorating party as a way for us parents to cope, as well as an opportunity to spread awareness and teach those who love Noah why he is wearing a helmet, how to put it on him/clean it, and show them physical therapy exercises to practice with him to improve his torticollis. Guests all decorated their own helmet to wear...one of my favorites was made by my sister Julia, one of Noah's two amazing Aunties!

So many AMAZING vendors (many moms, one of whom has a son who wore a helmet when he was a baby and now, several years older, is doing fabulous and treatment worked!) wanted to help with this celebration. I feel a special place in my heart for each and every one of them {and a little extra thanks to Do of Piggy Bank Parties for this fabulous paper plate backdrop idea!}

I am thrilled to say that Noah had incredible care at Children's Hospital, a very successful treatment, and none of our fears came to life.

Along the way we met many other wonderful parents of children who wore helmets, and it was terrific to be able to chat with them and relate to them (including one of our neighbors, imagine that!)  We realized starting treatment immediately as we did, was the best thing we could have done.

Noah formed a special bond with specialist Chelsea, who we saw every couple of weeks at Children's Hospital to check and adjust his helmet.

We also loved our amazing plastic surgeon and pediatrician who made the diagnosis and guided us all along the way. Having interned at Children's Hospital in Boston, several years ago (marketing),  I always had an appreciation for it. But when your child is a patient there (he underwent a small surgery this spring for something completely unrelated to his plagiocephaly and torticollis, and they did an outstanding job), you see it all very differently.

We just love those who have cared for our little guy there, and feel blessed to have it as an incredible resource so close by.

Most of the time while wearing that helmet 23 hours a day, our sweet little guy didn't even know (or care) he was wearing it. He rarely fussed--and didn't seem aware of the difference of when he had his helmet on or off. It did interrupt his quality of sleep somewhat, but he was a trooper.

At the end of his treatment, we decided we wanted to host another party to celebrate! It was a great opportunity to all see how beautifully the treatment worked, how amazing the physical therapy exercises were, and what an amazing baby boy he continued to be, stealing our hearts with his sweet smile and low-key disposition.

If you wish to host your own helmet decorating party, you can download the FREE PRINTABLES  HERE designed by the very talented Paula of Frog Prince Paperie. She created this "Tortilly Adorable" collection in a preppy, gender-neutral madras plaid. I love it!

Party Products for the helmet decorating party were generously donated by Sally of Polka Dot Market...from paper straws and clear glass milk bottles to shimmering gumballs, all her darling products added so much to the party. Sally was so kind and one of the sweetest vendors I had the privilege of "getting to know."

The cutest, sweetest and yummiest turtle and madras plaid cookies were absolutely precious. One of the most talented cookie designers out there, Tara of Bambella Cookie Boutique thoughtfully created and donated these to the party. I love any chance I have to enjoy her sweet creations.

The fondant turtle cake and cookie toppers were jaw-droppers. Everyone thought they were absolutely adorable, including me.

The talented and generous Julie of Cakes And Kids made them for us, and I could not have been happier.

I was overwhelmed with joy when so many amazing printables designers created precious FREE PRINTABLE STICKERS for everyone to download and decorate their helmets with! A heartfelt thank you thank you thank you to Andrea, Kelly, Jasmine, Kori, Emily and Karen.

FREE DOWNLOADABLE STICKERS

Pink & Navy initial stickers by Dollhouse Paperie

Absolutely Adorable stickers by Well-Heeled Hostess

Sweet Turtle Small and Large Illustrations by Paper & Pigtails

Modern Butterfly and Fun Snail stickers by IDEA! Event and Style

Vintage stickers by Free Pretty Things For You

Emily of Magnolia Creative gave Noah this precious "Turtley Awesome" t-shirt that reminded her of the party--what a sweet gift, thank you!!!

 I also wish to give a tremendous amount of thanks to Melissa and Kellie of Icing Designs for hand-crafting the banner, buttons and cake topper for our "Hooray For Noah" Helmet Graduation Party!!! (view post on this event on Layla Grayce here). They were absolutely gorgeous with ruffled crepe, glitter and the prettiest colors.

And last but certainly not least, and enormous thank you to the dynamic duo behind the beautiful Happy Wish Company, for the gorgeous jadeite cake stand, tissue poms, paper party plates, napkins, favor bags and bamboo cutlery. We loved them all!

We are so grateful for the love, prayers and support of all of our friends, family, doctors, nurses, helmet specialists, physical therapists and each of you who kept Noah in your heart during his treatment.

I am fully aware that what we went through pales in comparison to so many far more serious and difficult illnesses, diseases and conditions, even untreatable or incurable--my heart aches for each and every precious child and their families who have or are currently going through something challenging. I cannot even begin to imagine what it is like for you, but you have my prayers and most sincere compassion--blessings to you and your sweet child!

Woodland Fairy Party Product Ideas

Woodland Fairy Parties are so enchanting! I absolutely LOVE so many of these fabulous Acme Party In A Box products available today on Zulily, perfect for this theme!

If you would like to browse the shop, please feel welcome to use my invitation and SHOP HERE.


The way Zulily works is that if you invite friends to join and they sign up and make a purchase, you receive a $20 shop credit when their order ships.

Mosser Glass Sale on One Kings Lane

This sale was just too good not to share! The beautiful Mosser Glass cake stands are ON SALE over on One Kings Lane right NOW! Loving some of their beautiful plates & pitchers too! Found in the "Something Sweet" & "American Kitchen..." collections.


If you need an invitation to shop, I welcome you to use mine. Shop HERE.

I am eyeing the black raspberry (not pictured) for Halloween...
Enjoy!

Grace, Kindness, Compassion

Based on recent self-reflection, I believe there is much more room for grace, kindness and compassion in all aspects of my life. And that includes my work.

For some reason I felt compelled to write out some of these goals of mine. I think I have hopes that if you find any of them insightful as I have, that they may prevent you from making mistakes I myself have made.

Please note these are just my thoughts, not to be misunderstood as truths.


1. Grace. n.

"1. Seemingly effortless beauty or charm of movement, form, or proportion.

2. A characteristic or quality pleasing for its charm or refinement.

3. A sense of fitness or propriety.

4.

a. A disposition to be generous or helpful; goodwill.

b. Mercy; clemency.

5. A favor rendered by one who need not do so; indulgence.

6. A temporary immunity or exemption; a reprieve."

source

 

I think definitions 4, 5 and 6 are what I am referring to when I use the word grace.

 

I have been given and experienced the ultimate grace, and believe I need to be more gracious towards others.

 

Sometimes someone may so or do something that hurts me, confuses me, bothers me...and before I jump to making assumptions, I now feel I need to take a step back, take a deep breath, and show that person grace. Give them grace.

 

They may be experiencing something in life that caused them to act out of the ordinary and not be themselves. Or they may be under some immense stress or confusion causing them to say something they don't mean.

 

Maybe my showing them grace is exactly what they need? Maybe not, maybe giving them grace is exactly what I need...still working this one out!

 

 

 

2. Kindness. n.

 

"1. the practice or quality of being kind

2. a kind, considerate, or helpful act"

 source

 

This is something I feel I need to practice in my everyday life, as often as I can. I am thinking of one specific instance that I believe I can show kindness in relation to my business.

 

On social media, I believe that I must be careful in what I post (always learning), in particular being careful to not say anything that is cruel, mean, unkind, disrespectful or hurtful or misunderstood as such, to anyone else. This is something I have always strived for.

 

I feel that there are times in "this business" we might receive a request from someone that seems impossible. It may first feel that they don't get how our business works, the amount of time it takes to do our work, what we are physically capable of, or what our schedules can allow.

 

However, I NEVER feel it is okay for me to share these thoughts or experiences on social media. Or anywhere publicly. Period. I always feel that it would be incredibly unkind to do so.

 

Most of my clients do follow me on social media. Do yours?

 

I think of it this way: How would it make them feel if I wrote something about receiving "said request from unnamed client" with any remotely negative words to go along with it...and posted it for all to see...and even worse, possible comments others make on that post?  

 

I for one would probably never, if I were that client, want to work with me again--I imagine I would be hurt, and feel that it was extremely unprofessional behavior.

 

Instead, showing kindness toward others, should be more than enough to fill up all my posts, right? That is what I am thinking. No need for those negative posts that would be disrespectful, unprofessional or hurtful.

 

3. Compassion. n.

 

"Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it."

 

source

 

Oh, have you ever experienced compassion from someone else? Really felt it?

 

I have, and it is absolutely extraordinary. I sincerely hope to show compassion towards many in my life, and that they can have that same incredible feeling I have had.

 

Specifically in children's event planning, I am one of many, I am sure, who has received emails from those inquiring about how to start their own children's party planning business. Some seek ideas of where to start, others simply what I charge, and many share many details of their life and development of their passion for children's party planning--and where they hope it will take them.

 

It seems so easy to think "Why would I tell another business (in my industry) how I started my business, that I took years of blood sweat and tears to build? Why should I want to take the time that I already feel I don't have enough of, to help this person learn what I had to learn the hard way?" When I write it out, it seems sort of selfish-sounding.

 

Here is a great place I have learned, to be gracious, kind, and compassionate.

 

My response is simple: First, I am beyond thrilled that someone admires my work. That is a privilege. Second, I thank them for wanting to learn from me. Third, I suggest the absolute best, most truthful piece of advice I can offer: Seek advice from a professional business consultant. Ideally, someone with knowledge of the children's party planning industry.

 

Unfortunately I do not have a list of these consultants to give them, but I know that professional business consultants are all over the country, and I for one received by far the MOST HELPFUL advice from a professional business consultant--which I had only wished I had sought way before I did so many things the wrong way.

 

{And I also have referred some to Carolyn Horton of CHS Creative Productions, as I know she is offering business consulting for event planning}.

 

 So again, rather than feeling offended or upset that someone would want information that I initially may feel is so unprofessional to ask me for--I take a step back, and realize that we all start somewhere. I for one was taught to network when building a business, and I like to give others the benefit of the doubt that that is what they are doing when they reach out to me. In the end, I also act wisely as a businessperson, not disclosing any information of my business.

 

Well that was a very unexpected that I was able to take the time to sit and write this post. For anyone who may actually read this--I hope you know that I am learning so much as I go on, and I hope you will show me some grace, kindness and compassion, for any outlandish mistakes I may have made in this post!

 

 

 

 

Surprise! Star Gazing Party Hop Giveaway

A SURPRISE Giveaway! Sara of Confetti Sunshine not only coordinated the entire Party Hop, but a fabulous giveaway to go with!

Enter HERE:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The fabulous sponsors are...

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Papered Nest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Royal Spice Clothing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Libby Lane Press

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet On Parties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lee Laa Loo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Molasses Candy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oscar & Ollie
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meri Meri

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polka Dot Pinwheel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vinyl Wall Art

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sara of Confetti Sunshine worked so very, very hard on creating this entire project. She rounded up so many unique bloggers--a very dynamic group! She came up with the color scheme, had the bright idea of this theme...and then she coordinated every thing and every one, to create a beautiful shoot, which she styled for us to enjoy. WOW. That is a tremendous undertaking, and I for one am extremely grateful for all of her hard work. Thank you so much Sara! It has been a great joy to be included in this lovely group and have a special opportunity to work with you.

Entry Rules: No purchase necessary to win. One entry per person. This contest is open to US residents from June 7, 2013 at 12:01am PST to June 14, 2013 at 11:59pm PST. All entrants must be the age of 18 years old. 11 winners will be randomly chosen. Winners will receive 1 of the 11 prizes listed above. Winners will be announced on this blog post on June 14, 2013. Winners will have 48 hours to claim their prize. Should unforeseen circumstances occur, this contest could be cancelled at any time. Void where prohibited by law. Kate Landers did not receive any payment or product in exchange for co-hosting this giveaway.

Best of Luck!

Star Gazing Party: DIY Star Crown & Wand, Constellation Guide and much more!

It's hard to believe that today is the final day of the Star Gazing Party Hop DIY series (though be sure to stay tuned tomorrow for a very special surprise!!!)

Today there are some more fabulous DIY Party Crafts by many talented bloggers. Take a look!


Fabulously Fun Party Favors, via The Salty Pineapple

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMAZING Star Game via Paging Super Mom  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Galaxy Pillowcases via The Elephant Of Surprise 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Constellation Guide via LuLu The Baker 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Star Crown & Wand via Love The Day 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Star Gazing Party: My Mason Jar Drinks PLUS DIY Tissue Lanterns, Constellation Coasters & More

Today is the day that I get to share with you my DIY Star Gazing Party Mason Jars!

 

 

 

Please be sure to check out the other projects debuting today at the end of the post.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Super Simple Steps:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will need a hole punch, scissors, a star punch or template (I recommend 2" star found at Michaels), Silver Twine, Sealed Silver Glitter Paper (glitter doesn't flake off anywhere!) and Limited Edition Blue Mason Jars all available at The Paper Source. Solid Mint Paper Straws available at Shop Sweet Lulu.

 

Now let the project begin!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The idea here is that "no two jars are exactly alike" just like "no two stars are exactly alike". There is no exact pattern or placement--get creative!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now for the stars....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And straws...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And now you are done! Just fill with your favorite beverage, and stick additional paper stars in the silver twine all around the jars as desired.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other DIY Star Gazing DIY Party Projects Debuting Today...{check back tomorrow for even MORE}

 

Constellation Coasters via Assemble Shop 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tissue Lanterns  Via Confetti Sunshine 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Star Food Picks  via My Paper Pinwheel 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Star Rice Crispies via Lulu The Baker