Birthday Party Madness?

Ruby's turning 6! I'm thrilled, amazed, and wondering how FABULOUS I can make her "Princess Tea Party" coming up in just 11 days.

First there is the matter of budget. I googled party supplies this morning: garlands? paper lanterns? matching princess cups/napkins/plates/goody bags? And what to give to the little guests? Tiaras, royal capes and scepters?

Then there is the instinct to be SuperMom. Why, I could simply make tiaras! It won't be that hard, it'll just take a bunch of trips to Michael's...ick, I hate Michael's. I can find better things online. I'll ask Martha Stewart--What Would Martha Do (WWMD)? Actually, Martha would create a line of craft supplies and sell them at Michael's. What would Martha's staffers do? Run around New York City looking high and low for the perfect vintage / modern / design-y tidbit. Am I not equal to the task?? In a word, NO. It comes back to the age-old SuperMom-Quandary: if only there were more hours in the day to DO IT ALL.

As always, the clock is ticking. I'll probably buy a few things and maybe even get a little bit crafty here and there. Ruby and her friends will have a great time and somehow Ruby will know that I love her more than anything in the whole world.

Ruby's party is taking place at Ruby's Garden. She is the first beneficiary of our new party hosting services, where I'm learning what it's going to take to put on a fabulous party for YOUR kid! Fortunately we'll make it much simpler for you when we host your kid's birthday party. Since we want to kick this off with a bang, we're offering a discount if you book for July: 10 kids for $140 includes a themed craft, decorations, and goody bag. Call or email us for a custom consult.

Tough Times for Independent Brick and Mortar

So long, Siobhan Van Winkle. You are #6 (by my count) of local baby boutiques that have closed their doors since this ugly recession hit us hard last fall.
1) Cotton & Company, on College Ave. Rockridge
2) O Baby Baby, on Solano Ave. Berkeley
3) A Child's Place, on Solano Ave. Berkeley
4) Waddle & Swaddle, on Shattuck Berkeley
5) Milk, on College Ave. Rockridge
6) Siobhan Van Winkle, on Telegraph Ave./Alcatraz

All of these were beloved businesses, some longtime and established. Each store closure spells a loss for our community; what comes in their place is most likely a national chain. I know times are tough for everyone. But your favorite indie retailers need you now more than ever! Many of us know it's "good" to buy local, but 3/50 Project suggests this: choose THREE indie shops you'd miss most if they closed and go/spend money there every month!

350project.net. Which shops would you miss if they shut their doors for good?