must-see: monkey topiaries!

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From Ondine's (of Top Design fame) wedding...and I quote: "Ondine's parents used to throw animal-themed birthday parties for their daughters"...which somehow translated to them growing 40-pound grass monkey topiaries in their suburban backyard for her reception decor (I think they're actually quite beautiful). For the full run-down, check out the NY Times here.

circus party

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Australian mom, Cassie, threw this circus bash for her son's birthday. She got some help from 'Partee Petit', a company that helps pull together birthday parties. So many creative ideas to borrow! The clown cake is cute without being creepy, and all the fun carnival games and festive decor are just perfect.

On a side note- for those of you interested in the 'baby shower by mail' article, I have updated the link, below. 

gen says... (mother's day treat)

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From Gen,

"Just thought I would pass along a few quick photos from Mother's Day.

First, I must tell you that I have been totally inspired by all my new Hicks items that I just picked up. My absolute OBSESSION is the trophy invitation. We used it for Lucy's gift to her mom- and she customized it with her own darling hand written note. 

This year, we kept things very simple for Mother's Day. I took a page from Sara's birthday, and told my husband exactly what I wanted this year- just a lovely bouquet of hand-picked peonies from our friend's yard.

Peonies are my absolute favorite- and even better when they are pink! Sara's strategy (don't make your husband guess what will really make you happy) worked out perfectly. This year I actually got exactly what I wanted and it didn't break the bank.

I put the peonies right next to the bed so that I can smell them while I drift off to sleep- and they look just perfect with the Mother's Day gift that I could not resist treating myself to - a lovely orange modern toile bedspread for the summer (picked up on major clearance at Pottery Barn).

In the morning, Benjamin whipped up a simple little breakfast with the kids, for me and Lucy's mom. What a lovely way to start the day!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day! -Gen"

reader question of the week

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reader question of the week:

"My best friend moved to the other side of the country about 6 months ago, and we're having babies a week apart from one another. I would have thrown her a baby shower if she still lived here, and I've heard of mail/long distance baby showers but wouldn't really know how to put one together. Thanks for any thoughts and help! -Jen in Utah"

Jen- your question reminded me of two things you should look at: 1) We did a story at the Kids magazine about a baby shower by mail- it's on the Martha Stewart website here.  2) Brooke at Inchmark recently did a post about 'sunshine in a box' to some Northern friends here. In a bit of irony- that is Brooke in the bottom picture from the MS story!

To submit your query for question of the week, email me at hickspapergoods(at)yahoo(dot)com