Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Now, DELIVERING Exciting Balloon Memories to your doorstep

 We have a brand new ordering website to take your order. Watch this site as it grows to meet your every celebration need. Always be sure to place your order in early!


We'll be taking Easter orders and delivering them the Saturday before Easter AND taking orders for Administrative Professionals Week. We will continue to add to the balloon gift options on the website. If you have something you would really like to see on there, let us know!

If you place an order for these first few introductory weeks, use the AdminFreeDelivery code at check out to receive FREE delivery for orders placed BEFORE 4/22/11. ALSO, when you place a delivery before that date AND sign up for an account, we will credit your account $10 towards your next delivery.


If your let your friends know about this offer and they place in the notes of their order that you sent them, we will also credit your account $2 per referral - no limit!

Check it out! Tell your friends and be one of the first in the area to use this super cool and unique way to celebrate!

Click here to view our balloon gifts and delivery ordering website. 

Christine Maziarz,
Certified Balloon Artist
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC
Yep, I'm on Facebook!
Twitter, too! @balloonheart
Serving Southeastern PA

Monday, March 28, 2011

See you Next Week but check this out!

Hello, all!

I will not be at Red Robin, Exeter, tomorrow. I look forward to seeing you all next week.
Check this out! The artwork SCREAMS "Children's book!" and it is absolutely beautiful.

Airigami has started a Kickstarter project to help them get the funding they need. Take a look at the video below. If you like what you see check out their Kickstarter page and go from there! Enjoy your week everyone!

Christine Maziarz,
Certified Balloon Artist
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC 
Yep! I'm on Facebook, too!
Twitter, also! @balloonheart

Serving Southeastern PA

Friday, March 25, 2011

Tomorrow is Make Your Own Holiday Day!

Really. Truly. I did not make it up.

For me, I'm going to call it "Appreciate My Career" day as I feel truly blessed that I absolutely LOVE what I do for a living.

So what holiday will you create? I would love to know!

Facebook Featured Fan Announced: Melissa Aidukas

I can't believe it has been two weeks already. Our second Facebook Featured Fan is Melissa Aidukas.

Click here to read all about her and how supportive she is of local businesses. Don't forget to post a comment either on the Facebook post or be sure to come back here to post a comment to be entered to win a Dove Chocolate Martini mix.

Have a WONDERFUL weekend everyone and enjoy reading about Melissa!

Christine Maziarz,
Certified Balloon Artist
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC
Yep, I'm on Facebook!
Twitter, too! @balloonheart
Serving Southeastern PA

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Red Robin, Exeter, Tonight!


Tonight, (Tuesday evening), Miss Balloon Heart will be twisting balloons table-side from 5:30-7:00pm at Red Robin, Exeter, PA for Kid's Night. Come on out and join the fun. Hope to see you there.


Christine Maziarz,
Certified Balloon Artist
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC
Yep, I'm on Facebook!
Twitter, too! @balloonheart
Serving Southeastern PA

Monday, March 21, 2011

Administrative Professionals Week: Local Deliveries Available

You are "the tops!" Thanks for all that you do!
Wednesday, 
April 27th is
April 24th - 30th is
Administrative Professionals week
(formerly: Secretaries Day).
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories is offering local deliveries to your awesome administrative professionals Mon - Thurs. of that week.


Prices are discounted for this delivery week. 

 Just for this week, we are waiving the "a la carte" fees AND we are not charging extra delivery fees for towns outside of Douglassville. 
You save a minimum of $15!!

 Prices are all inclusive (tax, delivery, etc.) 
and start at  $34.50.

Availability is limited. 
Be sure to place your order early.


Christine Maziarz,
Certified Balloon Artist
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC
Yep! I'm on Facebook!
Twitter, too! @balloonheart
Serving Southeastern PA

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Moving on a Creative Idea...

So, this morning, after dropping my daughter off at school, running a few errands, including getting my cup of decaf Dunkin' Donuts coffee... I got home and skimmed through my twitter posts. Recently becoming a follower of DunkinPhilly, I saw this post:

"...Hey Philly! Show us your @ cup! Best pic wins a $5 DDCard today! How about a baseball themed photo today with your DD cup...?"





I looked at my almost empty cup of coffee and decided to take the challenge. : )







Here is what I submitted. No, no baseball for me though.





What do you think? : )

Have an awesome, Tuesday, everyone!


Christine Maziarz,
Certified Balloon Artist
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC
Yep! I'm on Facebook!
Twitter, too! @balloonheart
Serving Southeastern PA

Sunday, March 13, 2011

The Week Ahead..

Hello, all!

This week, Miss Balloon Heart will be appearing at two public events.

The first is her usual, Red Robin, Exeter appearance on Tuesday evening. Then on Thursday, she will be at Pottstown's annual FamilyFest. Here are the details...


Tuesday evening,  Miss Balloon Heart will be twisting balloons table-side from 5:30-7:00pm at Red Robin, Exeter, PA for Kid's Night. Come on out and join the fun. Hope to see you there!






Thursday Evening Miss Balloon Heart will be at Pottstown's Annual FamilyFest, with over 500 attendees, if you want a balloon, you should arrive early! ; ) She will be twisting balloons the entire time, from 5PM-7PM. Rather than repost information about the event, we are going to send you to the Positively!Pottstown Blog for more details:

http://positivelyptown.com/2011/02/24/pottstowns-annual-familyfest-on-march-17/

Thanks, all for reading!

Have a wonderful week!

Christine Maziarz,
Certified Balloon Artist
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC
Yep! I'm on Facebook!
Twitter, too! @balloonheart
Serving Southeastern PA













Saturday, March 12, 2011

The Unpoppables

Hello, all!

I've been meaning to write a little bit about the TLC show, The Unpoppables, for weeks now but life has a way of getting in the way. TLC, debuted The Unpoppables back in February for six episodes and it ran for three weeks (two episodes a night).



From TLC's website: "The Unpoppables follows the quirky daredevils of New Balloon Art as they wow clients with the most innovative balloon sculptures ever. In each half-hour episode, they’ll travel to a new city, plan the week’s event and scramble to get everything done. "

The show did just that. They created large amazing balloon sculptures under stressful circumstances and with the added pressure of a TV production crew by their side. I can't even begin to imagine creating a sculpture with limited time and then having someone say..."could you stop and say that differently?" or "Ya know what, I need you to do that again but hold the balloon lower as your talking."

Really?

Are they talented? You betcha. Put all of their talent aside for just a moment and you have really brave, brave folk.

The conversations, discussions and gossip about this show in the balloon world has been just as entertaining as well. The discussion boards lit up the first two weeks. Larry Moss, posted this article, from the Washington City Paper, on BalloonHQ. The article, by Erin Petty,  gives us a taste of the reality that has become Katie Balloons life. 

Why do I write this now? Well, guess what... the first season is over and TLC is in the process of figuring out if there will be a second season. Take a minute to let TLC know that you would like to see a second season. If you saw the show and enjoyed it - let them know. If you missed it - tell them the season was too short! Thanks all!

Click here to tell TLC "I want more of The Unpoppables!" ---> http://corporate.discovery.com/contact/viewer-relations/



Christine Maziarz,
Certified Balloon Artist
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC
Serving Southeastern PA

Friday, March 11, 2011

Facebook Featured Fan Announced: Stephanie Conlon

It is with great excitement that I announce our VERY FIRST Facebook Featured Fan; Stephanie Conlon! Stephanie is a true blessing to our local communities. One interaction with Stephanie, be it in person or online, and her passion and commitment to making a difference in our community is evident.   Take a look at www.community-buzz.com . Can you believe it did not exist seven months ago? Stephanie is the woman behind this website. Not only did she assemble one amazing website but she also is unbelievably kind and supportive of everyone, especially local businesses and organizations.
   I am honored to know Stephanie. It amazes me that with her busy schedule she always manages to let me know that she reads my posts and cares about my business. I want to thank Stephanie for being one of my "top" fans AND for stepping up and following her passion. I also would like to thank her husband and children for sharing her with us.
   If you haven't already, check out www.community-buzz.com ! What are you waiting for?  "Like" the page, follow her on twitter, sign up for the email updates on her website, too!
   Oh, by the way, I will be giving away $40 in Red Robin PA gift cards to one person who "likes", comments on this post or shares it with others - be sure to come back and comment here if you have shared it - that is the only way you will be entered. For my blog readers, do the same, if you share it, let me know and/or comment below. Thanks! The winner will be randomly chosen on Friday, March 18th and announced on www.facebook.com/MissBalloonHeart .
   Okay, enough from me. SHE is the one this is about. Please take the time to read her responses below - they are a lot of fun and very interesting. After you read about Stephanie, then be sure to post a comment and/or share away with friends and family.
===========================================
  Are you a dog or a cat person? Dog - I like big, lovable dogs! I have owned a German Shephard, a Lab and a 180 lb English Mastiff named Dozer, at various times in my life. I love the loyalty and affection that dogs naturally give! I like cats, but I am highly allergic!
What is your favorite pizza topping? Extra Cheese, please!

Did you play sports or a band instrument in high school? I played 4 years of varsity basketball and was a co-captain of the team. I also lettered on the track and field team. I ran the 100 and 400 meter hurdles and was a member of the 3200-meter relay team that broke the school record back in 1983! Unfortunately, I have zero musical talent. :(

What do you think came first, the chicken or the egg? Hmmmm, good question. My gut is telling me the chicken, although I am open to persuasive argument to the contrary.

What would you like readers to know about you personally? I am committed to trying to make a difference in our community and that I deeply desire to have my children feel the support and warm embrace of their community like I was lucky to have growing up in my small, hometown of Grove City, PA.

What is your business? What "do you do?" : ) (Yes, wife, husband, father, mother, etc... count!) My goal is to help bring communities together! I started Community-Buzz in August of 2010 as a way to help highlight all our great local local businesses, home-based businesses, local organizations, clubs, churches and those word-of-mouth gems that make our community an excellence place to live. In 6 short months, Community-Buzz receives in excess of 2,500 page views A DAY!

I am also a mom of 4 - ages 9, 7, 5 and 4 and also a wife to Joe, a busy Vice President of sales at a New York-based telecommunication company - we celebrated our 10 year anniversary last August, although we've been together 15 years now! Time flies!
Who is your greatest supporter in your life and work? My husband, Joe, is always full of ideas and suggestions on how to improve the vision and goals that mean most to me. He pushes me to aim higher and think bigger. Also, I am lucky to have a really great group of friends who are always encouraging and supportive of my interests and pursuits.

Who or what inspires you? My dad. He overcame so much in his life from a very young age. He has taught, by his example, that hard work and determination can overcome just about any obstacle you may face in your life. Also, I didn't think about it much growing up, but I recently realized what a wonderful example my father was in unselfishly giving so much of himself to his community. He was an active member and officer of the local Jaycees, he was a football coach for many years, he was a member of the borough council and he devoted countless hours of his time to mowing and maintaining a local piece of property the township owned by a creek that ran through our town. It was overrun with weeds and brush and he spent every weekend cleaning it up. Many years later, it became an "official" park in the borough of Grove City, which many residents enjoy. I don't think it would be there today without my dad's tireless hours of work and his commitment to maintaining his vision that this property could be a highlight of our town.

Also, Wilma Rudolf's story has always inspired me. Wilma Rudolf wore braces on her legs as a child and was told she would never walk, but went on to win three Gold Medals in the 1960 Rome Olympics. I love and cheer for the underdogs!

Is there something you are really passionate about? What is it?
My children. Education. Things that make sense. The importance of reading and books. My community.

What is your favorite quote? The Station by Robert Hastings - it is more than a quote, but it's my all-time favorite message. http://www.robertjhastings.net/ Also, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

How may people reach you?
   Website: http://www.Community-Buzz.com/
   Email: info@community-buzz.com
   Twitter: CommBuzz
   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/communitybuzz
   Cell: 610-805-8055

====================
Want to be a Future Featured Fan? Visit this link for more information!
 http://christinetheballoontwister.blogspot.com/2011/03/announcement-facebook-featured-fan.html

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Cancer Survivor..

...that is what I am comfortable with calling my husband, as of yesterday!!!

It has been a very long year but, yesterday, we received incredible news from his follow-up appointment and let's just say, miracles DO happen! I know we are not the only ones who have had cancer dropped into our lives and I know there are many of you who are hurting for other reasons that I will never know. I feel led to share this a beautiful video with you (below). Being where we are today, I can attest to everything Stacey Kramer says in this video. I am blessed that throughout his entire fight with cancer, my husband has had a wonderful, positive attitude. I believe this attitude combined with the prayer warriors that we have had surrounding us through his journey have brought us to where we are today.

Whatever your trial is be it now or down the road, ask for help when you need it. Reach out to your friends and family - they want to assist and need to know what is the best way to do that. Don't be afraid to tell them. Enjoy the meals dropped off to you, and the offers to help. Be kind to your caregiver - it hurts them to see you going through what you are experiencing. They want to help you. Let them. : ) Reach out to others who have been through the same thing - there are incredible support groups out there - many of which are online. Use them. You are not alone and there are others who know exactly how you feel. Sometimes that is all you need to know to feel better on the rough days.

Now to the video. It is only three minutes long and it is a beautiful parable.

I should be done these serious posts. Really. Truly.


Have a great day. Enjoy your families and friends and remember that nothing in this world is guaranteed. Don't let cancer (insert your trial here) be the thing that puts your priorities in place.

Blessings to you all.  


Monday, March 7, 2011

Red Robin, Exeter, tomorrow evening!


Tomorrow evening, (Tuesday evening), Miss Balloon Heart will be twisting balloons table-side from 5:30-7:00pm at Red Robin, Exeter, PA for Kid's Night. Come on out and join the fun. Hope to see you there.

Have a GREAT day!

Christine Maziarz,
Certified Balloon Artist
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC
Serving Southeastern PA

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Tomorrow (March 4th) is DRESS IN BLUE DAY: Colon Cancer Awareness

The purpose of Dress in Blue Day is to promote awareness about colon cancer and encourage people to get their colon checked.
Friday, 3/4

Colon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in the US – but it doesn’t have to stay this way. Make a difference and help raise awareness for colon cancer by participating in Dress in Blue Day on Friday, March 4th. Learn how you can get involved at www.dressinblueday.com

This is my request to you, to please dress in blue tomorrow or share with someone our story as it may save a life.
Many of you already know that my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer last March. We received word that he was in stage 3A of colon cancer and needed not only surgery, to have 18 inches of his colon removed but also that he would need six months of chemotherapy to knock out any chance that microscopic cancer cells would remain in his body. Why do I share this with you?

He was 38 years-old when he was diagnosed and I am so very thankful that he DID NOT ignore the symptoms. He has no family history of the cancer to our knowledge. I am so very blessed that he was  intelligent about the symptoms and by him heading right to his doctor more than likely saved his life. I am also well-pleased that he has not been shy about sharing this journey with others as I know of a handful of people who did FINALLY make their colonoscopy appointments due to hubby's openness with his cancer.
When we hear stories of people who do not go for their colonoscopies, for whatever reason, it saddens us. Colon cancer is a cancer that may be caught before the term "cancer" ever needs to be applied. A polyp found during a colonoscopy may be removed during the procedure and it then never has the chance to turn into a tumor.
I make this post with a plea that if you are over 50 and have not yet gotten your colonoscopy, please do it. Best case, they find nothing. Okay, worst case, they find something but then they give you the opportunity to have a longer life. If you are under 50 and have symptoms for anything - don't ignore them - see your doctor - if you don't like their response, see another doctor. Sadly, these things don't always fit statistics neatly.

As for my husband, now, almost exactly a year later, we are on the other side of the diagnosis, surgery and chemotherapy, God-willing.

This past year had more downs than ups, we will admit that but we have drawn closer as a family in ways we never would have expected and our daughter knows more about the colon than any seven-year-old needs to know. Is that a good thing? : )

Hubby has a colonoscopy scheduled for this month and with the all clear from that he will be able to have his chemo port removed. There are some residual chemo side effects he deals with on a daily basis but you would never know it as he is a strong man and complaining "isn't his thing" as he will tell you. He also draws strength by following the stories of so many children who are battling cancer - they are true heroes.

I mostly, thank God EVERY DAY that my husband is still here with us and that he was not afraid to go to his doctor with his symptoms. Do the same in your life. Be it trouble-breathing, arm pain, head pain or whatever it possibly could be now or down the road. Yeah, sometimes it is stress but what if it isn't? Is it worth the risk?

My future posts won't be as serious, not to worry, this one just needed to be said.

Have a wonderful weekend ahead and if you think of it, wear a little blue tomorrow.


Thanks all! Abundant blessings to each and every one of you.

Christine Maziarz,
Proud wife of the "enigma" Don : )
Enigma was the term his surgeon gave him when he was diagnosed.
Our celebratory "Daddy is done chemo!" trip to Walt Disney World in January.


Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Weekend Events: Art of the Wedding, March 5, 2011

We have two big events this weekend in Reading, PA. This post is about the second event, on SATURDAY....






Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC was invited to participate in Art of the Wedding at Goggleworks, one of my personal favorite places. Yippee!!  While we will have our portfolio available for your review, Miss Balloon Heart will also be creating balloon sculptures for purchase, if requested by attendees.

This event is FREE and the grand prize is fabulous. If you plan to attend, be sure to register by Friday to be eligible for amazing raffle prizes - after reading the information I am wishing I wasn't a vendor!


Here is some text from their website

Brides & Grooms-to-Be: Please Join Us for this Special Event! RSVP Today!

Art of the Wedding is open to the public FREE of charge. Guests who register prior to the event will be eligible for amazing raffle prizes (must be present to win). Giveaway to the first 300 attendees courtesy of Dylan´s Candy Bar.
Please note: Art of the Wedding vendors and GoggleWorks staff are not eligible to enter the raffles.
Register by calling or emailing Margaret Murphy, GoggleWorks Facilities Coordinator, at 610.374.4600 x.115 or mmurphy@goggleworks.org
 Have a GREAT day, everyone!

Christine Maziarz,
Certified Balloon Artist
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC
Serving Southeastern PA

Weekend Events: First Friday Reading, March 4, 2011

We have two big events this weekend in Reading, PA. First up, FRIDAY....

FRIDAY EVENING:

Yippee! This Friday is March's First Friday Reading. Creating Exciting Balloon Memories will have an artist table at the event and our portfolio will be available for your review. Miss Balloon Heart will also be there creating balloon sculptures for purchase. One of our offerings will be some super cool headbands with lights available that will look simply awesome in the After Party portion of the evening.

WFMZ-TV , 69 did a piece on this Friday's event. Check it out, here:
Reading To Host First First Friday Event - Regional News - Berks Story - WFMZ Allentown

It is incredible to be in on place with such varied and talented artists.  The organizers do an absolutely incredible job and this month the event has THREE events all in one evening, below is a flyer with the breakdown of events. Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, will be a part of the Arts & Entertainment festival. Yippee!

Small business owners, this is a wonderful networking event. 

Christine Maziarz,
Certified Balloon Artist
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC
Serving Southeastern PA

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Announcement: Facebook Featured Fan Friday.

Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC will be featuring one Facebook Fan who interacts with us on our Miss Balloon Heart Facebook Fan page, regularly, every other Friday. Look for our first Facebook Fan introduction next Friday, March  11th.


Why are we doing this? 
We want to thank those of you who take the time to interact with our page and give you an opportunity to tell our fan base a little bit about yourself and/or your business.

How may I be featured? 
First of all visit our Facebook Fan Page and be sure to click "Like" at the top.
Interact with our posts by doing any of the following:
   1) "Like" a post
   2) Comment on a post
   3) Share a post with your friends - and let us know you did it!
   4) Post on our wall (pics or comments)

 As always, we will remove any posts that are not "family-friendly." ; ) 

When we recognize your name from the interactions, you will be placed on a list of potential "featured fans." From that list, we will randomly choose our next "Featured Fan." Please note that we will be scheduling our featured fans AT LEAST two weeks ahead of time. Our first one has already been chosen.

Let us know what you think of the idea and be sure to tell your friends!

Have a GREAT day!

Christine Maziarz,
Certified Balloon Artist
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC
Serving Southeastern PA

Back to Blogging and Red Robin, Exeter, tonight!

Guess what...I will actually update this page MUCH more often than I have been over the last year. 

Rather than lengthy posts once a blue moon, I will attempt to post a few times a week. My schedule has changed, recently, allowing me the opportunity to schedule time to work on my blog posts. That is today's project. To get the ball rolling. : )

So, my first post is to say "Hi!" everyone. I'm still here. Thanks for reading this blog posts and following me here. Those of you who follow me on Facebook know that I am quite active on there but I will do my best to post regularly here as well.


Tonight, (Tuesday evening), Miss Balloon Heart is at Red Robin, Exeter PA for Kid's Night. She loves her time there and enjoys immensely visiting with the families who come back week after week. A few, she is even beginning to learn their names and those who know Miss Balloon Heart well, know that this is no small feat for her.

Miss Balloon Heart will be twisting balloons table-side from 5:30-7PM tonight. Hope to see you there.

Have a GREAT day!

Christine Maziarz,
Certified Balloon Artist
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC
Serving Southeastern PA