Facebook Featured Fan Announced: Steven Simpson

When I received this week's responses and pictures for the upcoming feature fan, the picture above immediately became my favorite.  What do you think? 

Steven is the pastor of a church that is only blocks down the street from my home. He and his staff always make me feel welcome when visiting their church which, by the way, provides meeting space for a TON of community organizations. This church does a fantastic job of serving the local community. 

I don't believe I have ever seen Pastor Steven without a smile. He has been a wonderful encourager to me on my Facebook Page as well as in my balloon skills. He's the man who asked for Goliath (see picture below)!

I enjoyed reading his answers and I'm sure you will too. Happy reading and have a fantastic weekend!

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Are you a dog or a cat person?

I’m definitely a dog person. We have a chocolate lab named “Levi” and a black rescue dog named “Statia.” The tribe of Levi in the Bible was given charge of guarding the Temple and carrying out priestly functions. The name Statia comes from “Anastatia” (on-a-STAH-shuh) which means resurrection in Greek. Levi and Statia have completely different personalities.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

I like variety, including pineapples, Canadian bacon, roasted red peppers, and even anchovies on occasion, but I most often choose mushrooms and sausage and never pepperoni.

 

Did you play sports or a band instrument in high school?

In third grade I was given a choice of several band instruments (flute, trumpet, saxophone, or trombone), but I didn’t join the band because they didn’t offer banjo. My musical side lay dormant for many years.

In high school I was on the football, wrestling, and track teams and did a little bit of choir and theatre. I also enjoyed skiing and biking.

Later in life I did pick up the banjo, along with guitar, bass, mandolin, and ukulele. Lately I’ve been learning to play Sweet Georgia Brown (the Globetrotters’ theme) on my tenor ukulele while whistling the melody. I’m a big fan of bluegrass, Celtic, and jazz music, including the string-based gypsy jazz of Django Reinhardt.

 

What do you think came first, the chicken or the egg?

I believe God created chickens which in turn produced eggs. I, in turn, like to create omelets.

What would you like readers to know about you personally?

My greatest joy and privilege is to know Jesus and to follow him and to share him with others.

What is your business? What "do you do?" 

I follow Jesus (not always very well), and I try to help others do the same. And I get paid to do it because I’m a pastor serving with the people of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Amityville (near the DB Middle School).

Who is your greatest supporter in your life and work?

Well, God is, or I wouldn’t last a day. But the main person God works through to support me is my wife, Shannon. I thank God for her.

Who or what inspires you?

I’m inspired by people who have been shaped by their relationship with God and who continue to accept the cost and joy of discipleship.

What do you do for fun?

My wife, Shannon, and I love to go out dancing. We do salsa, swing, ballroom, and tango. Dancing is good for the heart…and it’s good for the “heart,” if you know what I mean. : )

 

What do you do to relax?

Play music, read, and garden.

What is your favorite quote?

My newest favorite quote is from Eugene Peterson, a pastor/theologian I greatly admire. He said, "The pastor's primary responsibility is to keep the community attentive to God." That really helps put things into perspective for me.

What is your favorite balloon creation?

Miss Balloon Heart’s 9-foot Goliath!

How can people reach you?

Website: http://stpaulsuccamity.org

Email: pastorstevensimpson@gmail.com

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/pastorstevensimpson

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/steven-simpson/29/2b0/4b1

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pastorstevensimpson

 

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Would you like to learn how you may become our Featured Fan? Click here. 

 

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

Check out this fun place for your next event.

So, you have an event coming up and need a location for it? It could be an Anniversary, Baby Shower, Bat/Bar Mitzvah, Bridal Occasion, Graduation, Religious Event, Sports Banquet, Group Event, Corporate Event, Banquet, Meeting, Office Party... the list goes on.

Maybe you want something completely different and fun, fun, fun for this event. Check out Buca di Beppo in Reading (Wyomissing), PA.


You start with a call to Michelle Kirn, their Event Sales Manager. Oh, you need her number? It is 610-374-3482. Program it into your phone now and be sure to tell her I sent you when you call her. : )

Michelle is super nice and you'll love her. Book your event in one of their many unique (beyond unique) themed dining rooms - (there is no fee) and plan your event menu. I'm not sure which room was my favorite, I am torn between the Frank Sinatra room and the Puppy Disco booth (not a room but it is crazy cool). Some other rooms are the Pope room, Velvet Room, Poster Room and Wine Room - I may be off a name or two but Michelle, feel free to correct me.  I am wondering if there is more than a few inches of wall space that isn't covered with some object.

Did I mention that their food is wonderful? Yep, it is.

Okay, so now you know about this fun, place. Your job is to not forget about it. If you don't have an upcoming event, chances are you know someone who does and they may be interested in it. Tell them about it, too.

Hmmm....I'm thinking Buca Di Beppo and balloons has a nice ring to it? Yes, after you book your event with Michelle, be sure to call me (610.858.6571) to add some centerpieces or balloon twisting for your guests!

If you are on Facebook, take a second to, "Like" Bucca Di Beppo now.

Sign up for our quarterly E-Newsletter for a chance to win

Due out in early July, is our very first quarterly E-Newsletter delivered right to your inbox!

Fun announcement! If we receive 100 subscribers by July 1st, we will be giving away a Creating Exciting Balloon Memories $50 Gift Certificate to one lucky subscriber, to be chosen by random.org. What does this mean? Tell your friends about it to be sure the minimum subscriber number is reached!

In the newsletter, we will...

• Recap our last quarter - remember those featured fans and ooo some pictures!
• Share what our clients have to say
• Let you know about our upcoming public events
• Inform you about any new company news that may be in the works
• Tell you about our favorite companies to work with
• Include any current specials that we may have running

Who is this newsletter great for? Anyone and everyone. Whether you have an event in the near future or five years from now, this is a great way to keep informed about our new offerings.

Balloons are a fantastic way to beautify space for events of all types; Bridal Events, Bat/Bar Mitzvahs, Corporate Events/Meetings, Birthday Parties, Sweet Sixteen Parties, Graduations, School Events, Proms, Dances, Trade Show/Convention Booth Decor,  and more. Balloons tell your guests "The Party is Here!" and I bet you have a friend or two who would love to know about our services.

What is your next step? Share this post with your friends and sign up for our e-newsletter!

As always, thanks for reading and have a spectacular weekend ahead.

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

Getting out of the comfort zone.

Today, I stepped out of my comfort zone. No more excuses.
Yes, I had plenty of them! ; )

In this video I also announce shippable Mother's Day delivery items to PA, USA addresses for next week as well as where I will be tomorrow.



Have an absolutely fantastic Friday, everyone!


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

Featured Fan Announced: Anne McGovern

 It is with GREAT pleasure that I introduce Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC next Facebook Featured Fan, Anne McGovern. I am super excited about this fan as she is a fellow balloon artist and one awesome woman. I first "met" Anne through Facebook (many balloon artists friend each other for support and inspiration) and then I had the sincere pleasure of meeting her in person through a mutual friend of ours. Anne is one amazingly talented balloon artist. ...for the rest of this article and information about our give away of a Balloon Twisting 101 Kit....click here!

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

You are invited to a Birthday Party!

Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC is pleased to announce that we are now one of Lovely Events & Occasions newest vendors. Yippee!!! We are lucky enough to have joined them just in time to be part of their Birthday Party and you are invited, too!
The event is Saturday, April 16, 2011  from 12 - 3 PM

From their website: The birth of two great businesses under one roof...Lovely Events & Occasions and The Well Dressed Cake. Party at our Design Gallery as we celebrate our 1 Year Anniversary of our West Reading Location! Food, Drinks, Cake, Prizes, Live Music & Balloons!

A special gift for all who pre-register! Click here to register now!
Come celebrate with us!

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

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

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

Happy Holidays from Miss Balloon Heart & Family!

December Happenings...

Wow! Almost a month since my last post.

Sorry, all. The time I have had for posting has been limited and FB allows me to post updates super quick, so I admit that I have been lazy lately. I do plan to post here more regularly in 2011, so don't give up on this space, completely. : )

Miss Balloon Heart premiered her school science show this past week at Goggleworks in Reading for Agora Cyber Charter School and it received rave reviews! Here are two videos of audience feedback.

In the week before Christmas, we have some of these adorable snowmen being delivered and if you have a last minute, unique and fun gift you need for someone - we still have a little bit of time this week to make a few extra... but be sure to order them by Tuesday! This adorable guy is $35 with the wreath and $30 without, sales tax is not included and delivery is extra.

I could post lots more but that would hold me up from actually getting this out tonight. So, rather than wait another month. Here you go and I wish those who celebrate Christmas to have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, may you all be blessed in all that you do and have an abundantly blessed New Year.


As always, thanks for reading!


Christine Maziarz, CBA

Miss Balloon Heart has a new home..

No, I am not physically moving into a new home but bookings for Miss Balloon Heart have moved and are now made through

Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC...when your event demands "WOW!"

Thanks to Greta Cuyler for the fun article found in the Reading Eagle this past Friday which announces this new move for Miss Balloon Heart. Click here to view it online!

With that being said, be sure to check out the new home of Miss Balloon Heart when you get the opportunity. 

www.creatingexcitingballoonmemories.com

Locals, if you don't already know about this wonderful resource, be sure to check out http://www.community-buzz.com/ as well. Stephanie, who runs the site, is always sure to post updates on where to find Miss Balloon Heart and she runs one INCREDIBLE blog. Her weekend buzz updates are my personal favorite posts.

As always, thanks for reading!

Christine : )

Miss Balloon Heart Earns Recognition as Certified Balloon Artist

I did it! Today was EXAM day. The big four hour , Certified Balloon Artist (CBA), exam. I had a few date changes in the last month from my originally scheduled date but I was well pleased to learn just last week that this last change allowed me to take the exam two days early, right here in Pennsylvania. It was supposed to be later in the week just outside of NYC. This change saved me at least 4 hours of driving this week. I am grateful for that.

I was extremely nervous going into the Exam. While I admit I was well prepared, it is still completely overwhelming. I even said to my husband this morning, if I do not pass it this go around, I am not sure I will take it again as I can not imagine being any better prepared. Thankfully, the preparations paid off.

I was also well pleased to find that Jean Eddy, CBA was handling the panel interviews and judging. I had the pleasure of meeting her back in August when I attended Balloonstitute. She taught a wedding decor class which I was able to attend. She has the sweetest personality and really has a gift for calming you down and allowing you to do your best.  Thank you, Jean for that.

 Jean Eddy, CBA & Christine Maziarz, CBA

I had the pleasure of testing with two other lovely ladies and we ALL  received our certification, today. It was an honor to test with them and I am thrilled that we all went home with BIG SMILES on our faces. 

I attached my press release below. 

Now that this is complete...onto the next big project (sorry, that one is still a secret). ; )

I WILL be at my regularly scheduled Tuesday evening hangout this week at Red Robin Exeter but will not be at Friendly's on Wednesday this week - no worries - I will be back next week!

As always, thanks for taking the time out of your day to read my blog.

Have a wonderful week, everyone!

Christine Maziarz, CBA

aka Miss Balloon Heart

"Balloon Genie"

Christmas Party Feedback and 2009 in review..

One of my career blessings has been that in this first year as a balloon twister, I have had so many clients so willing to give me feedback and comments. A few even take the time to forward pictures as well. Here is one that did both, thank you Jackie! Below is what she had to say and some pictures she forwarded to me.

"I booked Miss Balloon Heart for our Mustang Car Club Family Xmas Party in order to keep the children amused during the cocktail hour. She did a fantastic job!! What really blew us all away was the "Vista Blue Mustang convertible" she made out of balloons which included glo-sticks in the white balloon headlights!! How creative!!" ~Jackie Dahlen

This year I have learned so very much. I have had the privilege to entertain in countless homes for birthday parties and holiday parties, at corporate events, stores, libraries, restaurants and a wedding. I believe I have FINALLY found the look needed for Miss Balloon Heart - only took me 10 months to find (smile) and the tools that work best for me to do the best job. I have always been one to believe in continuing education and with this career it is no different.

I attended Diamond Jam, a balloon twisting convention in Las Vegas in August, where I was able to study with some of the best in the industry and have found a local balloon jam group that is amazing! Such talent and willingness to share is yet another blessing that I count in my life.

Along with the attending the convention, I have DVDs, books and magazines that I read/watch weekly so that I will be the best entertainer for your event. In 2010, I will begin the path of becoming a CBA (Certified Balloon Artist) balloon professional. Can you believe this stuff exists? A year ago, I did not know what a 260 balloon was and now it is in my daily vocabulary. I find this whole journey exciting and am thrilled at what 2010 and beyond has in store for "Miss Balloon Heart." I do place it all in God's hands and will go where He leads me.

Thank you all for being part of my journey this year and for all of your support. Have an absolutely wonderful holiday season!

Miss Balloon Heart : )