Featured Fan Announced: Corinne Leitheiser

Yay! It is Featured Fan Friday. I am pleased to introduce to you, Corinne Leitheiser. Corinne is one of those lovely people that you meet and immediately want to include on all of your party invitation lists - she is super cool and fun to be around. Corinne has an unbelievably infectious smile. Her amazing and beautiful "hair flare" creations are so very popular. One look at them and you know why - check out the creativity in this gal. I"ll be honest, this is one of the most entertaining Featured Fan  interviews - take a read and you'll see why. 

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Are you a dog or a cat person? When I was a little girl, I was all about cats. Now I'm really starting to fall in love with dogs. I would love to get a daschund or as I call them a "hot dog".

What is your favorite pizza topping? There is no food I don't like! So to pick out my favorite is merely impossible...but if I had to pick my favorite topping it would be mushrooms or anything veggie.

What activities did you participate in high school? I played field hockey in high school. I was pretty good, but I hated all the running. What was I thinking? I think I just wanted to be able to wear the short kilt around school all day when we had games that day.

What do you think came first, the chicken or the egg? This always blows my mind! I never can come to a conclusion so I just move on. But I do like to eat both!

Tell us about your family. My family is very small. After my mom and cousin both passing away from cancer and my only grandma suffering from a severe stroke which put her in a nursing home all within the same year...it is just me, my dad (Dave), my brother (Scott), my Aunt Barbara and Uncle Jr. We have all been through a very tough 2 years...our family has had it's ups and downs but we all love each other very much. We all realize that life IS just too short.

What would you like readers to know about you personally? I want people to know that I am a really hard worker, a perfectionist and just wanna please other people. Everything I have is from my own hard work and money. I have NEVER had anyone hand me anything.

What is your business? What "do you do?"  My business is called "CornyFlowers". It's an independent business created and run by ME in which I hand make individual flower hair pieces or as I call them "hair flair" for any occasion. Of course my customers are all girls, but I do make beautiful flower clips for brides, bridesmaids, baby's headbands, headbands for little girls and pins for the more "mature" generations. Each one is one of a kind, unique, sparkles and can even have feathers too.

What is the best part of your job/duties? The best part of my duties is that I can work at my own pace. My whole professional career, working in the medical field, I have had to work at everybody else's pace. Now I get to sit down and really soak in what I'm doing. I am able to take as long as I want to take to create my designs and perfect them with as much detail as I like with nobody telling me to hurry up.

Who is your greatest supporter in your life and work? I don't have one individual supporter. My family has been awesome! My friends are always finding me new customers and spreading my business cards around for me. My co workers are always buying some for their kids and own personal use. The boutiques who display and sell my designs are always telling customers good things about me and my designs. People just in general who see my designs say to me "Wow, you are so talented and have an eye for beauty" What more could I ask for? I feel like alot of people believe in me.

Who or what inspires you? This question is easy! My inspiration since day one has always been my mom and grandma. They are the 2 people in my life who have taught me my love for real flowers and gardening. Since I was a little girl, my mom and grandma were always in the garden and just so proud of their accomplishments when they bloomed. I just love flowers! They make me happy and they are all so beautiful in their own unique way. I wanted to create something just as beautiful that can last forever and never dies. Every flower I design helps me keep my mom and grandma's inspiration alive.

Is there something you are really passionate about? What is it? Hmmm...what am I passionate about? I'm passionate about many things, however, the one thing I wake up everyday and make a goal for myself is to just be a good person to anyone and everyone I cross paths with that day. How can I brighten their day? How can I put a smile on their face? How can I help them when in need? How can I make them laugh? How can I make them feel better?

What is your favorite quote? Ha! My whole life is lived by quotes. I have so many I think I speak in quotes. But I do believe my favorite is "life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning to dance in the rain"

Do you have a favorite joke? I have a bit of a...let just say "raw" sense of humor. So any of my jokes would not be appropriate for this article. :0)

How may people reach you? The best way to reach me is by phone (610-823-8786 ) or email (Rinni83@gmail.com) to speak directly to me about anything their heart's desire...but only if it's about a CornyFlower design or a single, handsome, young man you want me to meet. Ha!

Uh hum...lets focus here Corinne! OR you can find me at my website www.CornyFlowers.com where you can view "some" of my designs and order straight from there. Be sure to "like" my official "CornyFlowers" page on Facebook. Of course, you may purchase already made designs at any of the 4 boutiques I display and sell my flowers...which are "Lovely Events and Occasions" (Penn Ave. W. Reading), "Hello Bluebird" (Penn Ave. W. Reading), Salon Avanti (Penn Ave. W. Reading) and Bonnie Landis Beauty Salon (Pricetown Rd. Fleetwood, PA).

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

PA Event Decor, PA School Assembly, PA School Show, Children's Entertainer

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.

Facebook Featured Fan Announced: Twister Tess

If you have seen me balloon twisting this year, you have seen a part of Twister Tess. Those super cool balloon dog earrings that I wear were hand-crafted by this week's Facebook Featured Fan! Sadly, I have not had the pleasure of meeting Twister Tess (Chelsea) in person - she  lives in Indiana, and well, I don't  - but I enjoy following her and her amazing twisted balloon creations on Facebook. Seriously, this is one talented lady. Actually, it isn't even just her - her mother and sister are in on this fun career, also. Anyone who has a Skee-Ball machine in their house is way cool in my book.

Enjoy reading about Twister Tess.  -  "Wax on, Wax off."

If you want to learn more about how to become a featured fan, I made a video about it. : )
Click here to view it.  Have a balloontastic day! - Christine

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Are you a dog or a cat person?
Both! I love animals. I'm also a horse person, a ferret person, and a balloon animal person!

What is your favorite pizza topping?
Veggies, especially olives. I'm a vegetarian, and have been my whole life-- I’ve never tasted meat at all!

Did you play sports or a band instrument in high school?
I was home schooled, so we always had lots of music and instruments around-- guitar, piano, autoharp, and a Native American flute (part of a project that included a full size Indian tipi in our backyard for a while!). As for sports, I’ve always loved the outdoors, and hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and biking are among my favorite activities! Oh, does Skee-Ball count? We have an old-time, full size Skee-Ball machine in our basement. (At amusement parks we always win long strings of tickets at the Skee-Ball, which always makes people stare. Comes from lots of practice. :)

What do you think came first, the chicken or the egg?
Hmmm...... Um, the chicken? I mean, an egg wouldn’t hatch unless it had a chicken to sit on it, right? Don’t tell me you really find that at all interesting. :)

What would you like readers to know about you personally?
My real name is Chelsea. Tess was a nickname given me back when my younger sister was too little to pronounce “Chels,” and Twister refers to my job as a balloon twister! I'm a creative person. I love to paint, sculpt, twist balloon sculptures, make jewelry, and otherwise create things! I also love the outdoors, and traveling. I got to visit the ocean for the first time a few years ago, and can't wait to go back!

What is your business? What "do you do?" I am a balloon artist, like Miss Balloon Heart! I'm one of the "Talented Trio of Twisters" at Balloongenuity, our balloon business in central Indiana! Balloongenuity was started after my mother, sister, and I went on a vacation where we saw some tourists wearing big, crazy balloon hats. They looked like they were having a great time, and something about it stuck in our heads when we returned. We got out our balloon kit we’d had when we were little, and started playing around with different designs. One incredibly amazing year later, we’ve expanded our art to décor, deliveries, entertainment, a balloon show, and more!
I am also an artist, sculptor, and jewelry maker. I paint oil paintings, and experiment with other mediums like charcoal and airbrush art, but right now I am mostly creating and selling my handmade jewelry. My jewelry is all inspired by balloon animals, from the classic balloon dog earrings to the Hula Monkey necklaces!

Who is your greatest supporter in your life and work?
My mom, and my sister-- the other two of the talented trio!

Who or what inspires you?
I'm inspired by lots of things. I paint a lot of animals, especially horses. With the balloons, it's the expressions on the faces of the kids (and grown-ups too!) who receive our creations that inspire me to make each creation amazing and unique!

Is there something you are really passionate about? What is it?
Definitely art, balloon and otherwise. I'm always searching for new ways to take things to a new level, new ideas, new designs. I always want things to be as original and unique as possible! I can be a little bit of a perfectionist about details. I’m also passionate in my love of animals-- any and all of them! We have rescued many dogs, cats, and horses, found homes for and care for many of them. I also volunteered at the local zoo, getting a taste of a zookeeper’s life for a while! (Not that it was all that different from being at home….)

What is your favorite quote?
I have to say “Wax on, wax off” from the original Karate Kid movie! Here’s why: When my sister and I were little and would ask our mom “Why do I have do this?”, instead of arguing with us about it, she would simply say “Wax on, wax off!”, complete with arm wave motions. I had no idea why she said this, but I understood it meant “do what you’re told without asking why.” How do you argue with that? Years later my sister and I saw The Karate Kid for the first time. When we saw the “Wax on, wax off” scene, we both pointed at the TV and yelled “That’s it!! That’s where that came from!”

How can people reach you?
You can reach me through any of my websites, or through my Etsy shop or Facebook page! You can contact me if you have any questions about my art, jewelry, or balloons!
Website: www.balloongenuity.com (balloons), www.artwithatwist.etsy.com (jewelry), www.crystalroseartstudio.com (fine art)
Facebook: Balloongenuity--Ingenious Balloon Creativity

Here’s a photo of me and my family, the Talented Trio of Twisters at Balloongenuity! That’s me on the right, in the blue hat. :)

Valley Homeschoolers' 4th Annual Cyber School Fair

Holly Balog of K12/Agora - 2009 Cyber School Fair

Creating Exciting Balloon Memories (Miss Balloon Heart) is pleased to have the opportunity to participate, once again, in the Valley Homeschoolers Cyber School Fair. I found pictures from the event two years ago, online, (click here to view them). It is hard to believe that these were taken only 4 months into my balloon twisting career. As a homeschooler, at the time, I had attended the fair the year before and noticed that I really had wanted to talk to the schools but my daughter needed my attention sooner than I would have liked. This is one event I am THRILLED to donate my time to to help parents with their educational decisions. By the way, Tamara, who runs the event, is super cool. If you have the teeniest, tiniest curiosity about cyber schools - this is the BEST place to check them out and it is free!

Below are the details shared by Tamara this week.

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

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It's time for
Valley Homeschoolers'
4th Annual Cyber School Fair

Friday, April 29th
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Schwenkfelder library & museum

Cost of admission: free!

If you have any questions about cyber schools, this is the only place – anywhere – that you have all the schools in the same place at the same time. Have all your questions answered, get a peek at what you'll actually see when you log on to the virtual school, and find out what additional academic help they offer (including, in some cases, college courses for free).

Here's the list of the schools that are attending:

 PA Cyber
K12/Agora
PALCS
PAVCS
PA Distance Learning
Connections Academy
21st CCCS
Upper Perkiomen School District
Quakertown School District

There will be refreshments and schools will be giving away pens & other assorted stuff. The Schwenkfelder and other museums will display what they have to offer to homeschoolers, too!


Miss Balloon Heart, will be there twisting balloon sculptures for the little ones from 10AM -1PM.

Elyse Kells, homeschool graduate & professional photographer, will be taking school portraits of your minions for only $20.00!

Spread the news!

I'm looking forward to seeing you there!

Tamara Kells
Free Lance Columnist, The Patch
"The Brunette Lucy"

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

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 @DunkinPhilly 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

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

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

Press Release About My New Elementary School Science Show

Hello, all!

I hope that you had a WONDERFUL weekend!
Below is my latest press release.

Have a blessed week, all.
-Christine

Miss Balloon Heart Now Offers an Elementary School Science Assembly Show

Miss Balloon Heart announces her elementary school science show offering; "How to Catch a Mouse, Simple Machines at Work," written by Larry Moss

MissBalloonHeartinHowToCatchAMouse

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Jan 14, 2011 – Christine Maziarz, aka Miss Balloon Heart, is thrilled and honored to bring "How to Catch a Mouse, Simple Machines at Work," to elementary schools in southeastern Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. Written by the internationally-renowned "airigamist," Larry Moss, this 45-minute science show entertains and educates students about the five basic simple machines. It is the perfect stage show for audiences in kindergarten through fifth grade.

In this exciting show, balloon props and student volunteers are used to construct a large Rube Goldberg-style mousetrap intended to solve the problem of a mouse on the loose. Students cheer for the lucky audience volunteers, laugh at the silliness and learn a whole bunch.  

When schools book Miss Balloon Heart for their school assemblies, they will receive all of the promotional materials needed to bring excitement and anticipation to their students and staff as well as to their local community. After the performance, each and every one of the audience members will receive a free giveaway and the school keeps every inflated balloon used in the show.

You may find more information about Miss Balloon Heart’s presentation of this show at http://www.creatingexcitingballoonmemories.com/Elementar ....

Christine Maziarz is enjoying every minute of her balloon artistry journey. After witnessing her daughter's admiration for a twisted balloon dog, Christine purchased a balloon kit that began her journey. She has never looked back. Now an award-winning balloon artist, she enjoys the titles her fans have given her such as “Balloon Genie”, “The Pride of Douglassville” and “Cool Balloon Lady” even more.  Her most treasured titles of all are “Wife” and “Mother.”  Christine adores having this wonderful outlet to use her years of theater experience and love of entertaining and educating children.
Below is a short video about the concepts taught in this show.

# # #

About Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC :
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories is the new home of Miss Balloon Heart. Christine Maziarz, aka Miss Balloon Heart, is an Award-Winning balloon artist as well as a Certified Balloon Artist. Creating Exciting Balloon Memories serves clients in Southeastern Pennsylvania and surrounding areas with a school science show, balloon twisting entertainment and beautiful balloon decor.

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

Order your Holiday "Froot" Basket Today!

The perfect and unique gift for your Thanksgiving host!

Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC will be offering a limited amount of these "Froot" baskets during Thanksgiving week for pick-up or local delivery. 

Be sure to place your order as soon as possible while they are still available.

The Froot Basket pictured is a large basket and contains over 40 pieces of balloon fruit. This sculpture, made entirely out of balloons, is perfect for a buffet centerpiece and/or table decor. Pictured below is the same centerpiece with my lovely assistant holding it to provide a size reference.

Comments received about these Froot Baskets:
"It is beautiful."
"That froot basket is AMAZING."
"The picture doesn't do it justice."
"Is that REALLY only balloons?"
"How did you DO that?"

"I LOVE IT!"

A smaller size of the basket which holds over 22 pieces of balloon "froot" is also available.

Prices begin at $50. 
Call  or email Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, today to place your order!
610.858.6571

School House Rock Live opens tonight, Friday, November 12th!

presented by Encore Theater Company... where children make the magic

Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC is a proud sponsor of Encore Theater Company. 

Friday, November 12th at 7PM

Saturday, November 13th at 1:30PM 

Sunday, November 14th at 1:30PM

At

Pottstown Middle School, Pottstown, PA

Visit their website for more information.

www.encoretheatercompany.org

Happy Friday, everyone!

Amazing things...Remember me?

Hello, all!

Forgive me for the long time between blog posts. Business has been great and the direction of my business has been shifting as well. First the bad news..it was with much prayer and consideration that I have decided to stop my weekly appearances at Friendly's. This was a tough decision for me as the General Manager there, Beverly, was THE VERY FIRST person to have faith in my ability to twist a balloon, 22 months ago. I consider it a true blessing that I am able to leave on such wonderful terms with a great restaurant. They have been nothing but wonderful to me. My final appearance there is this coming Wednesday, October 27th.

This decision stems from some direction changes in my business. Most of you know that I have been focusing on balloon decor this year and receiving training so that I may provide my clients with excellent and beautiful balloon decor solutions. Going forward, I will be focusing on deco-twisted decor for large events; Sweet Sixteen parties, Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, Proms, Convention Booths, Anniversary Parties, Corporate Events - the bigger the better.

Another direction change for my business was announced in Southern Berks News last week. I was blessed to have spent time with reporter, Dawn Wivell, who wrote an amazing article about my business where she was able to announce my future offering of an elementary school science assembly. This fun and educational show is currently in rehearsals.  Be the first to tell your school about it now to allow them to book me at my, limited time, introductory rate.   Show booking dates begin in February of 2011 and are being taken now! This super cool show was written by the world-famous, Larry Moss, of Airigami. I am truly honored to have been given his permission to present this show to the area.

Guess what...there is even more news on the horizon. I was interviewed by yet another reporter this past week. This lovely lady is from the Reading Eagle and I will let her be the one to break my next news item. Stay tuned, all. There are many cool things happening in the months ahead.

Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful week ahead!

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"

Back from Vegas!

 Hello, all!

I pray this finds you and your family enjoying the last days of summer - hard to believe how quickly summer has flown.

I am back from the amazing balloon education in Las Vegas. I have yet to unpack all of my "balloon stuff" but I will eventually get there... maybe by January if it is anything like last year. Hee hee.

For those who have been receiving these updates for a while, you will notice the new picture - I was blessed to have the opportunity to have my picture taken by Richard Faverty of Beckett Studios in Las Vegas, while I was out there, and was thrilled to have the picture above as a result of our quick photo session. He is a pleasure to work with!

I was able to enjoy Las Vegas with great friends who I have met in this fun, balloon industry.

I have posted pictures from this event on my Facebook Fan Page and they may be viewed here.  Many thanks to the generous individuals who stepped up and "saved the day" by creating these events in less than one month's time: Don Caldwell, Tawney Bubbles, Todd Neufeld (Alternajam) and Mark Zettler (Balloonstitute). Catching the magician, Jeff McBride, at Alternajam was an extra amazing bonus. I'm not a magician by any means but he made it look like fun and was an EXCELLENT speaker!

One of my favorite moments was hanging out with Laura Caldwell, aka Annie Banannie, at Alternajam.
She is as sweet in person as I imagined her to be. Kind of a bummer that I am located on the East Coast and she is on the West Coast but then it is probably lucky for her as I would be one of her groupies! ; )

Balloonatic RN, Annie Banannie & Miss Balloon Heart

I was blessed to spend most of my time with my buddy, Diane, aka Balloonatic RN, the majority of the trip. We saw the sites together and attended many of the classes together. We even were able to take in a Vegas show with our new friend from Australia, Matt.

Okay, so, yes, this educational trip was great. I learned a ton that I will be able to use in my business over the next year and years beyond. Now that I am back in Pennsylvania....

                   ...the CBA Exam that I was scheduled to take in Vegas will be held in New Jersey next month so I have a few weeks left to prepare and study for that. September 15th is exam day! I do need to say that I love the CBA program, I went from being unsure about doing decor to having a solid foundation and confidence in creating beautiful decor. I can not honestly say that I am super calm about the exam but I know it will be over before I know it - it is feeling a little too college-like for my taste...you know... read the entire 500-page textbook and there will be 5 questions worth 100 points total, kind of thing. ; )

This coming Friday, I have the privilege of decorating a wedding and am very much looking forward to that event. I will be sure to post pictures. I will be at my regularly scheduled restaurants, as well, this week, Red Robin, Exeter on Tuesday evening and Friendly's on Shoemaker Rd. in Pottstown on Wednesday.

May you all have a blessed week. As always, thanks for taking the time in your day to read my blog!

Christine
aka Miss Balloon Heart
"Balloon Genie"

The hot air balloon was created in Robbie Furman's Floating Decor Pieces class... the bride and groom I added later in a silly moment. They are also his designs but not exactly his recommended placement. : ) 

Where is Miss Balloon Heart this week?

I am sure at one of my weekly restaurants, this week, a guest will ask this question.

Here is the answer.

This Saturday evening, I am heading out to Vegas for a few incredible days of balloon education. I WILL return to my regularly scheduled restaurants the week of August 16th. While the original event that I was planning to attend was canceled, amazing people in this industry stepped up and put together three days of events with only a few weeks notice. Talk about angels! I will have the opportunity to meet, learn from and "jam" with top balloon professionals. You can say it... I do... I am a BALLOON GEEK. : ) What can I say? I have an incredible job and love every minute of it.

On that "geeky" note, I had some time to practice balloon decor pieces this week and I included pictures of the results at the bottom of this post.

May you all have a WONDERFUL weekend and week! I will post updates on my Facebook Fan page about my trip, as time allows. Also, do not forget about the chance to win a balloon twisting kit from me - click here for details.

As always, thanks for making time to read my blog,

Christine Maziarz
aka Miss Balloon Heart
"Balloon Genie"

NEW BALLOON DECOR PIECES

 This is a fun column with balloons, light AND fabric - oh my! : )

Floating Flowers