Up, Up and Away!

It seems like every where I turn now a days, I am seeing adorable little hot air balloons!

No, not like these gorgeous, actual floating marvels...

But nursery's designed with the theme of hot air balloons.

Seriously?!  How cute are those paper lanterns that resemble hot air balloons?  A modern take. 

And take this fun mobile for example from The Red Balloon Company. 

I actually think the "theme," and I really am not a big THEME person, is understated and sweet.  You can make it the main theme or just use a few, hanging out by a window too. 

Imagine blue walls tranformed into a clear blue sky, with an occasional cloud!?!  Like this...

The bedding is cute and all, but I think I would opt for a more customized set with the bright colors that you prefer instead.  But, I adore the walls. 

Or if you want to keep with a soft, pastel palet, this chandelier would be a perfect touch.  As long as you have a hefty bank account to work with...

This all got me thinking...how much fun would a Hot Air Balloon Themed Birthday Party be????

Look at these cupcakes!  Tres adorable.

Or I could even make my very own Hot Air Balloon cake...doesn't seem to tricky?

And these paper lanterns would look amazing "floating" around the party scene!

Before the kiddos go and take off in their own Hot Air Balloon Ride!!!  Oh yeah!

I think I am going to have to ellaborate on this thought....suggestions are welcome.  And if you find any great Hot Air Balloon nick-nacks, please do share!

Hello Zazou!

Sorry I have been lacking in the post department here at Red Curlz! 

But, today I won't disappoint!  Meet my new friend(s), Zazou!

Lonneke Bär and Didier Dezanet, a French-Dutch couple, created Zazou because they and their many friends were desperate to find fun, original clothes for children.  They have an online shop with colorful, playful and slightly cheeky clothing, gifts, accesories and decorations for babies and toddlers.

Zazou is for trendy parents.  Hello, that's me!!!  I love finding funky finds, and their online shop has that in abundance!  Check out some of my favorite pieces...

Okay.  I think I am starting to post their. ENTIRE. website.  So.  I will stop.  Now. 

But, you should head on over and take a look for yourself...so much fun!  I could look and shop all day.  Seriously?  How flippin' silly cute is that paparazzi shirt?!?  I die.  Just. a. little.

My Charity Donation!

The Baby Makin' Machine Blog featured my charity donation, so be sure to check it out here!

Once I finish the custom canvas for the winner, Brandi, I will be sure to show you what I created on another post!

Warm Biscuit

I have fallen in love...again.  This seems to happen to me over, and over, and over again.

Say hello to Warm Biscuit!!!

I cannot say enough about their fantastic items, so you must go check them out for yourself!

Here are just a few of my favorite picks!  Enjoy!  And enjoy your weekend too! 

Don't Forget the Coupons

Ya gotta love it when your little child...

1.  Digs through your purse when you aren't watching...

2.  Fetches a $3.00 off coupon...

3.  ...for diapers, none the less!

4.  And then tells you we need to go to the store!

For the record.  She is right. 

We are down to about 10 diapers total.  So. Not. Good. 

Thanks for the reminder sweetie! 

Now get outta mommas purse!!!  Geesh...

We are the World Books

Since I am on the subject of race, culture, etc...

I thought I would highlight some educational and cultural books for...

BABIES

Global Babies

by the Global Fund for Children

Is a board book with 17 photographs of different babies faces all around the world!

TODDLERS

What a Wonderful World

by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele

Is a book that combines colorful drawings of many kids with various backgrounds with the lyrics of a song made famous by Louis Armstrong.

The Colors of Us

by Karen Katz

Is a book that celebrates the many colors of the skin we're in!

CHILDREN

My Friend Jamal

by Anna McQuinn

My Friend Mei Jing

by Anna McQuinn

Are books that celebrate friendship, childhood connection and cultural diversity.

These beautifully written books can help us as parents to start our little ones on a gorgeous journey.  A journey of education.  A journey of backgrounds.  A journey of cultures.  A journey of common ground.  Our own special journey that makes each of us unique! 

Bi-Racial versus Multi-Racial versus Multi-Cultural

I think I use the term bi-racial too much.

Karyn Parson's and her two multi-racial children

In reality, Red Curlz is not just bi-racial.  I, her mommy, am considered Caucasian.  Her daddy is considered African-American.  That is where the term "bi-racial" comes from.  But, those "categories" exist because our government trys to categorize us and put us in this "box" that we really don't fit in.  Right? 

Fact is, both of our families are dervived from many different races and cultures.

My dad's parents were both Czechoslovakian.

My mom's parents were, German, French, Dutch, Scottish...the list continues...or what is also known as Heinz 57, as my mom would say.

The other side of Red Curlz family is not well-known.  African-American, check.

We can trace the family roots back to North Carolina where they lived on a slave plantation.

Why do we have to continue to "check boxes" in order to "define" who and what we are?  Those boxes don't "fit me."  They probably don't "fit" you either.

Has our country, or the World, for that matter, not made enough progress to overcome racial divides? 

God made each of us.  Each of us special in our own right.  As a HUMAN RACE. 

He did not specify a race.  Not as we know it today.  According to our government.  God made the HUMAN RACE.  He made us all different.  But, he made us all the same.

Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.

Red and Yellow.
Black and White.

They are precious in His sight.

Jesus loves the little children of the world.

For the most part, we all have eyes.  Nose.  Mouth.  And ears. 

More importantly, we all bleed red.  We all having beating hearts.  We all have feelings.  That get hurt. 

And they get hurt many times due to this "race card" that is bringing me to write this post. 

I was blessed to grow up in a very diverse community.  San Antonio, Texas. 

I take pride in having a circle of friends so diverse.  We look around many times and laugh...and say, "Hey!  We are the World!"  I represent the Caucasian/European, then we also have African-Americans, Vietnamese, Mexican, Chinese, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and the list continues...

What a beautiful thing?!?!? 

I bet it would be safe to say we ALL are multi-cultural and multi-racial.  Not just White.  Or Black.  Or Bi-Racial. 

Why can't we oppose "checking boxes" and stand up and promote THE HUMAN RACE????

What are your thoughts? I would love to hear them!