As you all know by now, balloons make me EXTREMELY happy. I actually toted a dior-style big balon rouge around with me on my trip to San Francisco with ms. hyperfluent, including to the redwoods. {Yes, we got lots of crazy looks, but we got smiles even more often.} I also have a thing for color palettes, so today’s post combines the two.

These beautiful palettes are taken from the dreamy photos of another balloon enthusiast, Valeria of Red Balloon Photography. Valeria’s photos caught my eye because of their sweet, sunny feel despite their muted palettes. They are so perfectly subdued that they manage to be colorful without reminding me of the circus. The color palettes created from these photos emphasize the perfection of the colors in these pics. They’d work perfectly well outside of the picture as a color scheme for a room, a print, or a website.

Hmmm… maybe I should use one of these palettes for a {bits of beauty} website makeover. Do you have a favorite?

{photography by Valeria of Red Balloon Photography, color palettes by ms. jenn for bits of beauty}

What is it about Paris & balloons? Wondering if there is a history there. Anyone know?

{a few lovely links}
rainbow brights
butternut squash risotto
the one and only sophia
a february survival guide
a few gorgeous photos
a stylish home

{munchkin update}
today is Aidan’s 8th birthday and he has reached 40% of his goal!
+ donate here
+ watch his anonymous old spice spoof here
+ read sweet posts written  here, here, and here
+ he was also featured on the charity:water blog and on operation nice

{images: irene suchocki & chelsea victoria}

It’s been far too long since I did a balloon post…

{a few lovely links}
+ a free simple cookbook
+ remember this? get the mirrored tiles here
+ rather fond of these entomology notebooks
+ francois rachez via lovely clusters
+ loving this dress found by i am a greedy girl

images {via} the cherry blossom girl

It’s my blogiversary!

{Bits of Beauty} began one year ago on this day. I didn’t set out to change my life through blogging, but it certainly happened. All I can say is that I’m thankful to have such wonderful readers and a great community of bloggers to support me and inspire me.

Thanks so much!

And of course, what would a celebration be without balloons?! Yipeeeee!!!!!

photos: ellen von unwerth, unknown, heather cate, dior, weheartit

In the mood for sweet treats in pretty colors and these enormous balloons that feel straight out of my childhood dreams. Above all, I love the muted colors of the balloons. They look like the ones I dreamt of as a child, despite having never seen balloons as beautiful as these in my childhood.

photos: 1. unknown, 2. laduree

{p.s.}
If you are stuck at work, we can escape via balloons. Fly with me?

Still from the movie Le Balon Rouge