Dancing with the Stars/Mario Lopez party

I just found the pictures from the event we decorated in September of 2006. Mario Lopez's agent contacted us to assist them with pinatas for a party that Dancing With the Stars was going to film in Chula Vista. It was a party to introduce his partner Karina to his family. It was a traditional Mexican fiesta with tacos, mariachi music and of course the traditional breaking of the pinata. We showed up early and decorated the backyard with papel picado, colorful bows, sarapes and pinatas. Mario danced with Karina and then showed her how to break a pinata. When they showed the clip on ABC's Dancing with the Stars, the only thing that came out was my pants. It was an awesome experience and was glad to have been a part of it. Mario and Karina were very nice to my mom and I. His agent invited us to attend a taping of Dancing with the Stars. Unfortunately, because of workload we were unable to go that week. When I called him the following week, there weren't any tickets available - go figure!

Claudia meets Marco Antonio Solis and Marc Anthony

I just found these pictures and thought I'd share them since we're going to start our Hall of Fame wall at the store. We've met a couple of celebrities in the last few years and thought it would be fun to put them up at the store. These pictures were taken a couple of years ago in Los Angeles. Albert used to get tickets for concerts when he was a professional dj. This concert was held in a small venue in downtown Los Angeles. We were given backstage passes and got to mingle with several celebrities.

Albert meets famous Mexican soccer player Zague at Farmer's Market in Otay Ranch

We've been promoting our store by selling Mexican candy and displaying pinatas at the Otay Ranch Farmer's Market every Tuesday. While we were there this past week, Albert and his brother recognized a famous Mexican football soccer player - Zague. I have no idea who he is but according to my brother-in-law is quite famous. I did some research on him and read that he helped Mexico make it to Copa America in 1993. He scored 7 goals in a game, which gave him a world record of goals by a single player in a game, and helped win 9-0 over Martinique. That same year, he won the Gold Cup with the Mexican team. He ended his professional career in 2003 and presently works as the Executive Director of Club America. He was very nice and autographed a soccer pinata for my older son.

Giancarlo's 4th birthday party

Our youngest son turned 4 years on May 10th. We celebrated his birthday on Sunday, May 18 with a Mickey Mouse theme. We put up a 10x20 canopy the day before and decorated it with colorful flags and hot air balloon mini pinatas with a couple of his Disney stuffed animals. We showcased all of our Disney waterglobes around his birthday cake. We made several balloon centerpieces for the tables.

Gran Sol Catering provided the delicious carne asada and chicken tacos. We also prepared a table of munchies galore for our guests including tostilocos, vasitos de elote, nachos, popcorn, chile covered apples, and popsicles. Entertainment was provided by XS Entertainment. My son loves to watch the dancers and surprised us all by performing with them. I will try and post some videos of the party. Our guests had an awesome time as well as my son.

Thanks to Grand Sol Catering, Jesus of XS Entertainment and Adventure Party Express for providing the jumper!

Balloon creations

Balloons are the least inexpensive way to decorate any event. They can be used for graduation, baby showers, quinceaneras, birthday parties, or any other celebration. We are now offerring balloon centerpieces, arches and pillars. Advance notice is required. Prices range from $12.99 to $15.99 for centerpieces and $40.00 to $80 per pillar. Arches run $7.95 per foot. Albert builds the mini balloon centerpieces and pillars. Our balloon specialist, Josie, builds the arches and complex sculptures. Most pillars and arches are built on-site the day of your event.

The Palms Day Spa Grand Opening

This is my dad serving up the champagne and mimosas.

This is my mom putting the final touches. She is the one that created the beautiful tropical arrangements.


We were hired to do the grand opening of the Palms Day Spa last year. We were given less than a week to put it together including the tables, food, and beverages. We served almond champagne and mimosas as guests arrived. The food was beautifully displayed with greenery and included chicken and beef skewers, vegetable spring rolls, cheese and crackers, and chocolate ganache with fresh fruit.

Wedding at Mountain Hawk Park

My little sister was married last year at a beautiful ceremony at Mountain Hawk Park. She had plans on having a small civil ceremony at the courthouse. If you know my family, you know this was unacceptable. My parents and I planned the wedding in less than two weeks. The ceremony was held at Mountain Hawk park overlooking the Otay Lakes. This was the time to call in all the favors from all my acquantainces. I called in a favor to one of Pinata World's customers who works at Parks & Recreation for the City to reserve the amphitheater. Kathy from Kathy's Cakes made the beautiful wedding cake and we ordered flowers from Efrain's Wholesale Florist. After the ceremony, we had the reception in my parent's backyard. My grandmother cooked a wonderful traditional birria meal. You don't need a lot of time and money to plan a wedding or any party. The most important part of hosting an event is to ensure that your guests and you have a good time. Everything else will fall into place.

More pictures of Salt Creek Fun Run

Salt Creek Mountain lion greeting the runners

Ms. Veronica Delgado - kindergarten teacher and parent at Salt Creek

Ms. Ferhart - my son's third grade Spanish immersion teacher

Salt Creek Elementary School Fun Run- Pictures of runners

Did anyone take pictures of Dr. Glover with blue hair? If the school did not have 500 participants, the principal had to dye his hair blue. I think there were 540 runners. Does anyone have pictures of Dr. Glover with blue hair? If so, please email them to me so I can post them. By the way, my son is the one with the blue shirt.