a tale of bears & blocks...

i was just getting used to having this lil baby in my life and before i knew it, her first birthday was approaching. as the date creeped up in the midst of me being in my overwhelming experience as a mummy, i was late sending out the invites so i started with a "save the date" note...

 ...and then the party planner in me went wild ;) the colour theme was brown & pink and the overall decor was based on bears & blocks. i'll let the pictures tell the story...

- the invites -

It's a very special birthday

for a very special girl,

One year ago this day,

Zaleia Ilaika came into our world.

With her happy smile & cheeky ways

She's brought us joy, laughter & love,

Our cuddly Ilaika-bear is a beautiful gift

specially sent from up above.

Now the apple of our eye

is turning one,

With you around

it'll be so much fun!

- the decor -

- the furry guests -

 

- the cake -

- the party packs & gifts-

- mummy me a.k.a. the party planner & the birthday princess -

looking at the pics now, i guess i did go a little overboard with the whole setup up and guest list of 70 adults & 30 kids ;) but oh well, she's only one once!

just a few things to remember for the next party i organise:

• design invites early, especially if it's a complicated block that takes forever to construct & put together...so say, 2 months is a good headstart, to avoid going to bed at 4am for a few weeks before the invites are due!
  
• have a trial run for the birthday cake, especially if it's the first time playing with a type of decor...in this case fondant. also avoid baking & decorating at 4pm the night before the party. much better to start at least a couple of days ahead...
  
• coax family & friends to come early & help with decor!
• a one year old is just happy to have familiar toys around her which kinda defeats the whole party anyways ;) but at least when she grows up & looks at the pics, she'll think she had a fab first birthday! 

last but not least, after weeks of cutting & sticking and calling & planning, make sure friends stick around after the party to help you unwind over that much-needed drink ;)