Amy's Diary: Tara's 1st Birthday Party!

We held Tara's first birthday party at our place on the 5th of November. I think the effort I spent on the preps can equal to my wedding. 2 months before the date, I've already thought of how to decorate the place. 1 month before, I've started buying the party stuff. Bob wasn't really keen on holding a big party but I told him it's the 1st, and it shall be the best. Though I really want it to be very BIG, and even booked Hard Rock Cafe for the event. 2 things that changed my mind, limited budget and sucked service (which I don't wish to comment further). It sounded really cool to hold the party at HRC, but it will cost me $20 per pax, with only 6 items of finger food and unlimited soft drinks, which is the only perk. I intend to invite over 80, which will cost me more than 1,600. So eventually, I still ended up holding it at my place, with the same cost, but food is so much better. The only thing I hated is the cleaning up.

Most of those who said they are coming, came. Lots of presents and ang baos for Tara. I gave the kids goodie bags with tidbits and also a set of colouring book and colour pencils. For the younger kiddos, they have goodie bags too, but with baby friendly snacks as well as harmless, non-toxic "rattle" (I don't know how to call that).

I ordered a 3D brown bear cake that turned pink. It's my fault. I should not have said anything about changing the colour of the bear to pink (to suit the theme). I did tell the person taking my order to keep the colour of the bear and just change the cake itself to pink (well, there's a small cake in front of the bear). Miscommunication always happens. I was very disappointed with the pink, it's so.. so.. 80s. My cousin, whom I met once a year, carried her daughter over, looked at the cake and said (to her daughter), "the cake colour not so nice hor?". Arggh..

And did I mention that the whole theme was pink? I bought metallic pink balloons with pink strings to tie. (Some silver ones for the boys, pink is too girlish for them). Every piece of the decor was in pink, even the table cover. And yes, the serviettes, plates and cups are also pink. I didn't buy any pink forks and spoons because I've already busted my budget big time.

Bob got 2 cylinders of helium for the balloon. Cheryl took leave to help me out. Everything went without a hitch (except for the cake). I apologize to all who came, I'm so busy and couldn't really talked to everyone. Thanks for the gifts and ang baos. Now Tara got so many toys and clothes to last her for the next 1 year! She had fun unwrapping the gifts too.

It's so much fun, I don't mind doing it again. *wink*

Anyway, I've finally managed to upload all the photos! Thanks to the speed of my new Singnet broadband, everything is done in a cool 5 mins, compared to the usual 1 min per image previously. What can I say? Nothing to complain.... yet.

In front of the lift landing