I've been MIA for a few days and here's why - Alessia is turning 2 years old on May 29th and birthdays are such a huge deal for me. We've decided that because of Alessia's incredible love for Dora and mild love of Minnie Mouse, we would throw her a Minnie party this year. Chances are she'll love Dora again next year.
Planning on a budget has been a little tricky.
Invitations - I made the invitations myself on Photoshop, took them into Staples and had them printed for only $7.00 for 16. Great deal to me!!Location - We decided to have it at the Christie Lake Conservation Area in Hamilton. It's a new and fun setting for the kids. They have a park, a beach and we'll bring some soccer balls to throw around. We had been thinking about inquiring about their Pavillions, however after going through the website I found out it was about $179 for either an hour or for every 4 hours and I was really on a budget so this idea was out. Cost was $18 enterance fee and because the park hadn't been open yet, we got a Pavillion for free!!!
Cake - I have always loved the cake to be a focal point at a birthday I throw for my kids. I had originally decided to be more stingy this year and make the cake myself, but this year, having the party so far away from home means I really need to save my brain for the things I may forget to pack up and not on how do I bake a Minnie Mouse cake. This year I ordered a 8 inch. strawberry shortcake with 10 vanilla cupcakes for the kids, from Just Cakes in Barrie. I thought I would try someone new this year instead of my usual cake lady and boy what a great choice it was! The cake was DELICIOUS as well as gorgeous. Cost was $70 for the cake. (pricey for a cake but had to be done, to me)
Food - Very simple. Hamburgers and hot dogs for the kids. Chicken legs, cold salads for the grown-ups. Fruits for dessert and some extra munchies just in case. This was my initial plan. My parents volunteered to handle the hamburgers, hotdogs, buns, and condements. My sister-in-law took care of her famous potatoe salad and my mother-in-law made a very yummy bean salad. Cost was free. Thanks to everyone who helped with food!
Decor - We decided on no balloons or streamers. We did, however, get pink plates and napkins only. Rob's parents did go out and get a big Mickey Mouse Clubhouse balloon and a small 'I'm Two' balloon. Cost was $10.
Other Misc. - Goody bags, table clothes, candles, and all other miscellaneous things we bought. I also bought a summer dress for the occasion. Cost was $68.
In total we spent was about $175 in total for her birthday, which I think is pretty awesome!! It all went well, everyone loved it and enjoyed themselves and hopefully next year we could work on our organizing and not our budgeting.
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