Lia's third

Lia at 3
Originally uploaded by micaela

We celebrated Lia's third birthday at McDonald's. We let her choose between a beach trip and a McDonald's party, and she chose the latter--with a Disney Princess theme.

So...off I went again, working out my canvassing powers. McDonald's provided food, decors, invites, loot bags, and game prizes, but I just couldn't resist. I had to conceptualize a souvenir, canvass for cake designs, choose between a pabitin and pinata, decide whether to have a glimmer or henna tattoo booth, and look for a design for Lia's birthday dress (and have it tailored).

I settled for name bracelets for souvenirs. Aside from costing lower than my other souvenir ideas, it was personalized--therefore, had more appeal (and use, which is really my number 1 criterion for souvenirs). I took a trip to my bead haven in Quiapo, where I bought the letter cubes and other supplies. When I was ready with everything, I asked for every kid's wrist measurements. Then I put each bracelet in a gold pouch (most appropriate, because it was a Princess party).

I surveyed everyone if they wanted henna or glimmer. Henna won, and so I went off to Robinson's Galeria to talk to Gene Testa, a known tattoo artist, and hire their services for henna tattoing.

Since Goldilocks was the "accredited" cake supplier for McDonald's parties, I went to their Pasong Tamo branch (it's open 24 hours!) to look for cake designs. I brought Lia along with me so she can choose her own design. She chose a Cinderella round cake.

I went to New Divisoria Mall in Divisoria to buy a pinata. I chose pinata over pabitin because Lia doesn't quite like pabitins (she had experiences where she couldn't get even one item). I chose a Cinderella pinata to go along with her cake. We shopped together for candies and chocolates to put inside the pinata. And together, we put all the goodies inside the pinata. As for the stand, I had my mother order one from the local carpenter in the province.

For Lia's dress, I searched the net (where else) for designs. I found one which had an a-line cut. Unfortunately, my mother insisted on it being a ballgown, and had petticoat done. :( I could not throw it away, or have it repaired or done all over again, so I made do with it.

I made all the preps, and stayed on budget. :)

When the day of the party came, Lia was so excited. She welcomed her guests with a smile, said "Thank you" when she was greeted "Happy Birthday", and kept on smiling until the party ended and she was already tired and sleepy.

Lia's favorite gift? The pig pillow given by Lolo Father. How she loves it! Which made us parents realize again that Lia's joy really lies in simple things. :)