Special events have a special place in my heart. I guess that it could be because I have a creative spirit. Events like birthdays & weddings in particular allow for my creativity to run wild. However when it comes to your own special day everything takes a new twist.

Unfortunately I have not had the pleasure of planning my own big day but I have had the pleasure of being on the inside of a few very close relative’s wedding day preparations. Oh and I have seen one too many episodes of bridezillas and David Tutera’s my fair wedding.

I just want to share what I would have in my “bridal survival kit”.  Here would be a few essentials to help get through the special day:

1.       “Day of the  Wedding” Event Planner

This pocket book planer with all of the wedding industry’s best kept planning secrets and methods in one little tool. It will fit right in your bridal bag. Which leads me to my second item for my kit, a…

2.       A Bridal Bag 

You will be taking pictures left and right but will still need a lipstick or lip gloss, besides where are you supposed to carry everything from your kit? You do not want to carry anything to large but a cute bag to match your dress is a must.

3.       Tide to Go Pen

Too many drinks, lots of laughs and surprise you just spilled something on your dress. Keep this handy in your purse and you will be good to go!

4.       Dove Clear Tone Antiperspirant

Deodorant is a must! This particular one especially for me is awesome because it helps to not only keep you fresh, dry and protected but it also helps to even skin tone by reducing darks spots cause by shaving. It will moisturize and renew the skin under your arms if used daily on the weeks leading to your big day, you will feel confident all night in your strapless gown.

With my daughters second birthday quickly approaching I wanted to take a moment and let you take a peek at what was her 1st birthday party. 

Traditionally, with many Hispanic families especially Dominicans, the 1st birthday party tends be a grand event filled with many invitees, liquor and loud music.

Apart from budget constraints, I nixed the whole "my super sweet 1st birthday party" and went with a small intimate child friendly event.

I wanted the children to enjoy themselves and most importantly I wanted my daughter to be awake interacting with everyone and exploring all the details of her birthday.  

For Naliya's 1st Birthday last year, I decided I wanted to go with a ladybug theme. I am not exactly too sure why I wanted a ladybug theme but I figured it would be super cute.

I suppose that was the only birthday I was able to choose considering this year we are going with an Elmo theme. She has this new found love for Elmo, I love how excited she gets when she sees him.

I purchased all of the decor and party supplies from Etsy, Amazon, Shindigz, Michael's and Tiny Princess Bowtique

Each child received a ladybug box to put their piñata candies in as well as ladybug antennas instead of a party hat. We also blew bubbles and applied temporary ladybug tattoos. 

I used red and black tulle to dress up the rental chairs a bit and a green foil ballon weight with stars as the center piece for the tables.

I bought her cake at Costco, I requested the color theme for the flowers. The foam ladybugs and pipe cleaners I made squiggly were from Michael's. Her cake topper was from an Etsy seller also made of foam.  

I prepared party favorites such as tatter tots, mac and cheese, pig in a blanket, nuttella cups and sandwiches, pb&j and meatballs. Thank God for Costco! 

I used ribbon, ballon ribbon, streamers, wall decals and DIY'd some ladybugs to decorate the space, which at the time was the local for my store.

Below are a few pictures. Hope you enjoy my ideas!