This is a bit late. So this happened last month. I turned 50. Woohoo!

I do a lot of party planning back in the day (kids, 18th, and weddings) and I am glad I can do it again post-covid. My family thought of celebrating my big 5-0, but allowed me to decide and organise it myself. Lucky Mama. Sweet!

If you are DIY-ing your party, remember these important aspects to be considered early on, say 4-6 months before :

• Budget

• Theme

• Venue

• Date

Guest lists, vendors, setup, tasks and other details will follow on the next phase. In my opinion, the time frame I mentioned does not apply to weddings. You’ll need more time for that, say 1 year preparation perhaps.

The first thing I did is secure a place for the date I wanted. That time there was a rumor that elections will be happening in May. I don’t want to compete with that. So I just booked it very close to the end. Good thing I dodged it for just a week.

We agreed to support local small businesses around us. When I learned there is this lovely wine bar close to home that one of my friends recommended, Hubby and I checked it right away. It is quite definite that I am having a FRIENDS themed party. It had to be known, I am a fan. And when I saw how Fancy Things is decorated and styled, I looked no further. It’s perfect for the event and the size is cosy for a small gathering. And hands down, the management is accommodating and very reasonable to talk to. Easy peasy. That’s it. Settled.

So the little details were all up to me. I met a cake decorator in Cobblebank. She is great and listened to all of my ‘requests’. The cake is Burnt Butter Dulce de Leche with Pistachios. Yummy! Look her up in instagram - Cakebhe .

We didn’t decorate the dessert table too much. We gave out party favours that were DIY-ed by us - homemade tempered chocolates, prepared by hubby and packed by myself - our first collab project. I just added some macarons from Coles. The balloons are from Spotlight Burnside.

I am glad and grateful that I was able to celebrate with my family and closest friends in Australia. I have so much to thank for. The last two years most especially was a turning point for me. I considered it an awakening, despite the odds. I miss my Mom and our big extended family back in Manila. If they were all here, we won’t fit in the venue.

Seriously, I am happy that I have reached this point in my life. Amazing times indeed. I won’t ask for anything more.

Cheers to the next 50! See you around, Mamas. Keep smiling.

❤❤❤

Tess xx