It’s the first day of September and it’s finally dawning on me: Baby Champuru’s first birthday party is in a month!  I have always thought that I work well under pressure (although it’s not my preference) and the realization of the big day descending upon me spurred me into action.  I made decisions for the centerpieces and favors rather quickly, but I am satisfied knowing that those choices are not ones that I will end up regretting. Not only are they absolutely perfect for the party, but they also support the businesses of my friends. How can you go wrong with that?

For the favors, I have ordered mochi from Happy Hearts Mochi.  I have not made a firm decision on the type of mochi yet, but am leaning heavily toward the peanut butter flavor (mochi with peanut butter and azuki filling, topped with chopped peanuts – yum!).

The centerpieces will feature the newly launched product, Midori-dori, a reusable fabric gift wrap.  I love the idea of “green” gift wrap. No trees were killed in the making of this gift wrap!   I will be using the Midori-dori to wrap the large bottle of treats, then will attach helium-filled balloons to add a little visual interest to the tables.

Those were the two items that were most concerning me, so I’m glad to have finally gotten those decisions out of the way.

What else is on the party to-do list?

• Finalize headcount and confirm catering order
• Decide what kind of appetizers to buy
• Order the cake
• Experiment with “healthy” first cake recipes for Baby Champuru’s birthday cupcake. (Do you think I’m going to let her eat a piece of Costco cake?)
• Buy paper products at Costco
• Decorations
• Games and prizes
• Piñata or not to piñata? (Hello Kitty piñata available at Price Busters for under $20.)
• Music (i.e., loading my iPod with local tunes)

October is fast approaching!  Will I be ready for the big day?  Stay tuned!