Ali Landry Striving For 'Balance' With Birthday Party
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Extravagant birthday parties are nothing new in Hollywood, but the current recession has even celebrities tightening their belts. Ali Landry is in the midst of planning her 22-month-old daughter Estela Ines‘ second birthday party and she admits in a new segment for Spotlight to Nightlight that she’s conflicted about how to proceed. “At first, I thought, let’s do something simple…a cake, a few friends, maybe a ride on a pony,” the 35-year-old model and actress explains. “After all, my second birthday party consisted of my aunts, uncles, and cousins sitting on the porch with a cake, a few presents, and Pin the Tail on the Donkey.” While Ali “doesn’t really remember it,” she notes that everyone appeared to have had a good time “without all the bells and whistles that are such a big part of today’s celebrations.”
On the other hand, as a celebrity, Ali notes that she has access to “resources and companies” that most non-celebrity moms don’t. “When you add that to the mix, it’s really hard to stick to my original idea of keeping it simple,” she admits. “I am now trying to find that happy balance.”
“Everyone is paring down their spending these days, but it’s hard to cut back when it’s for our kids. There are so many great ideas out there and if you’re willing to put in the effort, you can still pull off an amazing shindig without breaking the bank. You just need time, creativity, and resources.”
Click below to read about which celebrity mom Ali turned to for advice.
To that end, Ali consulted with pal Dayna Devon. The 39-year-old Extra! co-host and mom of two recommended that Ali keep a file handy of ideas for Estela’s party. Dayna also suggested that Ali visit her local dollar store and peruse eBay for party supplies, and check out Costco’s selection of birthday cakes. In place of a favor bag, Ali says she’s considering a craft activity; Not only will it occupy her tiny guests during the party, but it also gives them something to take home that they made themselves. Ali goes on to say that while she knows Estela doesn’t “need a blowout bash,” the temptation to go all out is forever present. “There is nothing more than to see a huge smile on her face on her birthday,” she adds.
“At the end of the day, what really matters is that we surround our daughter with the people who love her and create joyous memories that will last our family a lifetime. If those joyous memories include a few extra blessings that come along with my husband and I being in this business, then I am not going to feel guilty or stressed about it … I sound stressed, don’t I?”
Estela is Ali’s daughter with husband Alejandro Gomez Monteverde. Dayna and husband Dr. Brent Moelleken are parents to Emmi Reese, 3 ½, and Cole Brent, 2.
Source: Spotlight to Nightlight