How to plan a Great Party or event

*This post contains affiliate links  Everyone loves a good party, whether that be a birthday, anniversary or an office event, it's just the ticket to bring everyone together. The only problem being is many parties are pretty lame. If it's poorly planned, low turn out or you haven't budgeted correctly leading to slim pickings for food and entertainment. Instead of settling for boring once again, why not go the whole nine yards, and plan something your friends, family or employees will look forward to attending? An organised event, celebration or office party is a great way to boost team spirit while having fun. Here are some ideas on how you can plan a great party or corporate event that will be a hit. 1. Wine and Dine  One of the best ways to show people a good time is by treating them to some delicious food and drinks. This doesn’t mean you have to go overboard and spend a fortune, but it’s worth splurging on good-quality food and beverages for your party. Maddalena wines ......

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How to Celebrate a Friend's Birthday from afar when travelling

*This post contains affiliate links  Do you have a faraway friend with a birthday on the horizon? Whether they have moved away permanently or either you or they are travelling, there are still many ways to let them know you are thinking of them and celebrate their special day. While it might not be the same as seeing them in person, it’s still important to let them know how much they mean to you and to everyone who is part of their lives. From the pandemic to cross-country relocations, friends are there for each other — no matter what! From sending a personalized care package to toasting to their big day virtually, here is how to celebrate a friend’s birthday from afar.  Send a Personalized Care Package   One thoughtful way to celebrate a friend’s birthday from afar is to send them a care package. It’s super easy to do and is sure to make them smile. Put together a personalised care package with selected items and add a sentimental birthday card, too.  There is a wi......

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7 Tips On Throwing The Perfect Birthday Party

If you’ve been to birthday parties before (of course you have!), regardless of age wether it be for you celebrating a milestone of for your children then you know they can either be rather boring or incredibly fun and memorable. Hosting a boring birthday party is definitely the last thing you want to do and since we are heading half way into this year already and starting to think about my eldest sons birthday later this year I thought I would share seven tips on how to throw an entertaining and unforgettable birthday party. 1. First thing - The Guest List Before you plan anything you need to have a rough idea of numbers because that will dictate what kind of location you will need, food etc. Also you will have a clearer picture of how big or small your gathering is going to be as well as making sure all you don't forget anyone. 2. Pick A Fun Theme The theme can make or break any party because it can help decide whether the party will feel fun or a bit of a no......

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Now your Two

When your a child birthdays are always joyous occasions full of excitement and the same when your a parent but there is also a hint of the bittersweet. As a mother of course I want my boys to grow up to be strong confident young men but equally its hard to wave goodbye to my baby and enter toddlerhood which is quickly followed by a young adventurous boy and then suddenly pre-teens are around the corner and so it goes on but not to wish the time away, in fact that is the exact opposite because right now I'd like to press a pause button for a while. 2 is such an exciting age, my littlest is full of character and personality and is like a parrot when it comes to talking and copying everything we say and it's been such a pleasure and gift to parent this happy little boy. To not be to melancholy about my baby turning a year older I am actually really excited about what this year holds for all of us. Already he has been on so many adventures with us from France to Finl......

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Gratitude and reflections

With such an action packed September following into October I thought I would share a few highlights from the past month and simple family moments, looking back through photos is something I always enjoy doing and I so grateful for all these happy memories. We had a double birthday celebration with my eldest turing 6 and myself turing one year older as well. We enjoyed walks in the forest, picking apples from an orchard, enjoying dusk in Bute park and enjoying a week away at Bluestone in West Wales. Although it's not been all daisies and roses with both boys coming down with a horrible cold virus and then my youngest being hit but another illness following on from that, I think it's something to be expected at this time of the year when the seasons change. 1. The boys enjoying a walk at dusk on a beautiful Autumn evening in Bute Park 2. Reflecting on our short stay at Godolphin Arms in Cornwall, I wrote about it Here 3. Looking for dragons on a scultpture trail in the f......

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Now you are one

This week you turned one my little man and I always find moments like this one needs to sit down and put pen to paper or keyboard to screen and make a note of whats going through my mind before I forget this feeling, the pride, how my heart bursts with love, how absolutely exhausted I feel as a year on and you have not graced us with an uninterrupted night for months.  The picture above pretty much sums you up right now, it's not the best picture but your testing your voice, your trying to communicate and laughing and shouting at various things with all that you have and it makes me smile. I cannot believe how two brothers, two siblings can be so different and that difference is so apparent even at 1. You are such a happy and cheeky chappy, you love food and baby-led weaning has really worked for us and our breast feeding journey has been far smoother than the first time around. We have embraced all the changes that came with going from a family of three to a f......

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Street Style Sunday- 21 again

One of my favourite stores - The White Company recently celebrated their 21st and having collaborated with them before they sent a little surprise my way in the form of this beautiful long wash silk blouse, it is so comfortable to wear and perfect with skinny jeans for day or night. As it's certainly become a lot chillier in the air I decided to pair it up with my Barbour Jacket and my topshop black skinnies, Boden trainers and favourite necklace from Anchor and Crew . The White Company have some amazing pieces in this season, they just capture style and simplicity so perfectly so here are four of my favourite picks 1. Boyfriend Jeans in White £90 2. Cashmere Ear Muffs £59 3. Suede Chelsea boots £169 4. Roll Neck Jumper £119 Remember to come and join in with what is inspiring you this season, wether it be what you or your kids are wearing or simply a mood board come and share with our weekly style linky An InLinkz Link-up ...

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5yrs old and what we've learnt

Mr A on his birthday Wow 5yrs old, both John and I cannot quite believe that our eldest turned 5 this week and long have the days passed that he would be considered a toddler but is now an adventuring spirited young boy on his own journey of discovery. I think with your first you never really know what to expect as becoming a parent is like nothing else, there is no manual, no prior training given, it's a learn on the job scenario which has both ups and downs a long the way but no matter how trying some days have been it's completely worth it. So after 5 years of parenting what have we learnt so far 1. The saying "Don't sweat the small stuff" really does apply here, there will be lots of things that will cause you stress on the parenting journey so don't get caught up in the smaller details of things and instead just try and enjoy the moment. I am naturally a person who likes to be in control and you simply cannot be all the time when it comes ......

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Discovering the new me at 30

Enjoying my 30th with the family in Nice, France  Turning 30 and celebrating my birthday in Paris and the South of France made me feel nowhere near 30, come on ladies, don’t frown after all age is just a number! Well at least John says I haven’t aged at all, although he would say that. My son seems to believe I just look the same as ever but than again he is only four, even though settling down and having a child has definitely made me mature both physically and mentally, I know I look more tired, my face slightly more worn but that is life and I am so grateful for the one I have. Life is short and we have to enjoy it in every bit, as the French popularly says C’est La Vie.  At my 30th birthday lunch at Ralphs in Paris We were once walking down by a Village called Charonne, it is the most authentic village present in Paris. The cobbled roads, church in the plateau, it’s quite breath-taking and it reminded me of some of the old and quaint British vill......

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