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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Tips for Throwing a Mother's Day Garden Party

Why not enjoy the spring sunshine and celebrate Mother’s Day this year with a garden party? Why not invite friends and family and make a day of it, allowing everyone to unwind and enjoy good food, conversation, and laughter, because in what feels like quite a volatile world right now, coming together and sharing a sense of community can be a very positive experience.  If you’re in need of a little extra help to plan the event, follow these tips to ensure you create a warm and inviting setting that’s perfect for honouring a brilliant mother! Planning Start by selecting a date and time (it doesn't have to be on Mother's Day), keeping in mind the unpredictable British climate. Keeping your fingers crossed for sun can only do so much, so checking the forecast in advance helps you stay prepared. Also, try give guests plenty of notice. Garden Prep Some basic garden prep can go a long way when hosting a gathering and to help set a more relaxed scene. A simple tidying of the area, pick......

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Celebrating Love For all Mums this Mother’s Day

*AD  This a paid partnerhsip with Boots #LoveforAllMums  Families come in all shapes and sizes, all wonderful, all valid and this Mother's day is about celebrating ALL MUMS and those mothering figures in your life. The idea of the cereal packet nuclear family is thankfully changing and whether you are a single parent, biological parent, adoptive parent, foster parent, same-sex parent, a non-binary parent who sees themselves as a mothering role, or an older sibling taking on the role of parent, everyone deserves to be celebrated, because family life is diverse and unique and individually beautiful. I'm so proud of my little family unit, the adventures my boys and I embark on, the things we learn along the way and that I get to see them grow into themselves, while I myself continue to grow as an individual. I am continuously grateful on a daily basis that I still have my own mum in my life, especially after losing my Dad in my late teens. She recently turned 75 and is still pain......

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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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Why Small Weddings are the new trend for 2021

*Contains affiliate links  We all know that Covid has caused chaos for a variety of reasons this year, with many of us feeling like our lives are on hold. Many events and celebrations have been cancelled and everything from shopping to visiting friends has changed. For many of us, we have reduced or travel, stayed local, shopped local and avoided large gatherings, the environment has also benefitted from society slowing down and that really has been a good thing. I have never been one that feels like bigger is better so it's good to hear that the trend of less is more and going small is the new thing, including weddings. If you needed convincing on why a small wedding is a great choice then here are a few non-covid reasons to help persuade you (as well as save you money).  The Benefits of a Small Wedding The more you consider what a small wedding will be like, the more you'll come to the realization that this should have been your first choice in the first place. Here are all ......

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Celebrating Sensitive Dads

The new Braun Series 3 ProSkin is a real hero for sensitive skin, and launching just in time for Father’s Day it’s the perfect gift for sensitive dads. I’ve partnered with Braun to tell you about some of the times when John has shown his sensitive side! #SensitiveDads For those who don't know John he can unintentionally be quite intimidating as he is 6ft2 with a big beard and doesn't say much as he is very reserved and not one for chit chat but is very social with those he knows. In general he is not much of a talker, in fact he tends to keep things in and doesn't often share if something is bothering him which can be hard to read at times, this doesn't mean he is not sensitive and since having kids this has certainly changed. The focus often tends to be more towards the mothers when it comes to becoming a parent and just how life changing that is but all of these changes certainly affect Fathers as well. John has stood right next to me on all the highs and lows......

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Milestone Birthday ideas - How to throw a Bond themed party

I had a really nice, intimate 21st birthday with my closest friends in Cape Town where I hired a small Italian restaurant bar for some good food, cocktails and fairly civil socialising. For my 30th two years ago I decided to head down to the South of France and celebrate with family in the sunshine. With John's 40th looming closer, okay so it's still more than 2yrs away but these things sneak up on you quickly, I have started to think of a few fun ideas of how to celebrate that milestone. The thing I have never really thrown a proper themed party before although I have attended a few and they have always been a lot and what could be better than the glamour and intrigue of a James Bond themed party or ball? Check out our top tips on a Bond-themed bash that will go with a real bang! Dress code The glamour of Bond is a fun dress code to adhere to - and it’s not too tricky to adhere to. Sharp suits for the gentlemen and eveningwear or tailored suits for the ladies i......

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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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Celebrating National Handwriting Day

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias As some of you may already know today is National Hand Writing Day and there is something really wonderful about putting pen to paper in this digital world we live in. Ever since I had my youngest each year I write him a letter which I will present to him on his 21st Birthday. They are simply documentations of our times together, memories, antidotes and milestones. I know we will all enjoy reading them in years to come and that is what is so fantastic about actually writing a letter and having a material thing to hold onto.  There is also something very therapeutic about picking up a pen and writing and the freedom that brings, you can decorate your words and paper, add pictures and get creative in a way that is far more instant than if you tried to replicate it digitally and there is something about it that I will never get bored of. ......

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5 Ways to Enjoy Bonfire Night with Your Children

For parents, Bonfire Night can be as stressful as it is exciting. Some children are able to embrace the excitement straight away, but keeping them safe while allowing them to enjoy themselves can be tricky. Then there are the children who are intimidated by the loud explosions and flashes of colour that Bonfire Night brings. For those children, Bonfire Night needs to be reintroduced to them, slowly and carefully, as something which is about more than loud explosions. Thankfully, though, there are many other ways that you can help your children to love Bonfire Night for the exciting time of year that it should be. 1. Make Safety your main priority  It sounds obvious, but the most important thing to do when introducing children to bonfire night is to set a great example. If your children’s first experience with sparklers or fireworks is a safe enjoyable one and you explain how important it is to respect fire and sparklers than you are setting a good example fo......

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Coffee, Cream and Breakfast in Bed

When it comes to special occasions I am all about the small details and the little things you can do to show your loved ones how much you care. It doesn't have to be a big grand gesture or something expensive but rather a home-made card or breakfast in bed, which is always my preference over anything else, so for this Fathers Day I have planned something a little extra special. Both John and I are big coffee fans, I mean who isn't when you have kids, hello caffeine! We have been trying to refine the art of coffee making at home and I recently upgraded our ageing coffee machine to a Krups Nespresso Prodigy & Milk coffee machine and will hopefully master latte art soon but for now I thought I would put something quick and easy together for Fathers Day as I know I will be short of time with the two kids running around wanting to help. Pancakes in our house is a regular thing on Sunday mornings so I thought I would get creative with my go-to American style pancake......

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Mothers Day Gift Guide

A framed photograph from Wall Snaps Are you struggling to find something a little different for that very special lady in your life (your mum of course) this Mothers Day? Then have no fear here are few ideas for those who are still scrambling to find a gift that expresses how much you care. First of all I thought I would start with something that is not only visually stunning but also sentimental - then a beautifully framed photograph or canvas is a good choice and is something my mother has been asking for for year. The creative people at Wall Snaps offer some fantastic choices including some colourful and cool patterned boarders and high end printing as well as a fast turn around time. I feel when it comes to celebrations such as Mothers Day thinking a little bit out of the box and picking up something else besides chocolates and flowers (which are lovely too) always goes down well. Why not have something a fun, quirky or just a real treat such as the BuyAGift sm......

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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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