tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54600854436914369012024-03-13T18:12:19.113+00:00Life's A CelebrationParty boxes for all occasions from baby showers to 100th birthday parties.
<a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk">www.lifesacelebration.co.uk</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-3635246557899406252013-07-28T11:31:00.000+01:002013-07-28T11:31:27.980+01:00Working with Ice The Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dRaa0YXu3Y/UMHHjJbAVSI/AAAAAAAABCE/-Wx85hwPMIc/s1600/party-icons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="50" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dRaa0YXu3Y/UMHHjJbAVSI/AAAAAAAABCE/-Wx85hwPMIc/s400/party-icons.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Since </span><a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Life's A Celebration</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> was launched back in November 2011 we've had the honour of working with </span><a href="http://www.icethecake.co.uk/Icethecakehome.htm" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Ice The Cake,</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> a leading UK wedding directory with hand picked credible UK wedding suppliers. </span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.icethecake.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75re_mzTK4s/UfTyAj7IbhI/AAAAAAAABo8/vH6-3WnIdwI/s1600/ice+the+cake+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sue from Ice The Cake recently made a massive announcement! Ice the Cake has now found a home to call it's own. Sue excitedly announced the launch of the brand new ITC hub.</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gibTA5zGJXI/UfQLw0FsTYI/AAAAAAAABn8/4hVkZVxXgak/s1600/sue+ITC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gibTA5zGJXI/UfQLw0FsTYI/AAAAAAAABn8/4hVkZVxXgak/s320/sue+ITC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is going to be a fabulous showroom of treats, especially for people planning a wedding or special event.</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The hub is going to be based in the picturesque village of Edleborough, Buckinghamshire (not far from Whipsnade Zoo). Sue and her team will be converting a gorgeous little barn into something really special.</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8nEWWatGFMs/UfQR3i4tESI/AAAAAAAABos/0ZeAIPJEY1A/s1600/185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8nEWWatGFMs/UfQR3i4tESI/AAAAAAAABos/0ZeAIPJEY1A/s320/185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">There </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">is going to be loads of products on display - including our personalised wedding activity bags. So anybody visiting the hub will be able to get loads of inspiration for their special day.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNg5IsouJDo/UfQL7KApbcI/AAAAAAAABoM/XDjSS7SN3hg/s1600/ice+the+cake+hub+launch+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNg5IsouJDo/UfQL7KApbcI/AAAAAAAABoM/XDjSS7SN3hg/s400/ice+the+cake+hub+launch+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photography courtesy of Wendy Grant Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">There's also going to be wedding industry experts running masterclasses on their specialist subjects and loads of wedding planning advice too. Sue will also be inviting craft experts to run craft workshops enabling you to learn new skills such as tiara making, wedding flowers, cake decorating, hair and make up, stationery, first dance rehearsals, singing and loads more.</span><br />
<h3>
</h3>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></h3>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMdgJhiIbhE/UfQL7PI6PMI/AAAAAAAABoI/K22yIgWJIt8/s1600/ice+the+cake+hub+launch+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMdgJhiIbhE/UfQL7PI6PMI/AAAAAAAABoI/K22yIgWJIt8/s320/ice+the+cake+hub+launch+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Wendy Grant Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGV06kwhagc/UfQMEQG0tjI/AAAAAAAABog/YQ3JGa90Ic4/s1600/ice+the+cake+hub+launch+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGV06kwhagc/UfQMEQG0tjI/AAAAAAAABog/YQ3JGa90Ic4/s320/ice+the+cake+hub+launch+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Wendy Grant Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Sue recently hosted an Ice the Cake hub launch to showcase just how fabulous it's going to look ahead of the big launch on 3rd August. If you're in the area and planning a special event I can totally recommend that you pop in. It's going to be fabulous and we know you'll find exactly what you're looking for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16px;">Ice the Cake really is a fabulous resource for anybody planning a special event. If you can't pop along to the new and exciting hub then check them out at <a href="http://www.icethecake.co.uk/">www.icethecake.co.uk</a>. It really will be worth it!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16px;">Maxine</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16px;">x</span></span><br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-50877072254607187282013-07-16T21:57:00.000+01:002013-07-16T21:57:34.774+01:00We're looking forward to our grand studio launch<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This Saturday the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Silver-Birch-Studio/336921099745176?fref=ts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Silver Birch Studio</a> will officially open it's doors with a big launch.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb7Svw2uPeA/UeWyEm71LuI/AAAAAAAABnQ/uPOe6cOujCw/s1600/silver+birch+studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb7Svw2uPeA/UeWyEm71LuI/AAAAAAAABnQ/uPOe6cOujCw/s400/silver+birch+studio.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As you may or may not know <a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/" target="_blank">Life's A Celebration</a> has moved into brand spanking new premises with a collection of other lovely businesses also in the events industry.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Based at the studio are; </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.silverbirch-designs.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Silver Birch Designs</a>, - designer wedding stationers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.saraskitchen.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sara's Kitchen,</a> - bespoke cake maker</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.kittybeth.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">KittyBeth</a>, - handmade button bouquets and chair cover hire</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheLarksmusic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Larks</a>, - wedding band</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.silhouettephotography.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Silhouette Photography</a>, - wedding photographer</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And obviously <a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/" target="_blank">Life's A Celebration</a> is in there too! We'll have our hen party goodies on display, our range of wedding activity bags for children and some of our other party boxes too.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So if you're a bride-to-be or if you just want a nosey then please pop along to us on Saturday 20th July between 12 and 4. We'll all be there for you to have a chat with us, we have drinks and nibbles and goodie bags to give away too! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We're a great collection of businesses (well I'm bound to say that aren't I?) and we all look forward to seeing everybody coming through the door.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We're very proud of what we've managed to achieve with our studio and would love for you to pop across and see it for yourself. We're based down Wesley Street in Consett (DH8 5BJ) and you won't be able to miss us on the day!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hope to see you Saturday!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maxine</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">xx</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0Consett, County Durham DH8 5BJ, UK54.852316599999988 -1.832692500000007454.852031099999991 -1.8333230000000074 54.852602099999984 -1.8320620000000074tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-68105073688145461362013-05-28T17:48:00.000+01:002013-05-28T17:48:42.664+01:00Children's parties on a budget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dRaa0YXu3Y/UMHHjJbAVSI/AAAAAAAABCE/-Wx85hwPMIc/s1600/party-icons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="50" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dRaa0YXu3Y/UMHHjJbAVSI/AAAAAAAABCE/-Wx85hwPMIc/s400/party-icons.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here at <a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/" target="_blank">Life’s A Celebration </a>we’re on a mission to make your
next party as stress free as possible. If you have a child’s party coming up
today we’re chatting about how to make them as affordable as possible. Here’s
our top tips on how to make the party one to remember but one that won’t break
the bank either. Don't forget to set your budget before you start!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Invites – these don’t need to be anything fancy.
You could even design them yourself and print them off. There is a great tool online called Pic
Monkey. This is a free tool that allows you to edit your own photos. It’s
really straightforward to use with very effective end results. Give it a go!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Coming very soon we’re going to be offering
free downloadable invites on our <a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/" target="_blank">website</a> too. I’ll let you know as soon as
they’re ready. </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Venue – have a chat with other parents in the
school yard and see where they have booked for their children’s party venue.
Ring round the local church halls and see what prices they can do. For larger
parties this can usually work out as a very cost effective way of doing it. If
you are hosting a smaller party then stay at home and do this. Have you seen
our <a href="http://personalisedparties.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/hints-tips-for-kids-parties-at-home.html" target="_blank">blog post about hosting a party at home</a>?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Entertainment – this is normally the most
expensive part of a party. However have you thought about doing this yourself?
The idea of this fills most parents with dread but it shouldn’t. We were all
children once and kids today still like to do the same things that you and I do
when we were children. Children love traditional games. If you are struggling
for games ideas drop me a line and I’ll send you a free party games pack. Have
you also seen our <a href="http://personalisedparties.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/entertain-children-yourself-at-their.html" target="_blank">blog post about entertaining the children yourself at aparty</a>?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Take a CD of music to the venue and play music
to dance to. Think of ‘action’ songs that the children can dance along to.
Songs that are really popular are things like;</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Superman – Black Lace</span><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Fast Food Song (you know the one……. A Pizza
hut, a Pizza hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken
and a Pizza Hut)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Agadoo – Black Lace</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">YMCA</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gangnam Style (obviously)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cha Cha Slide</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Macarena</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bh53WMAsqqs/UBEHudb7kdI/AAAAAAAAAeo/E2XyaCGLETE/s1600/Man+dancing+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bh53WMAsqqs/UBEHudb7kdI/AAAAAAAAAeo/E2XyaCGLETE/s200/Man+dancing+2.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stand
in front of the kids and do the actions for them. Children love to see grown
ups making a fool of themselves. Go on - dance in front of the kids. They’ll
love you for it and it’s only 2 hours out of your life!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mo6-0OtaE3k/UMHNVjt47KI/AAAAAAAABDA/zIVK8w4bEhM/s1600/birthday+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mo6-0OtaE3k/UMHNVjt47KI/AAAAAAAABDA/zIVK8w4bEhM/s1600/birthday+cake.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Craft activities for the children to do. This is
a relatively inexpensive way of keeping the children occupied for a long time.
Go to your local discount store and buy all kinds of craft materials and paper
and get the children gluing, sticking, cutting, colouring. If you’re a parent
you’ll know that children will sit and do this for a long time. If you have a
party theme then you’ll probably be able to find pictures on line for them to
colour in. For example if it’s a princess and pirate party then find some
princess and pirate templates online – I guarantee the children will really
enjoy this. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Keep the food easy. Children don’t need fancy
food. The older the children are the less time they want to sit eating at a
party anyway. </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMeqfLXNO5A/UQRHQToIsfI/AAAAAAAABEA/ABkFXkubpjc/s1600/pizza.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMeqfLXNO5A/UQRHQToIsfI/AAAAAAAABEA/ABkFXkubpjc/s1600/pizza.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Party bags – these don’t have to be expensive.
Try and be a bit creative with these too! If you’re going to do craft
activities with the children then why not hand out paper bags for the children
to decorate themselves then fill them with sweets and a toy before they leave.
If you need some help with the party bags then why not give me a shout. We have
party bags starting from £1.50 each. We can work any theme and any budget. Why
not drop me an email and we’ll have a chat.</span><br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enjoy the tips. And don't forget for all your party supplies all you need to do is <a href="mailto:maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk" target="_blank">get in touch with me</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maxine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">x</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dRaa0YXu3Y/UMHHjJbAVSI/AAAAAAAABCE/-Wx85hwPMIc/s1600/party-icons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="40" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dRaa0YXu3Y/UMHHjJbAVSI/AAAAAAAABCE/-Wx85hwPMIc/s320/party-icons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-91993692594206273112013-05-21T20:57:00.001+01:002013-05-21T20:57:52.444+01:00Children at your wedding<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Children at a Wedding<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So he’s got down on bended knee, you’re all excited and busy
planning your big day and then somebody asks the dreaded question “will you be
having children at the wedding?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s no denying that this can sometimes be a bit of a
contentious issue; some think it’s an absolute necessity and that weddings are
a celebration for all to enjoy whereas others think that having small people
running around creating noise and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake
doesn’t bear thinking about. The important thing to remember is that neither
opinion is right and neither opinion is wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lots of people are choosing to marry later in life and as
such their friends and family may already have children and this can potentially
make things more difficult if you feel obliged to invite their children to the
Big Day (especially if you don’t want to!). My advice would be to make the
decision early and then if you do decide that children are not invited I would
make this quite clear on the invites to avoid any confusion. You might even
hear a collective cheer from the parents as they have a child free day and can
completely enjoy themselves without having tired, bored & grumpy children
in tow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you decide that children are invited then it might be a
good idea to have a think about how you can keep them entertained on the day so
they feel included in the celebrations. You’ll find that most children migrate
to each other over the course of a day even if they don’t know each other at
the beginning of the day and it might be good to provide them with games that
they can play together.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All in all my advice would be that your wedding is just that
– yours! So you must make the decision that you feel is right for you. If you
want children there then invite them if you don’t want children there then
don’t. As long as things are dealt with sensitively then most people understand
and just want you to have a fantastic day that you will both cherish and
remember for the rest of your life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re looking for things to keep the children at your
wedding entertained then why not drop me a line. Here at <a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/index.php?id=weddings" target="_blank">Life’s A Celebration</a> we
have some gorgeous wedding activity bags filled with loads of things for the
children to make and do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you want to meet with me directly to discuss this then
why not pop by my studio at 2-4 Wesley Street, Consett. Drop me an email on <a href="mailto:maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk">maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk</a>
and we’ll pop some time in the diary for you to drop in and chat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re not local, we work with brides all over the UK. We
can work to your colour scheme, budget and how many children will be at your
wedding. So why not drop me a line on <a href="mailto:maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk">maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk</a>
and we’ll chat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Speak to you soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maxine<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-7917339470114149122013-04-05T13:58:00.000+01:002013-04-05T13:58:05.219+01:00Friday Fun - 80s pop quiz<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let's have a bit of Friday Fun with our 80s pop quiz. C'mon
pull on your leg warmer, grab your stilettos and answer our questions. <a href="mailto:maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk" target="_blank">Email your answers to me</a> and I'll let you know if you're correct! All emails received
will get 10% off their next order at <a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/" target="_blank">Life's A Celebration</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GMzWq03t-Pk/UV7KB4kGJOI/AAAAAAAABlM/ZE8QOuMefqc/s1600/love+the+80s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GMzWq03t-Pk/UV7KB4kGJOI/AAAAAAAABlM/ZE8QOuMefqc/s320/love+the+80s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who had a hit
in 1986 with `Heartache`? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pepsi &
Shirley </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tears For
Fears</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>T’Pau<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When was
Terence Trent Darby’s first album “Introducing the Hardline According to
Terence Trent D'Arby” released?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>February 1987<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">b</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>July 1987<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>December 1987</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZn3q2My3LA/UV7JWKlWb-I/AAAAAAAABk4/cmvMdlqWG2c/s1600/terence+trent+darby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZn3q2My3LA/UV7JWKlWb-I/AAAAAAAABk4/cmvMdlqWG2c/s1600/terence+trent+darby.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which song
contains these lyrics “Clock strikes upon the hour and the sun begins to fade.
Still enough time to figure out how to chase my blues away”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Call Me –
Spagna<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Manic Monday –
The Bangles<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
c
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I Wanna Dance
With Somebody – Whitney Houston <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> 4. </span>Which female
group had their 13th hit in 1987?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bangles</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bananarama </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Pointer
Sisters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was the
record label set up by The Specials?</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ghost Town</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coventry</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 Tone </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kR7R3rLGoaI/UV7Jk97eABI/AAAAAAAABlA/fYS0b-fLIXc/s1600/the+specials.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kR7R3rLGoaI/UV7Jk97eABI/AAAAAAAABlA/fYS0b-fLIXc/s1600/the+specials.png" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was the
bestselling single in 1983?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True –
Spandau Ballet</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Karma Chamelon
- Culture Club </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Save your
Love – Renee & Renato</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was the
bestselling album of the decade?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thriller –
Michael Jackson<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hearts &
Bones – Paul Simon</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brothers in
Arms - Dire Straits </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which song
contains these lyrics “Buying bread from a man in Brussels. He was six foot
four and full of muscles. I said 'do you speak-a my language?' He just smiled
and gave me a vegemite sandwich.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Down Under </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Safety
Dance</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wake Me Up
Before You Go-Go<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which song
was the 1st UK number 1 to be written, produced, arranged and all instruments
played, by the same person?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul Young –
Love of the Common People</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alison Moyet –
Is this Love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>George
Michael – A Different Corner </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which song
contains these lyrics “I gotta take a little time, a little time to think
things over. I better read between the lines. In case I need it when I'm
older.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I Want to
Know What Love is - Foreigner </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s Love Got
To Do With It? – Tina Turner</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rain or Shine
– Five Star<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope you've enjoyed our Friday Fun Quiz!</span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maxine</span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">x</span> </o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GMzWq03t-Pk/UV7KB4kGJOI/AAAAAAAABlI/R2Y4TIAH3Kc/s1600/love+the+80s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GMzWq03t-Pk/UV7KB4kGJOI/AAAAAAAABlI/R2Y4TIAH3Kc/s320/love+the+80s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-33085816271392719462013-03-07T07:53:00.000+00:002013-03-07T07:53:41.531+00:00Planning for the North East Baby and Toddler Show<div style="text-align: center;">
Our studio is a hive of activity and I am excited! On 16th March I will be taking myself off to <a href="http://northeastbabyandtoddlershow.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The North East Baby and Toddler show</a>. This event starts the beginning of a new year for Life's A Celebration and I'm really looking forward to meeting all the parents, parents-to-be, grandparents and other exhibitors. <br />
<br />
We will be offering loads of freebies and special discounts on the day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am busy putting together 100 party bags for the first 100 people that sign up to our mailing list, organising organza bags filled with mini eggs for those people that purchase or pre-book a party box on the day.<br />
<br />
We've got a giant baby bottle filled with Jelly Babies and whoever gets the number of Jelly Babies correct will receive a special prize!<br />
<br />
We're also going to be offering loads of special discounts for products bought on the day too.<br />
<br />
All in all, loads of freebies up for grabs and loads of money off too!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's also been a scurry of activity getting our new business address onto our flyers. My daughter has been roped into this task! Payment will be mini eggs!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The stand that I've taken is 1m x 3m and I've also been busy designing posters to put on the booth behind me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are a few of the designs. What do you think? </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKrcbcHFXmc/UTcOI1Un0fI/AAAAAAAABjM/KXcfiGNU0MU/s1600/B%2526T+Princess+Party+Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKrcbcHFXmc/UTcOI1Un0fI/AAAAAAAABjM/KXcfiGNU0MU/s320/B%2526T+Princess+Party+Box.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="231" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xx1fRw27uYw/UTcN9P8WYaI/AAAAAAAABjE/B7TxSwufTjc/s320/B%2526T+Baby+Showers.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30P0c-xxvYM/UTcTlndR5qI/AAAAAAAABjw/8l-ZKlCTbaE/s1600/Rainbow+Bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30P0c-xxvYM/UTcTlndR5qI/AAAAAAAABjw/8l-ZKlCTbaE/s320/Rainbow+Bags.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kRzwa05ZezM/UTcTgDljerI/AAAAAAAABjo/eEN6ojP4Wjw/s1600/Easter+bags+1+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kRzwa05ZezM/UTcTgDljerI/AAAAAAAABjo/eEN6ojP4Wjw/s320/Easter+bags+1+banner.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
They will be sent to the printers (hopefully) today.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There are going to be loads of exhibitors at the event including my friends<a href="http://www.thecoolrulecompany.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Cool Rule Company</a> and <a href="http://www.magicmummies.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magic Mummies</a>.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will be there all day and will have plenty of<a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/index.php?id=baby" target="_blank"> baby shower party boxes</a> and <a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/index.php?id=kids" target="_blank">birthday party boxes</a> for the little ones. I will also be taking orders for our other products so if anybody is getting married and needs something to <a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/index.php?id=weddings" target="_blank">entertain the children on the day</a> or if anybody has a <a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/index.php?id=grown-ups" target="_blank">grown up birthday party</a> coming up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will also be personalising party bags for the kids on the day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
If you have a special event coming up and needs some friendly hints and tips then pop across and have a chat. I'm always happy to give you party ideas and will help you wherever I can.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I really love events like this that give businesses a chance to get out and meet some lovely families.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Massive thanks to my friend Carrie Dennison from <a href="http://www.pressfordesign.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Press for Design</a>. She has worked tirelessly with me designing the stand and will be there with me for setting up the booth. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So if you're in the North East on 16th March then pop along to the <a href="http://northeastbabyandtoddlershow.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">North East Baby and Toddler Show</a> at Newcastle Falcons, NE13 8AF and say hi!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
See you there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maxine </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
x</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0Consett, County Durham DH8 5BJ, UK54.852316599999988 -1.832692500000007454.852031099999991 -1.8333230000000074 54.852602099999984 -1.8320620000000074tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-26452387002276541352013-03-01T07:55:00.000+00:002013-03-01T07:55:26.084+00:00Mother's Day Guest Blogger - Fran from Perspective<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're still celebrating all the mums in business out there. Mother's Day is rapidly approaching and we have our fabulous Mother's Day Bags available to buy for only £9.99. These colourable bags come with a pack of fabric pens so the kids can make a totally unique present for mum. Just click on the buy now tab above.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_GG8kitwgQ8/USfoJaWKS3I/AAAAAAAABeQ/eIW88L1NbNc/s1600/Mother's+Day+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_GG8kitwgQ8/USfoJaWKS3I/AAAAAAAABeQ/eIW88L1NbNc/s320/Mother's+Day+resized.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today we're chatting to my good friend Fran from <a href="http://perspectivebusinesscentres.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Perspective Business Centres</a>. Have a read about what she has to say about The Joys of Working from Home.</span> </o:p><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">"I'm
Fran Williams and, for my sins, I'm MD of 2 local businesses; a wife and a mum
to a teenage daughter, 4 dogs, 3 cats and an alpaca!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Having
done the 'career woman' bit, I took stock of my life 10 years ago and, as a
newly single mum, decided that something had to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'd spent the first 6 years of my daughter's
life working full-time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it was time
to redress the balance …<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I
decided it would be lovely to work from home, and I set up a payroll and
bookkeeping business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a perfect
scenario.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to do the school runs,
and to go to sports days and nativity plays and never got that guilt thing that
working mums get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of my clients
were local, so I simply worked between 9.00 am – 3.00 pm, so I could be a
perfect mum to my little girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also
meant that I could be there if Jennifer was poorly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">My
clients were lovely, and I had a great time working from their premises or
homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always well look after by my
clients, it was back to a stark reality on those days I was working from my own
office (when I say office, I mean the room between the living room and the
'lean-to' kitchen – I think the proper term is dining room, but that's just
semantics).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't get me wrong, my
office was lovely and the view of the back garden was super.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The view into the kitchen of my Cavalier King
Charles spaniel fast asleep in the sink was a small distraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn't all bad, as the dog didn't always
sleep in the sink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes he slept on
my desk, keeping my papers tidy and performing other office junior type roles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Bored
with only a dim spaniel for company during the day, and needing some
intelligent conversation, I decided I needed to get out of the house more and
found a part-time job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Except
now I couldn't fit my clients' work into 6 hours a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never mind, there was always the weekends and
evenings, and clients could drop their books off at my home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fantastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But did I really want clients visiting my home, particularly when I had
a small child in the house?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not ideal,
but ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Fast-forward
10 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Hubby
and I have just launched a new business centre in Consett.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the main markets we are reaching out
to is people who don't want (or can't afford) a full-time office of their
own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They maybe want a hot desk for a
day, or an office one day a week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DIxRf6vpBxw/USfqBKii6YI/AAAAAAAABeY/q6WZ5GZJCNI/s1600/PerspectiveICHotDesking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DIxRf6vpBxw/USfqBKii6YI/AAAAAAAABeY/q6WZ5GZJCNI/s320/PerspectiveICHotDesking.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
I wish I'd been able to hot desk 10 years ago!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">During
Consett's snowmageddon in January 2013, I conducted an experiment and worked
from home for a day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I
started work in my office at 7.00 am (ok, dining room) and all was fantastic
for at least 2 hours until the dog fell asleep on my work papers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Said dog then decided to search my briefcase
and found some goodies, which he sat on and distracted me by glowering all
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lunchtime came and went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 2 pm, I went into the living room to work
on some social media – horizontal social media, on the sofa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 5 pm, hubby returned home and somehow I
was still on a horizontal plane.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Yes,
working for yourself is fantastic and working from home can work amazingly well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I have learnt is that sometimes it is
nice to have some professional space, where your dog can't be a paperweight or
a distraction!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For anyone curious
enough, Barbilla the alpaca is on livery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just as well because she is so adorable, I would never get any work
done."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cJuo5ZS_5L4/USpieK3xd5I/AAAAAAAABgM/L_SFJQPnUcQ/s1600/_MG_3912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cJuo5ZS_5L4/USpieK3xd5I/AAAAAAAABgM/L_SFJQPnUcQ/s320/_MG_3912.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Perspective team in the
break-out zone - no spaniels in sight!</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
(l-r Simon Williams, Joy Williams, Fran Williams)</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Fran
Williams, Perspective Business Centres Ltd</span><o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.perspectivebusinesscentres.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="color: navy;">www.perspectivebusinesscentres.com</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><a href="mailto:info@perspectivebusinesscentres.com"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="color: navy;">info@perspectivebusinesscentres.com</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Tel:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>01207 585843</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Thanks for your words Fran. I was honoured to get an invite to the launch of the <a href="http://perspectivebusinesscentres.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Perspective Business Centre</a> and I can honestly say it is fantastic. The team are so welcoming and have created a lovely environment in which you could work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Speak to you soon my friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Maxine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">x</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0Consett, County Durham DH8 5BJ, UK54.852316599999988 -1.832692500000007454.852031099999991 -1.8333230000000074 54.852602099999984 -1.8320620000000074tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-90881073671445374652013-02-28T07:35:00.000+00:002013-02-28T07:40:24.518+00:00Mother Day guest blogger - Anne from Gift in a Tin<br />
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p>We're still celebrating our Mums in Business. Mother's Day is rapidly approaching and don't forget about our gorgeous colourable bags! You can now buy them straight from our "Buy Now" tab above! At only £9.99 (including a pack of fabric pens) they are absolutely ideal for a totally unique gift for mum!</o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLhz4ggeCuM/USfj04URgDI/AAAAAAAABdo/fU0_Nzinb30/s1600/Mother's+Day+FB+19.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLhz4ggeCuM/USfj04URgDI/AAAAAAAABdo/fU0_Nzinb30/s640/Mother's+Day+FB+19.02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p>Anyway today our guest blogger is Anne Livesey from <a href="http://www.giftinatin.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gift in a Tin</a>. Have a read what she has to say about running her own business.</o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span></o:p></span><br /></div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">"Working as an Enterprise Coach, I always tell my clients “Be
prepared to be Salesperson, Accountant, Head of Dispatch, Office Administrator
and Tea Maker all rolled into one”.</span></span></div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GqPsts1GdRY/USfkwuIUrXI/AAAAAAAABdw/lRCo6r7ngag/s1600/logostraight+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GqPsts1GdRY/USfkwuIUrXI/AAAAAAAABdw/lRCo6r7ngag/s320/logostraight+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vPGmGRc938/US5GXx1IYdI/AAAAAAAABiA/rqY-mhAL9qU/s1600/mail.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vPGmGRc938/US5GXx1IYdI/AAAAAAAABiA/rqY-mhAL9qU/s1600/mail.jpeg" /></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Well today, running my own e-commerce business, I have been to the
Post Office three times (not bad planning, just last minute orders with clients
wanting next day delivery); downloaded logos from being a Finalist at Gift of
the Year with my Garden Tin, so I can upload onto the website; ordered some beautiful
new diffusers to expand my range of Scent Tins; starting building a database of
garden centres; uploaded some new pics to the site, spoke to the web guys about
developing the ‘coupon area’ on the site for a fab new offer site being
launched in March (very excited); packed and delivered a wholesale order;
ordered some catalogues for pet toys and food (the newest Gift Tins) oh..and
also made a couple of cups of hot water and a milkshake - liquid diet (not the
relaxing variety you understand, but the healthy - and very boring - variety)
so I can get into a nice dress for our daughter’s wedding in November! </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loPnx0WzeB4/USfk7w5bIMI/AAAAAAAABeA/4msZ_UQZGc8/s1600/IMG_1906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loPnx0WzeB4/USfk7w5bIMI/AAAAAAAABeA/4msZ_UQZGc8/s320/IMG_1906.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">That seems like a very long paragraph and it is just a paraphrase of
what’s happened today! I forgot to mention that I’ve also been in discussions about
going on the One Show too....(get me...autographs will be available).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">And I also booked the Hen Night venue, picked up some cardboard
letters to decorate and just started getting some wedding favours ready to go
out for a bride next week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">And finally, walked the dogs three times and chase an unruly
cockerel around the paddock as he was refusing to go back in the hut for the
night. It’s all good exercise...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdD-dZku1WZG5mwYIAO9j35YWJTW913_8_NLv8YuTk_UCs3vyaWiZT5BfgdefqrwU2Fzjo2L9zIQ8g6WEVCThqtgp2W7GqW7Hq-G75js_KOo_Itpnldz3Z9HRZBkWIY2cvM1EMRxvAG8/s1600/DSCF0483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdD-dZku1WZG5mwYIAO9j35YWJTW913_8_NLv8YuTk_UCs3vyaWiZT5BfgdefqrwU2Fzjo2L9zIQ8g6WEVCThqtgp2W7GqW7Hq-G75js_KOo_Itpnldz3Z9HRZBkWIY2cvM1EMRxvAG8/s320/DSCF0483.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">So have I been busy? Mmmm, feels like it. Have I been juggling all
those balls in the air?Certainly. Have I had fun? YES. I love being able to
plan my day, although it seems to have organically evolved today as I look at
the list which only has four items ticked off today and still seven items for
starter’s orders tomorrow morning! Being self employed takes some grit and
determination, and the will to pick yourself up if things don’t go right, and
also pat yourself on the back when they do. </span></span></div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9LllbLlVwWA/USfk7bhh2UI/AAAAAAAABd4/-VTBUgiLUKE/s1600/Lace+scarf+knitting+kit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9LllbLlVwWA/USfk7bhh2UI/AAAAAAAABd4/-VTBUgiLUKE/s1600/Lace+scarf+knitting+kit.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">So tomorrow is planned with the remaining seven items to start on,
although, I’ve just remembered I am meeting a lovely new candle supplier
tomorrow at 9am....so I guess tomorrow possibly won’t pan out the way I planned
either - mange tout (as Del Boy might say...)"</span></span></div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Thank you so much for your words Anne! </span></span></div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Speak to you soon my friends</span></span></div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Maxine</span></span></div>
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">x</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="BodyA" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 5.0cm 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 456.6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US"></span><span lang="en-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: #0400; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #0400;"></span></span><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0Consett, County Durham DH8 5BJ, UK54.852316599999988 -1.832692500000007454.852031099999991 -1.8333230000000074 54.852602099999984 -1.8320620000000074tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-91071053624105218022013-02-25T07:56:00.000+00:002013-02-25T07:56:22.510+00:00Mother's Day Guest Bloggers - Claire from Magic MummiesWith half term over and the kids back to school, mums up and down the land breathe a sigh of relief. Mother's Day is nearly upon us and it's your day to put your feet and be waited on hand and foot (will that happen in your house??). If you're looking for a really special present for a mum in your life then check out our colourable Mother's Day bags. Available to buy on our 'Buy Now' tab above!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h9XeB4Hrotw/USpcG-WkyII/AAAAAAAABfY/Sut6zWx7UyM/s1600/Mother's+Day+FB+19.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h9XeB4Hrotw/USpcG-WkyII/AAAAAAAABfY/Sut6zWx7UyM/s640/Mother's+Day+FB+19.02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Today's mum in business is Claire Iles from <a href="http://www.magicmummies.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magic Mummies</a>. Have a read what she has to say about School Holiday Challenges! Have a read about what she has to say!<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
"Hi, I am Claire and I set up <a href="http://www.magicmummies.co.uk/" target="_blank">Magic Mummies</a> last year to
provide undercover services for busy mums, from homemade food, to costumes to
party planning we are every mums best kept secret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I first came up with the idea of Magic Mummies
when I was making a World Book Day costume for my eldest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was her first year in primary school and I
was astounded at the number of dress up days and cake days that took
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had already been making
costumes and cakes for friends to pass off as their own, so I thought why not
start a business based on that concept?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All items are supplied discreetly to a location of your choice so you
can take the credit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love what I do
and I love that it can give help to busy mums and joy to children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love home baking and generally anything
handmade or homemade and there’s always an excuse for a party in our house!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However I, like any other working mum, find
it challenging to balance home and work, especially during school holidays when
the kids look forward to spending time doing fun things with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0N3_fupNKWQ/USpdTsqOhEI/AAAAAAAABfg/J0xMrH1U_aM/s1600/P1000669+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0N3_fupNKWQ/USpdTsqOhEI/AAAAAAAABfg/J0xMrH1U_aM/s320/P1000669+(2).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMr0H-1IIEE/USpdWO1x32I/AAAAAAAABfo/8UZGwmjg2uQ/s1600/Photo+29-02-2012+12+37+12+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMr0H-1IIEE/USpdWO1x32I/AAAAAAAABfo/8UZGwmjg2uQ/s320/Photo+29-02-2012+12+37+12+%25282%2529.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
March is due to be a busy month for Magic Mummies with World
Book Day, and Comic Relief, but especially that incredibly special day, Mothers
Day where among other things, Magic Mummies are selling cupcake bouquets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was faced with being extremely busy at work
and highly in demand at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As half
term approached I tried to plan how I was going to fit everything in….first
thoughts?.....what did mumpreneurs do before iphones were around to check
emails, Facebook etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much of the first
part of half term was spent juggling childcare, work and kids and staying up
way past my bed time to get things done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mid-week I had the ingenious idea kids to a local soft play where I
would get a whole two hours work done while they played.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so armed with my laptop, I was sure I
would have lots of my to-do list ticked off soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I was faced with was complete mayhem as
I quickly realised the likelihood of my getting some work done was slim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I was right, between screams because the kids
had clashed heads and constant complaints they were hungry, I got one measly
thing ticked off my list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never mind…the
kids were happy and that’s the main thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And so the juggling childcare, work, kids continued until Friday when we
finished our fabulous week of with a full day of ice skating and learning and centre
for life, we returned exhausted and happy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jOndILXoC7c/USpgayxjD_I/AAAAAAAABgA/27WnROYPz78/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jOndILXoC7c/USpgayxjD_I/AAAAAAAABgA/27WnROYPz78/s320/photo+(2).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C1DLfTUA0ls/USpfLYXJ8xI/AAAAAAAABfw/ELAVjaFBSgg/s1600/Claire+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C1DLfTUA0ls/USpfLYXJ8xI/AAAAAAAABfw/ELAVjaFBSgg/s1600/Claire+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
With the half term madness almost over I would definitely say
this half term has been challenging yet brilliant, a lesson in juggling home
and work life and I’ve loved every minute of it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why Magic Mummies is so valuable to
working mums; it gives time back so you can spend time with the people who
matter most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so back to normal next
week, but not before we finish off half term with a day of serious sledging
fun!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Claire"<o:p></o:p></div>
xx<br />
<br />
Thanks for your words Claire! If you need a secret mummy service then why not get in touch with Claire!<br />
<br />
See you soon my friends<br />
<br />
Maxine<br />
x<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0Consett, County Durham DH8 5BJ, UK54.852316599999988 -1.832692500000007454.852031099999991 -1.8333230000000074 54.852602099999984 -1.8320620000000074tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-17335253993616300372013-02-21T08:03:00.001+00:002013-02-21T08:03:04.311+00:00Mother's Day Guest Blog - Libby from The Dressing Up Chest<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello my friends!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you know we're celebrating Mothers this month with some 'mums in business'. If you're looking for something a bit different this Mother's Day then don't forget about our wonderful colour-in-able Mother's Day Bags. Perfect for something totally unique for mum! To buy just click on the Buy Now tab above! Easy peasy!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjeIYCk9qfc/USTFyRhrpJI/AAAAAAAABZ0/x8PS-2DXFXo/s1600/Mother's+Day+FB+19.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjeIYCk9qfc/USTFyRhrpJI/AAAAAAAABZ0/x8PS-2DXFXo/s640/Mother's+Day+FB+19.02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1954381821"></span><span id="goog_1954381822"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today it is the turn of Libby from The Dressing Up Chest to have a chat about running her business. Have a read and check out the pictures of Libby's fab work!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOTYtiEnywI/USTI6kKdD1I/AAAAAAAABbo/wlJUPWy6dKg/s1600/children+and+chest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOTYtiEnywI/USTI6kKdD1I/AAAAAAAABbo/wlJUPWy6dKg/s320/children+and+chest.png" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Hi
everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am Libby and my business is
called the <a href="http://www.dressingupchest.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dressing Up Chest</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the
past 3 ½ years I have been making costumes for children for dressing up, fancy
dress and for stage and dance schools.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVsTOAspeNc/USTIu5JjAqI/AAAAAAAABa4/fYQ8HHL9Q3g/s1600/DUC+lettering+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVsTOAspeNc/USTIu5JjAqI/AAAAAAAABa4/fYQ8HHL9Q3g/s1600/DUC+lettering+1.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My
own children are grown up now - although they still ask me to make costumes for
music festivals and fancy dress parties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When they were younger I enjoyed nothing more than making costumes for
them to play in and for all the school plays and dance shows they took part
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought that the perfect solution once
I had more time was to create costumes for other people’s children where
parents often don’t have the time and for those who just prefer not to make.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6whgrW7n9w/USTIsIV3cLI/AAAAAAAABaw/6CVgczJ3DwM/s1600/BLUE+FAIRY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6whgrW7n9w/USTIsIV3cLI/AAAAAAAABaw/6CVgczJ3DwM/s320/BLUE+FAIRY.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3G6Na89Tc70/USTIx4H_pSI/AAAAAAAABbE/m0vV5aX5SKw/s1600/KINIGHT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3G6Na89Tc70/USTIx4H_pSI/AAAAAAAABbE/m0vV5aX5SKw/s320/KINIGHT.jpg" width="176" /></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It
seems that children love nothing more than dressing up and I have seen a huge
increase in the number of themed parties from pirates and princesses to
superheroes and book characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pirates
remain a firm favourite with boys and girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have also noticed more girls defying stereotype and asking for
knight’s tabards and tailcoats rather than the more traditional fairy princess
costume. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtrT8SwYNkA/USTIx7skbpI/AAAAAAAABbA/SkIyu46_iY0/s1600/Girl+Pirate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtrT8SwYNkA/USTIx7skbpI/AAAAAAAABbA/SkIyu46_iY0/s320/Girl+Pirate.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
am often asked to make costumes of characters which simply aren’t available in
high street fancy dress shops. I love a challenge and haven’t been beaten yet!
I have made a giant star, a hedgehog, Lola’s Alligator (Charlie and Lola
books), Captain Adorable (CBBC) and I am currently making Meg the Witch (Meg
and Mog).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When children are given a
leading role in the school play parents are also delighted to be able to have a
good quality costume made for the star of the show to shine in. This Christmas
I was particularly busy making sheep and shepherds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJTjKxuuxTU/USTI6JnOvkI/AAAAAAAABbc/sAY-ZThPdkc/s1600/rrhood+and+dot_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJTjKxuuxTU/USTI6JnOvkI/AAAAAAAABbc/sAY-ZThPdkc/s320/rrhood+and+dot_edited-2.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
have always love dance and one of my favourite jobs is making costumes for
excited little girls and boys about to showcase their talents on stage for
their proud parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Schools too seem to
be encouraging children to dress up to bring their History lessons to life and
I have made endless numbers of Victorian maid’s mob caps and aprons, Tudor
dresses and costumes for Boudicca!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cGeomVQdxk4/USTI52NjTMI/AAAAAAAABbY/Db5WgOXZniE/s1600/MISS+MUFFET+ETC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cGeomVQdxk4/USTI52NjTMI/AAAAAAAABbY/Db5WgOXZniE/s320/MISS+MUFFET+ETC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Children
can often be seen dressed up in character in the supermarket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My costumes are perfect for this as they are
made from good quality fabrics and trimmings and are all washable. I like to
think of them as themed clothing rather than fancy dress as they are made in
exactly the same way as regular clothing but just with a style of their own.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You
can take a look at my costumes at </span></span><a href="http://www.dressingupchest.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.dressingupchest.co.uk</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> but if you
would like something completely different please contact me at </span></span><a href="mailto:info@dressingupchest.co.uk"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">info@dressingupchest.co.uk</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and I will
happily design something unique just for your boy or girl."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><a href="http://www.dressingupchest.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.dressingupchest.co.uk</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<a href="mailto:info@dressingupchest.co.uk"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">info@dressingupchest.co.uk</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/dressingupchest"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://twitter.com/dressingupchest</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dressing-Up-Chest/125132044172995"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dressing-Up-Chest/125132044172995</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/dressingupchest/"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://pinterest.com/dressingupchest/</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p>Thanks Libby for your words! Fab costumes!</o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p>Speak to you soon my friends!</o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p>Maxine</o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p>x</o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0Consett, County Durham DH8 5BJ, UK54.852316599999988 -1.832692500000007454.852031099999991 -1.8333230000000074 54.852602099999984 -1.8320620000000074tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-18057251281511660172013-02-19T07:41:00.000+00:002013-02-19T07:41:22.082+00:00Mother's Day Guest Blog - Vikki King from MiniMe Baby<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With the launch of our Mother's Day bags <a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/" target="_blank">Life's A Celebration</a> is celebrating Mums in business this month. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kMe6MHjGfiQ/USFEPyJ4YkI/AAAAAAAABYw/66057cuNYSU/s1600/Mother's+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kMe6MHjGfiQ/USFEPyJ4YkI/AAAAAAAABYw/66057cuNYSU/s320/Mother's+Day.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today's Mum in Business is Vikki King from MiniMe Baby. Have a read what Vikki has to say!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who is <a href="http://www.minime-baby.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MiniMe Baby</a>? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v_qKvGAApvM/USFDfTGM0eI/AAAAAAAABYo/UHSMm6yAfGE/s1600/Mini+Me+logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v_qKvGAApvM/USFDfTGM0eI/AAAAAAAABYo/UHSMm6yAfGE/s200/Mini+Me+logo.gif" width="158" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am Vikki, a Mum to two wonderful
children and wife to a very understanding and patient husband. My son is 16 and
scarily just about to complete his moped test (scared as I am for his safety I
can’t not let him get one as I too had a moped at 16, with dreams of owning a
motorbike one day. That bit never happened though) and my daughter, Libby was
born last year in the very early hours of Halloween, so we nicknamed her pumpkin
as she suits orange really well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We setup MiniMe Baby back in July 2012, when I was 6 months
pregnant. It was our vision to bring parents affordable clothing for 0-8 years and
gifts that were also either organic, ethical or UK manufactured. So determined
was I to start trading before our daughter was born, that from the moment we
finally decided to go for our dreams it only took me 7 weeks to launch our
website and visit our first trade show. In fact the website went live the night
before our first visit to the trade show and our business cards were still hot
off the press. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YjSUSrXUj_E/USFCaUhLK0I/AAAAAAAABYY/Ph5OmdcKRKk/s1600/t-shirt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YjSUSrXUj_E/USFCaUhLK0I/AAAAAAAABYY/Ph5OmdcKRKk/s200/t-shirt.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our business has since evolved slightly and I am now
obsessed with everything UK Handmade and with fabric. 2013 see’s MiniMe Baby
searching out small crafters to bring you unique and lovingly created clothes
and gifts. I have found a passion and I love working with other small
businesses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bebby Girls and Bebby Boys wall art is a great example of
this. They are created by a very talented mum and school teacher, <span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rebecca McKay. </span>Who
found me on Twitter. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAQOERyYcp0/USE-o75w58I/AAAAAAAABYQ/NhKvKehQQAg/s1600/Bebby+Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAQOERyYcp0/USE-o75w58I/AAAAAAAABYQ/NhKvKehQQAg/s320/Bebby+Girls.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 574px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 693px;" width="72" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAQOERyYcp0/USE-o75w58I/AAAAAAAABYQ/NhKvKehQQAg/s1600/Bebby+Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAQOERyYcp0/USE-o75w58I/AAAAAAAABYQ/NhKvKehQQAg/s320/Bebby+Girls.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJH9_ddkJ-I/USE-mfnohEI/AAAAAAAABYI/i4xykp107bQ/s1600/Bebby+Boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJH9_ddkJ-I/USE-mfnohEI/AAAAAAAABYI/i4xykp107bQ/s320/Bebby+Boys.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">New stock sourced, but still to be added to the website so
far this year includes; C.E certified sock monkeys, sock bunnies, sock tigers,
up cycled bags, felt keyring/ bag charms, hair accessories and nursery
decorations.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bvp9E-9qDCA/USFDKSDigMI/AAAAAAAABYg/LY8tYa-I9os/s1600/Sock+monkey.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bvp9E-9qDCA/USFDKSDigMI/AAAAAAAABYg/LY8tYa-I9os/s320/Sock+monkey.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GMMMHntiC00/USE9-A8_-5I/AAAAAAAABYA/O8PwmaXtaIQ/s1600/Zippy+Suits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="104" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GMMMHntiC00/USE9-A8_-5I/AAAAAAAABYA/O8PwmaXtaIQ/s320/Zippy+Suits.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ke5JIYYO00g/USE98uStIzI/AAAAAAAABX4/SmwpgsyF3gk/s1600/Zippy+Suits+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ke5JIYYO00g/USE98uStIzI/AAAAAAAABX4/SmwpgsyF3gk/s320/Zippy+Suits+1.png" width="320" /></a><br />
<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_40" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 219.6pt; margin-left: 266.35pt; margin-top: 49.5pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: page; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: page; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 291.25pt; z-index: 251660288;" type="#_x0000_t75"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Maxine\AppData\Local\Temp\OICE_7CB45955-A6BD-4DB9-8A4F-56C52648F69B.0\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.png">
<w:wrap type="square">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></span></v:shape><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On
our search for new stock of british products and brands we are proud to have
found<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Zippy Suits:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></span><a href="http://www.minime-baby.co.uk/shop/category_35/Zippy-Suits.html?sessid=zuZp6uUwbLFvAsQyw8cXjmZ8qt7ZTPjKCsJ1F8LaySR2MgvyizisyAiNPIJgYnOS&shop_param=cid%3D%26"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Zippy Suits</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes; mso-themecolor: text1;">
are<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span class="textproductdetail">luxuriously soft sleep suits with no poppers (genius
idea I think) Zippy Suits have a single zip to fasten the sleep suit instead of
many pairs of poppers. Helpful when changing any little wriggler! Also helpful
for night time changing in dim light and for </span>parents with arthritis</span><span class="textproductdetail"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. They have an envelope neckline to ensure a snug fit
for baby whilst being easy for dressing. Available in Sizes: 3-6m, 6-9m, 9-12m
& 12-18m and currently available in 4 fab colours (2 blue, 2 pink). <br />
Matching dribble bibs are also available</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please feel free to browse our pages, we are especially
proud of our </span><a href="http://www.minime-baby.co.uk/shop/page/11?sessid=zuZp6uUwbLFvAsQyw8cXjmZ8qt7ZTPjKCsJ1F8LaySR2MgvyizisyAiNPIJgYnOS&shop_param="><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Reviews
tab</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">; which links to independent blogs and videos of products we stock. The </span><a href="http://www.minime-baby.co.uk/shop/page/7?sessid=zuZp6uUwbLFvAsQyw8cXjmZ8qt7ZTPjKCsJ1F8LaySR2MgvyizisyAiNPIJgYnOS&shop_param=#.UQcGQWeVo_o"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Info
tab</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">; has also been setup to give helpful impartial information for parents
covering topics such as; Breastfeeding, Real Nappies; Reading; Sleeping; Family
days out. These areas are constantly being updated so please let me know if
there is a topic that you would like adding and I will research it for you.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Working around a baby is difficult and tiring but if you
believe in yourself and your business I think that it is worth persevering to
reach your dreams, and that is exactly what MiniMe Baby is doing….never give up
on your own dreams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 315.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.minime-baby.co.uk/"><span style="color: #7030a0; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.minime-baby.co.uk</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0070c0; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;">Twitter:</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/follow?original_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fplatform.twitter.com%2Fwidgets%2Ffollow_button.1347008535.html&region=follow_link&screen_name=MiniMeBabyUK&source=followbutton&variant=2.0"><span style="color: #7030a0; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">@minimebabyuk</span></span></a><span style="color: #0070c0; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Facebook: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/MiniMe-Baby/242297665889744?ref=ts"><span style="color: #7030a0; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">MiniMe-Baby</span></span></a><span style="color: #7030a0; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pininterest: </span></span></b><a href="http://pinterest.com/minimebabyuk/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://pinterest.com/minimebabyuk/</span></span></b></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks for your words Vikki. Don't forget about our Mother's Day bags. These gorgeous bags come with a pack of fabric pens so the kids can colour them in and make a totally unique gift for mum. At only £9.99 they are an affordable present that mum will love! If you want to buy all you need to do is <a href="mailto:maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk" target="_blank">drop me a line -</a> it's that simple! Plus (I'm leaving the best till last) - all those that buy a Mother's Day bag will be entered into our giveaway to win an Easter bag too!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Speak to you soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maxine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">x</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0Consett, County Durham DH8 5BJ, UK54.852316599999988 -1.832692500000007454.852031099999991 -1.8333230000000074 54.852602099999984 -1.8320620000000074tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-74849425192923705372013-02-14T07:35:00.000+00:002013-02-14T07:35:56.512+00:00The design process for our Mother's Day bags - Guest Blogger Carrie Dennison<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you know we're celebrating Mother's Day coming up. Today's guest blogger is the fantastically talented Carrie from <a href="http://www.pressfordesign.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Press for Design</a>. I use Carrie for all my designing for the business. She has been working with me on the design of our Mother's Day bags and that's what she's talking about today. Keep watching for our Easter bags that will be coming soon as well Hen Party bags, Wedding Gift bags, Thank You Teacher bags, Kids Travel bags and loads more.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's what she has to say.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The design process of Life's a Celebration's Mother's Day bag</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSODvoRXfM8/URgHMpnI_XI/AAAAAAAABTk/qjHo6fxoFj0/s1600/Mothers+Day+bag+coloured.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSODvoRXfM8/URgHMpnI_XI/AAAAAAAABTk/qjHo6fxoFj0/s320/Mothers+Day+bag+coloured.png" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All
the best designs start with a chat over coffee! The most important step
when designing for a client is not only to talk to the client, but to listen to
them too, in order to find out exactly what they are looking for. Maxine
and I sat down over a cuppa and she gave me the ideas that were going through
her mind, which I jotted down. I tend to use a mixture of words and
sketches when jotting down ideas from clients, generally I can get a good idea
of what they are looking for and put together an impromptu sketch to see if the
ideas that I have picked up from the client are what they are actually looking
for. I defy anybody to actually make sense of my initial doodlings
though!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_9M7WcEHKGA/URgO5pHaQGI/AAAAAAAABUk/njFi-7PnHx4/s1600/initial-notes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_9M7WcEHKGA/URgO5pHaQGI/AAAAAAAABUk/njFi-7PnHx4/s320/initial-notes.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
then went away and worked on some sketches. I always work in pencil and
whilst I'm sketching I tend not to rub anything out, as seen in the example
below. It might look a mess, but when I'm happy that I have the lines I
want I then draw over the final lines in waterproof pen and then rub out the
pencil marks. Once I have the final drawn design, I scan it into
Photoshop and then I have a digital version of the file that I can play around
with. This saves a lot of time later when refining the finished design as
it means I can make alterations to the sketches without redrawing the design
again.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bY2BridA9Vw/URgPF1zNDJI/AAAAAAAABUs/MhQ36dshQkY/s1600/Mothers-Day-daffodil-process.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bY2BridA9Vw/URgPF1zNDJI/AAAAAAAABUs/MhQ36dshQkY/s320/Mothers-Day-daffodil-process.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_elNMMgHeM/URgPQrHQsKI/AAAAAAAABU0/HEibZRLWkFE/s1600/sketches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_elNMMgHeM/URgPQrHQsKI/AAAAAAAABU0/HEibZRLWkFE/s320/sketches.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
put together two different versions of the Mother's Day design and emailed them
over to Maxine for her thoughts. I always say to my clients that I want
to hear all their thoughts about a design, good, bad or indifferent! I
want to make sure that they are perfectly happy with the design that I produce
for them, and that it is exactly what they are looking for. Maxine got
back to me with some changes that she wanted making, and I worked on those.
This is where the digital files came in handy, as some of the sketches I
had originally produced needed altering to make them easier to colour in.
These can be easily and quickly altered in Photoshop, without the need to
re-sketch. As you can see in the example below, we decided that the initial
cup design I had drawn needed to be less complicated so that it would be easy
to colour in - this change was quick and easy for me to do once the sketch had
been digitised.</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrwLWSHnzjI/URgPcmHkxxI/AAAAAAAABU8/O7Qd5QlJCEk/s1600/cup-sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrwLWSHnzjI/URgPcmHkxxI/AAAAAAAABU8/O7Qd5QlJCEk/s320/cup-sketch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Once
the files were re-drawn, another proof was sent to Maxine. This process
was repeated until Maxine had the design that she had envisioned in her mind,
and then it was a matter of preparing the design in several different formats -
one black and white format for the Mother's Day bag itself, and other coloured
formats to be placed on the Life's A Celebration website, blog and Facebook
page.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Here’s
the finished Mother’s Day bag - and look out for an Easter design too that will
be coming along very soon!</span><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUK89Lk93p4/URgIYQq9miI/AAAAAAAABTs/rmW98oPi064/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUK89Lk93p4/URgIYQq9miI/AAAAAAAABTs/rmW98oPi064/s320/006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love our Mother's Dag bags and I'm so pleased that I've found Carrie to do our design work for us. At £9.99 (plus £1.50 p&p) these bags are a steal. They even come with a pack of fabric pens so they're ideal for the kids to give their mum a totally unique Mother's Day gift. If you want to buy or want more details then </span><a href="mailto:maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">drop me a line</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. I'm always happy to help.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maxine</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">x </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="96" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUK89Lk93p4/URgIYQq9miI/AAAAAAAABTs/rmW98oPi064/s320/006.JPG" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 352px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 2652px;" width="72" /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com3Consett, County Durham DH8 5BJ, UK54.852316599999988 -1.832692500000007454.852031099999991 -1.8333230000000074 54.852602099999984 -1.8320620000000074tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-36961208796779167202013-02-12T07:26:00.000+00:002013-02-12T07:26:38.090+00:00Making the Most Of Social Media - Guest Blogger Jayne Graham<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you know, this month we're celebrating Mums in business. Today's Mum guest blogger is Jayne Graham. Jayne is founder of Colleagues on Tap and <a href="http://www.spaceontap.com/">www.spaceontap.com</a>. She is an experienced Business Coach & skilled strategist. Today Jayne is chatting about 'Making the Most of Social Media'. There's some fabulous hints and tips in today's guest blog so check out what she has to say.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjmI6wV8YXg/URgF6RrjLtI/AAAAAAAABTM/B56NBKHxUc4/s1600/jayne+graham+HI+RES-125+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjmI6wV8YXg/URgF6RrjLtI/AAAAAAAABTM/B56NBKHxUc4/s320/jayne+graham+HI+RES-125+(2).jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Making the Most of Social Media<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 2004 I made the choice to set up business at
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The driver was two-fold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From a business perspective I really didn’t
need an office;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a laptop, a phone and a
lot of enthusiasm set me off on my journey as a freelance consultant quite
adequately!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a busy mum of twin girls,
now aged 11, there was another driver – flexibility;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and being able to start work at ‘silly
o’clock’ before my daughters started their days has become a survival strategy
ever since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wee small hours between
4.30 and 7.30 am are now, genuinely, my best time of the day!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Discovering social media<o:p></o:p></u></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
S</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o, fast-forwarding to 2010 when I needed to market my
new businesses spaceontap.com and Colleagues on Tap, I wondered how I could get
in touch with other people, en masse, who also freelanced or ran businesses for
themselves, and possibly worked non-traditional hours like me, to tell them
about my great new services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although as
a ‘woman of a certain age’ my friends and associates were pretty sceptical
about social media, I got stuck in, and very quickly found it held a treasure
trove of opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pleased to
share some of these with you in this blog.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Social Media has grown in popularity over the past 5 or
so years as a key device in the business marketing tool-kit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It provides businesses with a channel for
communicating with a mass audience at a speed and scale that would be difficult
to replicate through traditional off-line media, and certainly impossible to
match through face to face networking activity.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Twece9HJ3H0/URgL7X27diI/AAAAAAAABUc/agTKvLCuew4/s1600/linkedin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Twece9HJ3H0/URgL7X27diI/AAAAAAAABUc/agTKvLCuew4/s320/linkedin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Traditional media and
social media</u></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The key difference between traditional media and social
media is that media communications are, in the most part, one way, whereas
social media provides for two-way and multiple interactions. This two-way
dialogue is far more effective at engaging an audience, and can significantly
enrich a customer relationship.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mmw4ut0tEiY/URgKtgO7JAI/AAAAAAAABUU/FLnk2n8_9ik/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mmw4ut0tEiY/URgKtgO7JAI/AAAAAAAABUU/FLnk2n8_9ik/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Social
v business<o:p></o:p></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’m often hearing people’s concerns about the potential to get too
personal on social media, however this tends to stem from a confusion between
‘being sociable’ and ‘getting personal’;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>as long as a line is drawn between the two, positive relationships can
be developed that are good for business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Through having conversations we can understand more about our customers,
and are therefore more able to anticipate and respond to their needs; and of
course we can start to form relationships which can ultimately result in new,
and repeat, business.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPyQf5fZHVg/URgKJLqf54I/AAAAAAAABUM/pI9fv-BqqYU/s1600/twitter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPyQf5fZHVg/URgKJLqf54I/AAAAAAAABUM/pI9fv-BqqYU/s1600/twitter.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-92hopyzfnyA/URgJ_x8I4ZI/AAAAAAAABT0/G1GxHo0xgMg/s1600/Facebook-skins-post-1024x1024.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>8 Reasons to Network
your Business through Social Media</u></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Millions
of other businesses are already doing it (including your competitors and future
customers)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s
free to use, in the main, other than the cost of your time to participate<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s
fast, and in some cases immediate<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Its
reach is vast; it provides you a medium to improve brand awareness globally,
providing access to a scale of audience that it would be impossible to replicate
through traditional media<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">People
can easily share your information with their own networks;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>champions for your business can quickly
emerge<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">It
has a positive impact on search engine optimisation SEO as it enables you to
build links to your website increasing the likelihood of people finding it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">It
allows you to have two-way interactions with your customers and potential
customers, enabling you to gather market intelligence and build relationships<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Its transparency
enables you to quickly gain the trust of your potential customers.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KXALPbNX2fs/URgKGy1Tk7I/AAAAAAAABUE/FmNfykF1JpA/s1600/pinterest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KXALPbNX2fs/URgKGy1Tk7I/AAAAAAAABUE/FmNfykF1JpA/s320/pinterest.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you’d like to know
my thoughts on the 5 key social media applications for business </span></span><a href="mailto:jaynegraham@colleaguesontap.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">get in touch</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>and I’ll send you a link for you to download.</span></strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the meantime, here’s my<strong> </strong>5 Point Plan for ‘Making the Most of Social Media’<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Define
your marketing objectives: who do you want to communicate with and what do you
want to say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re clear about this
in the first place you can use social media much more effectively.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> 2</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Determine
which social media platforms your targets are likely to be using; not every
business can make great use of every platform, and it’s better to start with
one or two and build on it rather than trying to tackle everything from day
one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make
a commitment to maintaining a presence on your chosen social media, and
realistically plan resources to enable this.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remember
to converse, rather than broadcast; social media enables a two-way dialogue.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
5. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Evaluate progress
regularly, based on impact for your business, rather than volume of
interactions, and adjust your approach accordingly.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Author<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jayne Graham, Founder of Colleagues on Tap and Space on
Tap </span></span><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/jaynegraham"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.linkedin.com/in/jaynegraham</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-doSJxc0bfpE/URgF59rHauI/AAAAAAAABTE/mBF2nGJQpEA/s1600/Colleagues+on+Tap+logo+tm+canvas+900+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-doSJxc0bfpE/URgF59rHauI/AAAAAAAABTE/mBF2nGJQpEA/s320/Colleagues+on+Tap+logo+tm+canvas+900+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Copyright Jayne Graham January 2013.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thank you Jayne for your hints and tips on Social Media. Don't forget that Life's A Celebration has some fabulous Mother's Day bags. These delightful bags come with a pack of fabric pens for decoration and at only £9.99 (plus £1.50 p&p) they're a steal! Go - on treat the mum in your life! To buy or for more information <a href="mailto:maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk" target="_blank">just drop me a line</a>.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUK89Lk93p4/URgIYQq9miI/AAAAAAAABTs/rmW98oPi064/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUK89Lk93p4/URgIYQq9miI/AAAAAAAABTs/rmW98oPi064/s320/006.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSODvoRXfM8/URgHMpnI_XI/AAAAAAAABTk/qjHo6fxoFj0/s1600/Mothers+Day+bag+coloured.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSODvoRXfM8/URgHMpnI_XI/AAAAAAAABTk/qjHo6fxoFj0/s1600/Mothers+Day+bag+coloured.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSODvoRXfM8/URgHMpnI_XI/AAAAAAAABTk/qjHo6fxoFj0/s1600/Mothers+Day+bag+coloured.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSODvoRXfM8/URgHMpnI_XI/AAAAAAAABTk/qjHo6fxoFj0/s1600/Mothers+Day+bag+coloured.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="text-align: right;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSODvoRXfM8/URgHMpnI_XI/AAAAAAAABTk/qjHo6fxoFj0/s320/Mothers+Day+bag+coloured.png" width="240" /></div>
</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c1Pmf_UB58s/URgGpnjjK7I/AAAAAAAABTc/-DwRKEe67Vo/s1600/Mother's+Day+bags+collage+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W2msAqACEfA/URgGVGAf1QI/AAAAAAAABTU/kcVEusRWcp8/s1600/Mother%2527s+Day+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0Consett, County Durham DH8 5BJ, UK54.852316599999988 -1.832692500000007454.852031099999991 -1.8333230000000074 54.852602099999984 -1.8320620000000074tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-61863581042844545222013-02-11T07:21:00.000+00:002013-02-11T07:21:54.466+00:00Mother's Day Guest Blog - Sara Kitchener from Sara's Kitchen<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today's Mother's Day guest blogger is Sara from <a href="http://www.saraskitchen.co.uk/MainFrame.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sara's Kitchen</a>. The baker of the best cakes in the entire world. Take a look at them aren't they fabulous??</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cTWpfwjAStc/URgdUQHjiFI/AAAAAAAABV4/zj8GloA7lbc/s1600/sara%2527s+cakes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cTWpfwjAStc/URgdUQHjiFI/AAAAAAAABV4/zj8GloA7lbc/s1600/sara%2527s+cakes+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJi-IPgGHrE/URgdX-lOC_I/AAAAAAAABWA/yKJsA-QfgD0/s1600/sara%2527s+cakes+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJi-IPgGHrE/URgdX-lOC_I/AAAAAAAABWA/yKJsA-QfgD0/s1600/sara%2527s+cakes+1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qZi00EgT68/URgdasKNa5I/AAAAAAAABWI/ljpj23fG5kg/s1600/sara%2527s+cakes+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qZi00EgT68/URgdasKNa5I/AAAAAAAABWI/ljpj23fG5kg/s1600/sara%2527s+cakes+3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sara's talking to us about being a mummy and running an incredibly successful business. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before October of last year I didn't know Sara but since then we've become great friends, we now share business premises in the Silver Birch Studio and she's one person that I know I can rely on when I'm having a tough day as a 'business mummy'. Have a read of what she has to say.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"So when I started to think about I would write for this blog post by the lovely Maxine at <a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/" target="_blank">Life’s a Celebration</a>, I scratched my head and really struggled, see I’m not very good at writing about myself or my business, I love to hide behind my cakes, so I scratched my head some more and thought about how I’d got to where I am today.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rewind five and a half years and you’ll find me sat at a group called bouncing babies run by my local Sure Start centre with my gorgeous little man Harrison. Who at six weeks old was already a smiler and who I was totally head over heels in love with…. Except my world had also been turned upside down in the process, suddenly it was normal to go days without a shower, to sport baby sick as the latest fashion accessory and fret over whether the contents of that nappy are normal, I mean really green/black/yellow poo?!!? Normal?! Here was I at a baby group, yes me! Who used to love reading a paper at Starbucks over a skinny latte or spending the afternoon at the hair dressers, Indian head massage, oh yes please! Now I was sat here begging for one of the other mummies to talk to me, to tell me it’s normal to be scared and elated all in the same breath. So here is where ‘The Mammies’ came in.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cSeZ8hEGc3s/URgef1LnfJI/AAAAAAAABWg/J8qYIZ3alnM/s1600/The+Mammies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cSeZ8hEGc3s/URgef1LnfJI/AAAAAAAABWg/J8qYIZ3alnM/s320/The+Mammies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Mammies!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can still remember meeting each and everyone of them. We had all the insecurities that come part and parcel of being a first time mum, challenges, trials and tribulations, as well as a whole load of giggling over a gin or two. We have faced everything you can imagine, but through it we’ve had each other to wipe away those sleep deprived tears, to send prayers of strength and witness the most amazing achievements by ourselves and our little ones. You see us Mums aren’t superwomen (although I think we rank a close second), we are only human, we’re tired or insecure, we’re sleep deprived and tested to the limit, we’re blown away by our bundles of joy and want to ask ‘is that normal/ok?’, sometimes your Mummy friends may just pass you the box of tissues and a mars bar or they might tell you ‘trust your instinct’ or my favourite has to be putting the dancing shoes on and getting a night out for some finger pointing to the juke box!</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TnUb-wdrC_k/URgeiVhQx5I/AAAAAAAABWo/PqHiFtjOR40/s1600/sara+with+the+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TnUb-wdrC_k/URgeiVhQx5I/AAAAAAAABWo/PqHiFtjOR40/s320/sara+with+the+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sara with her gorgeous kids!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So with these lovely Mammies propping me up and saying you can do it, over one crazy Gin or two it was discussed, why don’t you start your own business? Erm Ok that sounds like a great idea…… See I‘d always loved to bake, taking after my own lovely mummy, so it was natural with my design background in the theatres to make my own kiddies birthday cakes, then family cakes and of course not willing to miss a trick the mammies cakes. They say from a seed, a great oak can grow and Ok my Kitchen is no oak but it is my gorgeous third baby. Don’t get me wrong it’s been tough along the way and there has been many a tearful tantrum at midnight when I’m trying to juggle being a business lady and a mummy, but I wouldn’t change it for the world! It has made me a confident mum, proud to show my children what exactly can be achieved with a lot of hard work., but it really wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for The Mammies, my family and friends.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0iDQMelKziE/URgdgE_xZRI/AAAAAAAABWY/IWM9McyAVtM/s1600/sara%2527s+cakes+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0iDQMelKziE/URgdgE_xZRI/AAAAAAAABWY/IWM9McyAVtM/s320/sara%2527s+cakes+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you had said to us over five years ago where we would be now, we would have laughed hysterically, running our own businesses, expanding our families, director of a company, back to university and trust me that is just the tip of the iceberg! One thing I do know I’m really excited to see where the next five years takes us!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sara xx</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So why not pop in and see me and Sara and the other wonderful businesses we share our office space with. You'll get a warm welcome, a cuppa and if you're lucky you might get some of Sara's really tasty cake! You can also pick up one of our fabulous Mother's Day Bags - these cotton bags come with a pack of fabric pens and are a steal at only £9.99. If you can't make it into the office then don't panic, <a href="mailto:maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk" target="_blank">drop me a line</a> to buy or get more details.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">See you soon everybody!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Maxine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">x</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CriLtwsh8sc/URgg4YmpgxI/AAAAAAAABW4/fS7ABVnvt1A/s1600/Mothers+Day+bag+coloured.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CriLtwsh8sc/URgg4YmpgxI/AAAAAAAABW4/fS7ABVnvt1A/s320/Mothers+Day+bag+coloured.png" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CriLtwsh8sc/URgg4YmpgxI/AAAAAAAABW4/fS7ABVnvt1A/s1600/Mothers+Day+bag+coloured.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CriLtwsh8sc/URgg4YmpgxI/AAAAAAAABW4/fS7ABVnvt1A/s320/Mothers+Day+bag+coloured.png" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0Consett, County Durham DH8 5BJ, UK54.852316599999988 -1.832692500000007454.852316599999988 -1.8326925000000074 54.852316599999988 -1.8326925000000074tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-78970447461353754432013-02-06T20:31:00.000+00:002013-02-06T20:31:11.468+00:00Mother's Day Guest Blogger - Melanie from Pretty Special<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbpXzTzgA5Y/UQ0kKtZMmlI/AAAAAAAABLU/OW56hy5Oqy4/s1600/LaC-Blogger-Mothers-Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbpXzTzgA5Y/UQ0kKtZMmlI/AAAAAAAABLU/OW56hy5Oqy4/s320/LaC-Blogger-Mothers-Day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hi there everyone,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Todays Mother's Day guest blogger is Melanie from </span><a href="http://www.prettyspecial.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pretty Special</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Today Melanie is talking about how she started up in business and how she runs it with all the demands of family life. There's some great advice in here for any mums that are thinking about starting a business. This is what she had to say.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPOmp9YL9kc/UQ13_uOG5pI/AAAAAAAABOM/UxgUsiT1Tqo/s1600/prettyspecial-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPOmp9YL9kc/UQ13_uOG5pI/AAAAAAAABOM/UxgUsiT1Tqo/s1600/prettyspecial-logo.jpg" title="http://www.prettyspecial.co.uk/index.php" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.prettyspecial.co.uk/index.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pretty Special</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Lovely Clothes for Little People at
Sensible Prices<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>How I Juggled Starting a Family and a Business<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a baby in June
2011 and whilst on my glorious extended maternity leave of 14 months, I
realised that returning to work for someone else just didn't suit us in the
long term.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband is in his final
year of University so returning to work on a 4 day week was inevitable so after
a long hard think, I hatched my Plan B.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BibWJHX7_dI/UQ15zlCJENI/AAAAAAAABOU/2UMrYlgHHGY/s1600/Mel+and+Finley+Organics+CU+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BibWJHX7_dI/UQ15zlCJENI/AAAAAAAABOU/2UMrYlgHHGY/s320/Mel+and+Finley+Organics+CU+(3).jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finley had just turned 1 and Plan B became a reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had found a designer baby and children's
clothes website business that was for sale and set about making a go of running
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My initial research showed that setting
up a bricks and mortar store was a little beyond my capabilities and cash
flow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nonetheless within what felt like
a very short period of time, I had secured a bank loan, designed the look and
feel of the website and was standing in a trade show buying 2 season's worth of
stock</span>!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.prettyspecial.co.uk/index.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAPGs0OsXsE/UQ15_awRNJI/AAAAAAAABOc/D267alRxbfw/s320/home+screen+(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So in summary, new baby, new business, a 4 day a week job
and a husband in his final year at University... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It sounds like a lot to juggle, well because it is but I am
nothing short of determined to make it all work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the light at the end of the tunnel will
be to focus solely on the website in the not too distant future and be a mum
that can fit her work around her family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, how do I juggle everything?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've learnt to delegate things I'm not good
at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance, my accounting skills
are nonexistent so finding an affordable accountant was the first thing I
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being in business on your own is scary so attending free
business events to keep you on top of things you should be considering such as
marketing strategies and social media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Locally I'm lucky as Outset Bristol provide all sorts of support <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and training to small business owners and I
recent joined Mumprenuer UK who are a mums in business support group they have
given me an unlimited resource of advice and mentoring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not being afraid to ask your friends for help has been a
good lesson to learn. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From a friend
who's job entailed reviewing business plans to holding a coffee morning so that
the ardous task of posting out 250 client christmas cards was done in minutes
via my very patient friends rather than a whole week by myself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another friend is a photographer and we've
used our boys as models for my stock!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Its a win-win for both of us as it helps her promote her family
photography business. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thing to
remember is that if you don't ask, no one will know that you need help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have taken great pleasure in sourcing new and exciting
brands for baby and childrens clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My newest find is a company called Jack and Ava who was started by Mum
of two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her amazing crafting skills and
imagination has developed into a brilliant company who create unique and
vintage inspired body suits for babies and toddlers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1WsW0K1fm_w/UQ16n802INI/AAAAAAAABOk/PXYFclx0owM/s1600/valentine+v+small+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1WsW0K1fm_w/UQ16n802INI/AAAAAAAABOk/PXYFclx0owM/s320/valentine+v+small+(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My learning curve has been steep and I'm sure to make more
mistakes as the business grows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having
just won a Silver Website Award from Mumpreneur has given me the boost in
confidence realise that what I have achieved in 6 months is actually very worthwhile
and been recognised.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.prettyspecial.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=35_56_59&page=2" rel="nofollow" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><a href="http://www.prettyspecial.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=35_56_59&page=2" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYFtppfH9Mo/UQ164951UzI/AAAAAAAABO0/R1Ijt29bnpw/s320/jack+and+ava+elephants+(3).jpg" width="195" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dEEqzrZ4NU/UQ163IvWmbI/AAAAAAAABOs/q21j6Uifi9s/s320/jack+and+ava+big+hearts+(3).jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.prettyspecial.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=35_56_59&page=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mRAdhKfLqvs/UQ166bGhnwI/AAAAAAAABO8/BcdIUpRGYcE/s320/jack+and+ava+small+hearts+(3).jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.prettyspecial.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=35_56_59&page=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.prettyspecial.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=35_56_59&page=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a></div>
<a href="http://www.prettyspecial.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=35_56_59&page=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">
</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having a goal in sight and a clear business vision is great
but ignoring the fear factor is the key to success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I regret taking on so much?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is it all worth it? Definitely, and well, if you don't have a go, how
are you going to find out?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thanks Melanie. You're definitely right - running your own business is hard work but the rewards are fantastic! And well done on our Mumpreneur Silver award - that's brilliant news! Totally deserved - the <a href="http://www.prettyspecial.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pretty Special</a> website is just that.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Don't forget about our fantastic Mother's Day bags. These come with fabric pens so your children can make them a truly unique present. At only £9.99 they're an absolute steal. <a href="mailto:maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk" target="_blank">Drop me a line</a> to pre-order!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Speak soon.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Maxine</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">x</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbpXzTzgA5Y/UQ0kKtZMmlI/AAAAAAAABLU/OW56hy5Oqy4/s1600/LaC-Blogger-Mothers-Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div align="right" style="text-align: right;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-83277605611130752062013-02-05T07:30:00.000+00:002013-02-05T07:32:07.947+00:00Mother's Day Guest Blogger - Abi Yardimci<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbpXzTzgA5Y/UQ0kKtZMmlI/AAAAAAAABLU/OW56hy5Oqy4/s1600/LaC-Blogger-Mothers-Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbpXzTzgA5Y/UQ0kKtZMmlI/AAAAAAAABLU/OW56hy5Oqy4/s320/LaC-Blogger-Mothers-Day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hi there everybody,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Throughout the month of February we're celebrating our Mother's Day bags! So we're going to be featuring some mums that run businesses throughout the whole month. Today's mum is Abi Yardimci. Abi runs a business called </span><a href="http://www.thecoolrulecompany.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Cool Rule Company</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> an absolutely fabulous business that promotes all things positive when it comes to parenting. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's what Abi had to say!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So far 2013 has dragged us all along with its excessively healthy detoxing guilt-trips, dire financial chaos and, quite frankly, offensive weather conditions. Yes. January has come and gone in all its familiar splendor.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yet on the horizon we can see Valentine’s Day, school half-term break and an excuse to indulge in reams of gooey pancakes. But what’s that? That modest little event just nestling on a cosy Sunday in the middle of March? Oh yes. Mother’s Day.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can I sense mums everywhere doing a mental Mexican wave? A jubilant clasping of hands and cheeky little daydreams about a lie-in, a cup of tea in bed, perhaps a spa treatment or two?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For some of us those daydreams will morph gratifyingly into tangible events. For me (and I suspect I am not alone), they will remain in a metaphorical dream bubble, drifting overhead just out of reach.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are three main reasons why I will not expect to be made a fuss of this Mother’s Day.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• My husband is Turkish and will be waiting until Turkish Mother’s Day in May (and then he’ll conveniently forget . . . I know his ploy)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yMr8evfR3Uw/UQ0tugJyszI/AAAAAAAABNU/ph1YJvVfADk/s1600/Turkish+M's+Day+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yMr8evfR3Uw/UQ0tugJyszI/AAAAAAAABNU/ph1YJvVfADk/s320/Turkish+M's+Day+Card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• My sons are mere tots which means they are unlikely to get on the phone to the local spa and make a swift credit card transaction</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J3H-3-Trqzo/UQ0trkT8QXI/AAAAAAAABNM/60SD8LOfPxk/s1600/Toddler+with+credit+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J3H-3-Trqzo/UQ0trkT8QXI/AAAAAAAABNM/60SD8LOfPxk/s320/Toddler+with+credit+card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• I run my own business, </span><a href="http://www.thecoolrulecompany.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Cool Rule Company</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, alongside being a full-time Mum so there is no reason why that particular Sunday will not involve the usual snowballing of household and business tasks</span><br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xMzcpqiia6E/UQ0taf5y52I/AAAAAAAABMc/i--aJaH8hQY/s1600/Busy+Mum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xMzcpqiia6E/UQ0taf5y52I/AAAAAAAABMc/i--aJaH8hQY/s320/Busy+Mum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But it’s easy to complain, isn’t it? And that’s why, since becoming a Mum I’ve learned that you need to make sure you look after yourself. And I’m not talking about a beauty treatment or a girls night out. Those things are perfectly wonderful if your situation will facilitate them. But if you’re in a predicament where time out for yourself is rare, then I feel your pain.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That’s why I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to bring out the beauty in the perpetual nature of being a Mum.</span> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHxIJoXtX-8/UQ0tmo7jLzI/AAAAAAAABM8/q-VL6mD6ol4/s1600/Live+in+the+Moment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="63" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHxIJoXtX-8/UQ0tmo7jLzI/AAAAAAAABM8/q-VL6mD6ol4/s320/Live+in+the+Moment.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cewwW4TjO5k/UQ0tXhoUb9I/AAAAAAAABMU/jNRoKD-ywoQ/s1600/Breathe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Toddlers are really good at this. And we can give it a go too. Enjoy the pattern of the splattered yoghurt on the floor. Breathe deep the soapy scent of a whinging child’s just-washed hair. Honest. It works.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cewwW4TjO5k/UQ0tXhoUb9I/AAAAAAAABMU/jNRoKD-ywoQ/s1600/Breathe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="63" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cewwW4TjO5k/UQ0tXhoUb9I/AAAAAAAABMU/jNRoKD-ywoQ/s320/Breathe.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Develop a habit of taking slow deep breaths. Three seems to be the magic number. Breathe deeply through your nose, and make sure the out-breath is longer than the in-breath. Start your day with them. End your day with them. Do them with your kids.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IHQ71G-6lys/UQ0toxQgLrI/AAAAAAAABNE/V_D34nA3Obg/s1600/Pause.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="63" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IHQ71G-6lys/UQ0toxQgLrI/AAAAAAAABNE/V_D34nA3Obg/s320/Pause.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDDAht74rKs/UQ0tiAaH5PI/AAAAAAAABMs/JfsfQEmWg_k/s1600/Get+Physical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In your responses to family, friends, whoever, just pause. You’ll find that after a few seconds your answer will just rise up in you and be more truthful than an answer you splutter out in a rush. Try it.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDDAht74rKs/UQ0tiAaH5PI/AAAAAAAABMs/JfsfQEmWg_k/s1600/Get+Physical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="63" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDDAht74rKs/UQ0tiAaH5PI/AAAAAAAABMs/JfsfQEmWg_k/s320/Get+Physical.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By this I mean pay attention to what’s going on in your body at any given time. Whilst the toddler screams on the supermarket floor what are you feeling? Focus on the quickening of your breath and slow it down. And when you’re playing with your kids, then what is your body doing? Rosy cheeks? Laughter rising? Watch your body’s responses and you’ll feel more able to judge your feelings, name them and accept them.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFtDFAPpzXM/UQ0tflYTuUI/AAAAAAAABMk/rkzQgr4d254/s1600/Do+The+Opposite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="63" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFtDFAPpzXM/UQ0tflYTuUI/AAAAAAAABMk/rkzQgr4d254/s320/Do+The+Opposite.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just once in a while, when you’re absolutely at your wit’s end, ask yourself “What is it that I feel like doing right now?” It might be to run away, to have a stiff drink, or to scream. Whatever it is, I challenge you to do the exact opposite. You might just surprise yourself.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMb4Ygddl-s/UQ0tkrRxt8I/AAAAAAAABM0/fuHONj1G7II/s1600/Give+Thanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="63" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMb4Ygddl-s/UQ0tkrRxt8I/AAAAAAAABM0/fuHONj1G7II/s320/Give+Thanks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let’s face it, this experience called parenthood is probably the greatest adventure we’ll ever have. Don’t doubt that you’ve been blessed and try to tune into a sense of gratitude as often as possible.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So whatever you’re doing for Mother’s Day, or today or tomorrow or for the rest of the year, remember that the very best pampering comes from within.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks Abi for your pearls of wisdom! Check out Abi's business </span><a href="http://www.thecoolrulecompany.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Cool Rule Company</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. She has really wonderful products on her website including the original Cool Rule Book which promotes all things positive about parenting.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jz9IB08Ti5I/UQ0tR6jNvPI/AAAAAAAABME/RGXZxzHPICs/s1600/Book+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jz9IB08Ti5I/UQ0tR6jNvPI/AAAAAAAABME/RGXZxzHPICs/s320/Book+2.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keep watching as well for a fabulous new joint venture between me and Abi called Moment Makers. Fabulous at-home parties celebrating all that is glorious about those moments our children give us! Give us a like on </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MomentMakers" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Facebook</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Also Life's A Celebration will be launching our brand spanking new Mother's Day Bags very soon. These gorgeous cotton bags have a delightful I Love Mum logo and come with fabric pens so the kids can give their mum a truly unique present. At only £9.99 (including the fabric pens) they are a complete steal. If you want to pre-order then <a href="mailto:maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk" target="_blank">drop me a line</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Speak to you soon my friends!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maxine</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">x</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0Consett, County Durham DH8 5BJ, UK54.852316599999988 -1.832692500000007454.852031099999991 -1.8333230000000074 54.852602099999984 -1.8320620000000074tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-23312469221056806822013-02-03T19:15:00.001+00:002013-02-03T19:15:42.696+00:00Learning to love photography<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GmdmqnVzsQA/UQrUxZGfyDI/AAAAAAAABKk/rrp15mCPYls/s200/015.JPG" width="200" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Egstd6pIzi4/UQrT8QvUzpI/AAAAAAAABKc/MFzPzYEayyY/s1600/123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From photography like this................................</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Egstd6pIzi4/UQrT8QvUzpI/AAAAAAAABKc/MFzPzYEayyY/s1600/123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Egstd6pIzi4/UQrT8QvUzpI/AAAAAAAABKc/MFzPzYEayyY/s320/123.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to photography like this in less then 2 hours.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When it comes to taking photographs I have always been a point and click kind of a gal!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Running </span><a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life's A Celebration</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> means that I constantly have new products being launched and sold and sometimes I need to just take a quick pic to share with Facebook, twitter, my newsletter and my blog.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have always been acutely aware that product photography can make or break your products. A picture tells a thousand words and all that. That's why I always enlist the help of </span><a href="http://www.sarahloveland.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sarah Loveland Photography </span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">for all my products shots. Like, for example, these shots below;</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BE5sSxWVjh0/UQqvWqHtPGI/AAAAAAAABIc/PNWb74qAxVg/s1600/_MG_8617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BE5sSxWVjh0/UQqvWqHtPGI/AAAAAAAABIc/PNWb74qAxVg/s320/_MG_8617.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sarah did a fab job of shooting all the Halloween party supplies that were included in our Halloween party boxes that I asked her if she would taking the next shots I needed for our Princess Party Boxes.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S9ruhCqttX0/UJATX6a8TyI/AAAAAAAAA_A/FYfNC9ZQi4w/s320/_MG_0338.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;" unselectable="on"><tbody unselectable="on">
<tr unselectable="on"><td style="text-align: center;" unselectable="on"></td></tr>
<tr unselectable="on"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;" unselectable="on"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" unselectable="on"><tbody unselectable="on">
<tr unselectable="on"><td style="text-align: center;" unselectable="on"></td></tr>
<tr unselectable="on"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;" unselectable="on"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" unselectable="on"><tbody unselectable="on">
<tr unselectable="on"><td style="text-align: center;" unselectable="on"></td></tr>
<tr unselectable="on"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;" unselectable="on"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" unselectable="on"><tbody unselectable="on">
<tr unselectable="on"><td style="text-align: center;" unselectable="on"></td></tr>
<tr unselectable="on"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;" unselectable="on"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" unselectable="on"><tbody unselectable="on">
<tr unselectable="on"><td style="text-align: center;" unselectable="on"><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was really impressed with the quality of Sarah's work that I asked if she wanted to take some more shots for me. Sarah also offers one-to-one photography lessons and as I'd treated myself to a new camera I decided to book myself in.</span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr unselectable="on"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;" unselectable="on"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" unselectable="on"><tbody unselectable="on">
<tr unselectable="on"><td style="text-align: center;" unselectable="on"></td></tr>
<tr unselectable="on"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;" unselectable="on"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sarah was amazing, very patient! She ran me through the camera and the basics of what I could do with it. She taught me things about depth of field, apertures, adjusting the flash and loads more. Here are some of the examples of the photos that I took in our 2 hour lesson. I have to say I'm quite impressed with myself. What do you think?</span></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24090N-Tj6g/UQrTAott7II/AAAAAAAABKE/un1Usu2oSCM/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24090N-Tj6g/UQrTAott7II/AAAAAAAABKE/un1Usu2oSCM/s320/047.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFSx1RX3q0o/UQrTUp334jI/AAAAAAAABKM/S9bUULZWgYs/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFSx1RX3q0o/UQrTUp334jI/AAAAAAAABKM/S9bUULZWgYs/s320/074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aYQXY0S5tJ4/UQrTpFGpXBI/AAAAAAAABKU/FVb8OxPIkbY/s1600/118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aYQXY0S5tJ4/UQrTpFGpXBI/AAAAAAAABKU/FVb8OxPIkbY/s320/118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Egstd6pIzi4/UQrT8QvUzpI/AAAAAAAABKc/MFzPzYEayyY/s1600/123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Egstd6pIzi4/UQrT8QvUzpI/AAAAAAAABKc/MFzPzYEayyY/s320/123.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So needless to say expect lots of photographs from Life's A Celebration. We have loads of new products in the pipeline including Mother's Day bags which the children can colour in, Easter bags, wedding bags, travel bags for kids and thank you teacher bags. These will all be photographed obviously but in the meantime if you want to learn more about them then just </span><a href="mailto:maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">drop me a line</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">! </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Speak to you soon my friends!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maxine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">x</span></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BE5sSxWVjh0/UQqvWqHtPGI/AAAAAAAABIc/PNWb74qAxVg/s1600/_MG_8617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BE5sSxWVjh0/UQqvWqHtPGI/AAAAAAAABIc/PNWb74qAxVg/s1600/_MG_8617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;" unselectable="on">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-59136596290308018412013-02-01T08:03:00.000+00:002013-02-01T08:03:42.600+00:00Friday Fun - make your own playdough<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't buy playdough from the shops! Follow our recipe - a great activity to enjoy with the kids.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">**Warning** has mess potential! Make sure you put down old sheets before you start!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've used a cup as a measure. It doesn't have to be a cup it can be a teacup or a mug, as long as the ingredients are mixed in the correct proportions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Basic dough</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Use half a cup of salt to one and a half cups of plain flour, mixing it with water until you have a dough consistency. Then get modelling!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Glittery colourful dough</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make up the basic dough recipe above, then add glitter and food colouring! Messy but loads of fun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scented dough</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Again, make the basic dough recipe, then add a few drops of vanilla, peppermint, almond, lemon or rose essence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Baked dough</u> **needs to be supervised by an adult**</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Use on cup of salt to one quarter cup of water. Mix together in a saucepan. Stir over the heat until the mixture bubbles, then remove from the stove and add one cup of cornflour and another half cup of water. Knead well. You can use this dough to make models or jewellery. Creat beads by rolling the dough into small balls, then push a cocktail stick through each ball to create a small hole. Leave them to air-dry or bake in a slow oven. When they're hard, paint and string them and wear as a necklace.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So go on give them a go. Send us pictures of your creations, we'd love to see them! if you're feeling extremely brave then why not have a go at this if you're having your next child's party at home. Don't forget about your party supplies from <a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/">Life's A Celebration</a> too</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Friday everybody!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maxine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">xx</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-30437684303034168022013-01-29T18:33:00.000+00:002013-01-29T18:33:24.267+00:00Memories, my mum and Malory Towers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="118" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_d8pfID19xE/UQbj5ovtAnI/AAAAAAAABFo/VpNq90HkkmM/s320/LaC-Blogger-Mothers-Day.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hi there everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you read my previous blog you will know that my daughter has just turned 8 (with a massive <a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/">party </a>to boot!). For Christmas she got the full set of Enid Blyton's Malory Towers books. We have started to read these books.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have to say that reading these books to her has brought back so many memories for me. I remember my mum reading these books to me as an 8 year old and then I remember reading them myself again and again. I thought I had forgotten all the story lines but it's amazing how they're all flooding back to me as I read them to my little girl. The characters are great and the story lines engaging. There is even additional books now written by Pamela Cox in 2009. These follow the adventures of Darryl's sister Felicity at Malory Towers. Having never read these I am looking forward to getting to this part of the series and judging by the way we are whipping through the books it won't be long before we get there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The front cover illustration has changed from when I was a girl but the stories are just the same! If you have a little girl then I can totally recommend these books.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DflKiEr1Mz8/UQblSWw2kOI/AAAAAAAABGY/IDU7wTKhVLE/s1600/Malory+Towers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DflKiEr1Mz8/UQblSWw2kOI/AAAAAAAABGY/IDU7wTKhVLE/s1600/Malory+Towers.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reading Malory Towers got me thinking about how history does really repeat itself. My mum read them to me and now I'm reading them to my daughter. I wonder if when my little girl becomes a mum herself she will read them to her children. I really hope she does.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If, like mine, your mum deserves a special treat this Mothers Day then coming soon </span><a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life's A Celebration</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> will have some gorgeous Mothers Day bags. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maxine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">x</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4hUS8bgdRMw/UQgT4evsA9I/AAAAAAAABHI/ZFiQoe8n6U8/s1600/LaC-Blogger-Mothers-Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4hUS8bgdRMw/UQgT4evsA9I/AAAAAAAABHI/ZFiQoe8n6U8/s320/LaC-Blogger-Mothers-Day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-6000885967766619982013-01-26T21:31:00.000+00:002013-01-26T21:31:56.431+00:00Obstacles!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dRaa0YXu3Y/UMHHjJbAVSI/AAAAAAAABCE/-Wx85hwPMIc/s1600/party-icons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="40" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dRaa0YXu3Y/UMHHjJbAVSI/AAAAAAAABCE/-Wx85hwPMIc/s320/party-icons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well my daughter turned 8 the other day and she's having a big disco party tomorrow. There's going to be 23 kids at the party and I'll be doing the entertainment (obviously!). I have new and improved disco moves (oh yes embarassing mum here I come) and I can Gangnam Style with the best of 'em!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been decided that rather then do the usual party tea we would just order take away pizzas instead.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMeqfLXNO5A/UQRHQToIsfI/AAAAAAAABEA/ABkFXkubpjc/s1600/pizza.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMeqfLXNO5A/UQRHQToIsfI/AAAAAAAABEA/ABkFXkubpjc/s1600/pizza.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My face painter friend is also coming along to face paint!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All seems reasonably straightforward and stress free wouldn't you think?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a parent I think one of the most stressful things in our lives is children's parties. The organisation and planning that goes into them is military. Even for me! I mean I run my <a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/">own party business,</a> I have an office stacked with party supplies, I entertain at lots of children's parties and even I have been getting a bit stressed about the whole thing!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me explain! Until today nothing and I mean nothing has gone right with this party planning. I have bought a new PA system and thought that my own child's party would be the perfect opportunity to learn how to use. Better then having technical glitches at a paying customer's party. However the kit arrived from Germany so I needed an adaptor to run it through the UK electricity sytem. Then the cable that arrived to link the system to my laptop was the wrong one so a new one had to be ordered. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bought new disco lights which duly arrived with no power cable! Aarrrgghhh!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You would think that all of these issues would be easily resolved. Just jump in the car and get to the shops! Well think again because the snow arrived!! My daughter's school was closed for a few days. I couldn't get the car off my driveway and everything in the town in which we live ground to a halt.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mgckgn7C5W0/UQRGpo3-EPI/AAAAAAAABD4/kVG0ZXCAB9Q/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mgckgn7C5W0/UQRGpo3-EPI/AAAAAAAABD4/kVG0ZXCAB9Q/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'd only cleared this the night before. But forget the snow - look how filthy my car is!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I couldn't get into my office because even though all the roads were cleared, the car parks in the town centre weren't, which meant I couldn't get into the office to collect my back-up PA system, my back up disco lights and all the goodies for party bags. Nightmare! In a panic I had to buy party bag goodies, balloons, plates, cups etc from a shop!! I know - pay full price for things that I have in ready supply in my own office!! What was even more worrying was if I couldn't get into the office then I couldn't get Fergal the Sharkey my party mascot!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">All the kids love Fergal</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eInwNXo4kZ4/UQRHwKWFgYI/AAAAAAAABEI/TYQVW_5YOHw/s1600/shark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eInwNXo4kZ4/UQRHwKWFgYI/AAAAAAAABEI/TYQVW_5YOHw/s1600/shark.png" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eInwNXo4kZ4/UQRHwKWFgYI/AAAAAAAABEI/TYQVW_5YOHw/s1600/shark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway today at the 11th hour everything seems to have come together nicely. I have a PA system, I have a microphone (I was fearful I was going to have to shout out all the dance moves!), I have filled party bags and I have disco lights. I even made it into the office and have picked up Fergal - phew. We are now all systems go. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The only thing that has gone right with the entire ordeal is the cake. This has been made by the fabulous <a href="http://www.saraskitchen.co.uk/MainFrame.htm">Sara's Kitchen</a>. Take a look at the awesome disco fever cake on Sara's Kitchen's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/login/roadblock.php?target_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flogin.php#!/SarasKitchenUK">Facebook page</a>! I am so grateful to Sara for making this the one stress free thing in this whole experience.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So if this whole experience has taught me one thing. It's how resourceful I actually am! So if you want a stress free children's party why not <span id="goog_2080209234"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/">get in touch</a> <span id="goog_2080209235"></span>with <a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/">Life's A Celebration</a> and we will get it organised for you. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'll report back and let you know how the party goes!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Maxine</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">x</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--f6vDMyzXf4/UQRKlVFm0yI/AAAAAAAABE4/kcBJG6mhmRo/s1600/party-icons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="40" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--f6vDMyzXf4/UQRKlVFm0yI/AAAAAAAABE4/kcBJG6mhmRo/s320/party-icons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-75822897498171091242013-01-21T10:10:00.004+00:002013-01-21T10:10:45.428+00:00We've moved<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dRaa0YXu3Y/UMHHjJbAVSI/AAAAAAAABCE/-Wx85hwPMIc/s1600/party-icons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="40" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dRaa0YXu3Y/UMHHjJbAVSI/AAAAAAAABCE/-Wx85hwPMIc/s320/party-icons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello everybody,</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am happy to report that </span><a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life's A Celebration</span></a><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> has moved into swanky new premises. We needed more space and so on 1st December we moved into 2-4 Wesley Street, Consett. </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've moved into the new premises with 3 fabulous other businesses. So I am now proud to announce that we now share our wonderful new offices with </span><a href="http://www.silverbirch-designs.com/"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Silver Birch Designs</span></a><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.kittybeth.co.uk/"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">KittyBeth </span></a><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and </span><a href="http://www.saraskitchen.co.uk/MainFrame.htm"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sara's Kitchen</span></a><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. These businesses all work tirelessly within the weddings and events industry and are run by 3 fabulous ladies. </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have a great range of wedding and party products and have links to many other wedding related businesses. So if you're local then why not pop in and see us or book a skype call with me and I'll give you a virtual tour.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To celebrate the office move we've slashed the prices of our </span><a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/index.php?id=kids#princess"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Princess party boxes</span></a><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. So if you have a little princess that will be celebrating a birthday very soon then all you need is a </span><a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/index.php?id=kids#princess"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Princess Party Box</span></a><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Everything you need to celebrate, from plates to party bags, is sent out to your door - perfectly simple! Although the adverse weather at the moment is delaying things slightly!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-Ri44_oRW8/UMHLXkHUDcI/AAAAAAAABC4/cWaevithS-c/s1600/_MG_0338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-Ri44_oRW8/UMHLXkHUDcI/AAAAAAAABC4/cWaevithS-c/s320/_MG_0338.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;">Princess party boxes with plates, cups, napkins, tablecovers, table confetti, banners, balloons and filled party bags. Phew!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life's A Celebration will have some MASSIVE developments throughout 2013. We have very exciting new products that will be announced soon and we will also be launching a shiny new website too. New products will include a bigger range of children's party boxes with a new Moshi Monsters party box and Peppa Pig party box, a bigger range of milestone parties including an 80s party box, a bigger range of wedding activity bags and loads more! If you want to know more about any of these products then <a href="mailto:maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk">get in touch</a>! You know me - always happy to chat parties with you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So if you have a celebration coming up in 2013 then </span><a href="mailto:maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">get in touch</span></a><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">! We all know that organising an event can be stressful - we're here to help!</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See you soon</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maxine</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">x</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-79345607951500995732012-12-07T12:00:00.000+00:002012-12-07T12:00:43.661+00:00Children's party checklist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dRaa0YXu3Y/UMHHjJbAVSI/AAAAAAAABCE/-Wx85hwPMIc/s1600/party-icons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="40" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dRaa0YXu3Y/UMHHjJbAVSI/AAAAAAAABCE/-Wx85hwPMIc/s320/party-icons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Children's Party Checklist</u></span> </div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok so your child's birthday is coming up and you're running around frantically trying to organise a party. Sound familiar?? Well don't panic here's our Children's Party Checklist to help things run as smoothly as possible!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>1) Pick a date and time. </u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pMgs7TX3LgM/UMHIFzB9taI/AAAAAAAABCM/hXkd7SQ35Kg/s1600/Clock.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pMgs7TX3LgM/UMHIFzB9taI/AAAAAAAABCM/hXkd7SQ35Kg/s1600/Clock.png" /></a></div>
Make sure you have the date booked in plenty of time and hand the invitations out at least 3 weeks prior to the party. Don't expect that everybody will respond to your invitations because they won't! Keep on top of the list, cross out all the people that can't make it but expect that a good portion, if not all, of the people that don't respond will turn up. Irritating but true!<br />
<br />
<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u></u> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>2) Alongside picking the date and time get the venue booked.</u> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do this in plenty of time because the popular venues can get booked up very quickly. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u></u> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>3) Get the entertainer booked.</u> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As with the venue do this early! Have a chat with your child. It's more than likely that they will know what kind of party they would like and who they would like to be the entertainer. Are you daring enough to do this yourself?? If you are have a look at our previous blog <a href="http://personalisedparties.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/entertain-children-yourself-at-their.html">'Entertain The Children Yourself At Their Next Party'</a>. Don't get too elaborate with the prizes either. You'll find that the children are not actually that bothered about what they win. It's usually best to have a big bag of sweets and hand them out to all the winners and non-winners (I don't think we're allowed to say losers are we??) of the games. If you're in the North East of England then I'm always happy to come out and entertain at your child's party. I bring everything with me from the tableware to the balloons to the games to the party bags to the entertainment - absolutely everything. All you need to do is organise the venue and the food and leave the rest to me! I am happy to give you a pre-party consultation too so we can discuss everything! <a href="mailto:maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk">Drop me a line</a> or give me a ring on 07852955800 and we'll have a chat. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u></u> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>4) Pick a theme (if your child wants a theme).</u> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This should all be worked into the invitations so that parents know in plenty of time what kind of party it is and whether or not they need to organise some fancy dress. Personally I wouldn't be too elaborate with the theme. Kids enjoy a party regardless of the theme so it might be boring but you can't really go far wrong with a princess and pirate theme. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u></u> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>5) Have a think about the party supplies you'll need.</u> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Make a list of things. You'll need plates, cups, napkins, tablecloths, banners, balloons as a minimum. You may also want extras for the table like cupcake stands and table decorations. If you're working to a budget then these are not essential. If you want to have a chat about party supplies then <a href="mailto:maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk">drop me a line</a>. I'm always happy to chat to you about your party and can provide you with all the party supplies you need. Have you seen our Birthday Party Boxes too - everything you need all boxed up and sent to you! Our Princess Party Boxes (pictured below) are ideal for the little princesses in your life.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-Ri44_oRW8/UMHLXkHUDcI/AAAAAAAABC4/cWaevithS-c/s1600/_MG_0338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-Ri44_oRW8/UMHLXkHUDcI/AAAAAAAABC4/cWaevithS-c/s320/_MG_0338.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>6) Organise the party bags.</u> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This can be a bit of a hassle and can be quite expensive. If you want affordable filled party bags then <a href="mailto:maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk">drop me a line</a> and we'll have a chat about party bags just for you and then that's another thing ticked off the list! If you are going to do the party bags yourself then don't put names on the bags! When the kids are ready to leave the party it's normally chaos and names on the bags are just one extra complication you don't need - just have the bags ready for your child to hand out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u></u> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>7) Think about your food and cake.</u> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There are loads of businesses out there that can provide party food and cakes. Have a look around your local area and speak to friends to get recommendations. Or have a go at the food and cake yourself. Sometimes it can also be easier to buy the food boxes and get the food boxed up before the party. Then when food time arrives at the party you can just hand out boxes. In terms of food you can't go wrong with sandwiches, sausage rolls, crisps, cherry tomatoes, cheese blocks, fairy cakes and biscuits. Don't be surprised either if the eating of food at the party doesn't take as long as you expected either. The older the children are the less time it takes them to eat the party food.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mo6-0OtaE3k/UMHNVjt47KI/AAAAAAAABDA/zIVK8w4bEhM/s1600/birthday+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mo6-0OtaE3k/UMHNVjt47KI/AAAAAAAABDA/zIVK8w4bEhM/s1600/birthday+cake.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>8) On the day of the party just relax and enjoy it!</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you have booked a village hall as a venue then my advice would be to go and set everything up without your child being there. If you can get a grandparent to bring them along about 15 minutes before the party starts so they're ready to greet all the guests as they arrive but not be there to 'help' whilst you're setting up!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think I've covered the main points of organising your child's party. If I've forgotten anything or you have any useful hints and tips to share then please leave a comment.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you want to discuss any aspect of a child's party then <a href="mailto:maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk">please get in touch</a>. Always happy to help!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maxine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
x</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dRaa0YXu3Y/UMHHjJbAVSI/AAAAAAAABCE/-Wx85hwPMIc/s1600/party-icons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="40" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dRaa0YXu3Y/UMHHjJbAVSI/AAAAAAAABCE/-Wx85hwPMIc/s320/party-icons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-59558262490042805002012-10-30T18:02:00.000+00:002012-10-30T18:02:10.485+00:00Happy Birthday to Life's A Celebration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KEyxlH4nYpM/UI-cJ8wc2jI/AAAAAAAAA-U/31nb4PdjRn0/s1600/our-first-birthday-banner-colour-draft-v1+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KEyxlH4nYpM/UI-cJ8wc2jI/AAAAAAAAA-U/31nb4PdjRn0/s640/our-first-birthday-banner-colour-draft-v1+(3).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yes that's right folks on 1st November 2012 </span><a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Life's A Celebration</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> will be one years old!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I can't believe it so please bear with me in this blog post - it's going to be a bit self indulgent!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have made so many friends over the last year and I thank absolutely everybody from the bottom of my heart for all the support and encouragement over the last year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So when I was thinking about writing this post I started to think about all the things I have done over the last year and I am absolutely amazed in all the things I've managed to achieve (told you this was going to be self indulgent!)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Over the last year we've launched new products including our </span><a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/index.php?id=kids#princess"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Princess Party Boxes</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> (very popular!), our </span><a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/index.php?id=kids#birthday"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Happy Birthday Party Boxes</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> and loads more.</span> </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S9ruhCqttX0/UJATX6a8TyI/AAAAAAAAA_A/FYfNC9ZQi4w/s1600/_MG_0338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S9ruhCqttX0/UJATX6a8TyI/AAAAAAAAA_A/FYfNC9ZQi4w/s320/_MG_0338.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Party Boxes from only £4 per head</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We've run some brilliant 'one-off' party boxes for example our Jubilee Party Boxes which were so popular that I had to pull them early as I was worried that I would run out of stock! We've also worked closely with customers to come up with parties just for them. These included our Gothic Party Boxes (which still get comments so I'm thinking about making them a permanent fixture on the website), Make and Bake Parties, Firework Parties, 80s parties and loads more.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebvNxoRU07w/UJAT-fG_MHI/AAAAAAAAA_I/DqRiTgVmD_U/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebvNxoRU07w/UJAT-fG_MHI/AAAAAAAAA_I/DqRiTgVmD_U/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Some of the items in our Gothic Party Boxes - great for teenagers by the way!</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am increasingly getting customers popping into the office to request that I go and entertain at their child's party. The lovely people that I share the building with know very well just how much I love doing this and they love (and I use the word very loosely) my singing and dancing - yes Sara I'm talking about you here!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The move into dedicated premises is probably the biggest achievement of the year. It was a massive decision to take the leap of faith and at the moment it is paying off. Me and my daughter got our home back and I now have somewhere that I can meet customers and just generally have a really fun work space.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So there are loads of people I would like to thank for helping me throughout this year. All these people have been there to help me celebrate all the good things about running your own business and also pick me up when things aren't necessarily going to plan.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Major apologies in advance if I've forgotten anybody but if your name is not on the list then you can rest assured that you are in my heart and I thank you too!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So here we go....................</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Gem, Mark, Mum, Keith, Dad, Phyl, Carrie, Juliet, Carole, Sarah Loveland, Sarah Sutcliffe, Malcolm, Charlie, Maria, Paul, Sam, Pat, Martin, Tony, Liz, Janette, Dan, Sara, Michelle, Simone, Anne, Gillian, Abi, Poppy, Pauline, John, Michael, Fran, Simon, Dave, Joe, Sue and all the ITC people, Mandy, all the mums and dads at school, Helen, Theo Paphitis (obviously!), Yvonne, all my guest bloggers, all my twitter and facebook pals and obviously a hugely massive thank you to all my customers - without you this job would be no fun at all and I had loved each and every minute of helping you with your parties over the last year. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And of course last but definitely not least, my gorgeous daughter, who started all this. She's my reason for getting up in the morning (literally and usually very early!).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Party on my friends and don't forget - </span><a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Life really is a celebration</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Max</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">x</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-75534979180403405142012-10-16T19:29:00.003+01:002012-10-16T19:29:39.894+01:00All our Halloween Hints & Tips<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Grpv1XpZXC0/UHwhL0HarQI/AAAAAAAAA9U/MjS3qGzSU_U/s1600/_MG_8629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Grpv1XpZXC0/UHwhL0HarQI/AAAAAAAAA9U/MjS3qGzSU_U/s320/_MG_8629.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We thought you might like to see a copy of our <a href="http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=40920bbc0772164ca4d560b9d&id=f995d4a5ce">latest newsletter</a>. Loads of Halloween hints and tips!<br />
<br />
We have Halloween Party Food Ideas, Halloween Party Music and a downloadable FREE template of a Make Your Own Halloween Cards.<br />
<br />
Check out our <a href="http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=40920bbc0772164ca4d560b9d&id=f995d4a5ce">newsletter now</a> and you'll get all the ideas you need for a fangtastic Halloween spooktacular!<br />
<br />
Maxine<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fn29umsOVRg/UHwhRjKCxxI/AAAAAAAAA9c/smsJVFpg-KQ/s1600/_MG_8661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fn29umsOVRg/UHwhRjKCxxI/AAAAAAAAA9c/smsJVFpg-KQ/s320/_MG_8661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
x<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460085443691436901.post-34651514579306387782012-10-16T08:04:00.000+01:002012-10-16T08:04:01.507+01:00Music for your Halloween Party!Here at <a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/">Life's A Celebration</a> we love Halloween - we love to have fangtastic, spooktacular fun! Our <a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/index.php?id=halloween">Halloween party boxes</a> are proving very popular at the moment with parents up and down the country so today we welcome <a href="http://www.martindeltrice.co.uk/">Martin Deltrice</a> one of the best DJs around (and I have first had experience of this - he made my 80s birthday party an absolute sensation!). Martin's going to tell us about his Halloween Top 10 songs!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Grpv1XpZXC0/UHwhL0HarQI/AAAAAAAAA9U/MjS3qGzSU_U/s1600/_MG_8629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Grpv1XpZXC0/UHwhL0HarQI/AAAAAAAAA9U/MjS3qGzSU_U/s200/_MG_8629.JPG" width="200" /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JLU51Lc5MQ/UHwhg5iZpTI/AAAAAAAAA9k/s6hjNNjLgXg/s1600/_MG_8660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JLU51Lc5MQ/UHwhg5iZpTI/AAAAAAAAA9k/s6hjNNjLgXg/s200/_MG_8660.JPG" width="200" /></a></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JLU51Lc5MQ/UHwhg5iZpTI/AAAAAAAAA9k/s6hjNNjLgXg/s1600/_MG_8660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JLU51Lc5MQ/UHwhg5iZpTI/AAAAAAAAA9k/s6hjNNjLgXg/s1600/_MG_8660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Grpv1XpZXC0/UHwhL0HarQI/AAAAAAAAA9U/MjS3qGzSU_U/s1600/_MG_8629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Grpv1XpZXC0/UHwhL0HarQI/AAAAAAAAA9U/MjS3qGzSU_U/s1600/_MG_8629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JLU51Lc5MQ/UHwhg5iZpTI/AAAAAAAAA9k/s6hjNNjLgXg/s1600/_MG_8660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Over to you Martin!</div>
<br />
Hi there everybody. If you're having a Halloween party this year, I've picked my Top 10 spooky hits. These can be enjoyed by young and old alike and are guaranteed to get everybody in the party spirit (no pun intended!)<br />
<br />
<u>Number 10 </u><br />
<u>People Are Strange - The Doors or Echo and the Bunnymen</u><br />
Definitely a great song to get the party started!<br />
<br />
<u>Number 9 </u><br />
<u>Cry Wolf - Aha</u><br />
<br />
<u>Number 8 </u><br />
<u>(You're the) Devil in Disguise - Elvis Presley</u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>Number 7 </u><br />
<u>Amityville (The House on the Hill) - Lovebug Starski</u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>Number 6 </u><br />
<u>The Time Warp - Damian</u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>Number 5</u><br />
<u>Somebody's Watching Me - Rockwell</u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>Number 4 </u><br />
<u>Werewolves of London - Warren Zeron</u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>Number 3</u><br />
<u>Monster Mash - Bobby 'Boris' Pickett and the Crypt Kicker</u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>Number 2</u><br />
<u>Ghostbusters - Ray Parker Jr.</u><br />
<br />
<u></u><br />
And of course Number 1 has to go to<br />
<u>Number 1</u><br />
<u>Thriller - Michael Jackson</u><br />
<u></u><br />
So these are my top 10 Halloween favourites. What are yours? Have I missed anything? Let me and Maxine know by posting a comment below!<br />
<br />
Don't forget that music can make or break your party! So if you want to <a href="mailto:martin@disco-party.co.uk">get in touch</a> I'm always happy to chat about your next party. Or <a href="http://www.martindeltrice.co.uk/">visit the website</a>! <br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks Martin for sharing you Halloween top 10! If you're having a Halloween party and you need stress free party supplies then all you need are <a href="http://www.lifesacelebration.co.uk/index.php?id=halloween">Life's A Celebration's Halloween Party Boxes</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JLU51Lc5MQ/UHwhg5iZpTI/AAAAAAAAA9k/s6hjNNjLgXg/s1600/_MG_8660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JLU51Lc5MQ/UHwhg5iZpTI/AAAAAAAAA9k/s6hjNNjLgXg/s320/_MG_8660.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fn29umsOVRg/UHwhRjKCxxI/AAAAAAAAA9c/smsJVFpg-KQ/s1600/_MG_8661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fn29umsOVRg/UHwhRjKCxxI/AAAAAAAAA9c/smsJVFpg-KQ/s320/_MG_8661.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Maxine<br />
xAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348747997867901193noreply@blogger.com7