We're looking forward to our grand studio launch

This Saturday the Silver Birch Studio will officially open it's doors with a big launch.

As you may or may not know Life's A Celebration has moved into brand spanking new premises with a collection of other lovely businesses also in the events industry.

Based at the studio are;  

• Silver Birch Designs, - designer wedding stationers
• Sara's Kitchen, - bespoke cake maker
• KittyBeth, - handmade button bouquets and chair cover hire
• The Larks, - wedding band
• Silhouette Photography, - wedding photographer

And obviously Life's A Celebration 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.

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! 

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.

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!

Hope to see you Saturday!

Maxine

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Planning for the North East Baby and Toddler Show

Our studio is a hive of activity and I am excited! On 16th March I will be taking myself off to The North East Baby and Toddler show. 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.

We will be offering loads of freebies and special discounts on the day!

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.

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!

We're also going to be offering loads of special discounts for products bought on the day too.

All in all, loads of freebies up for grabs and loads of money off too!

 

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!

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.

Here are a few of the designs. What do you think?

 

They will be sent to the printers (hopefully) today.

There are going to be loads of exhibitors at the event including my friends The Cool Rule Company and Magic Mummies.

I will be there all day and will have plenty of baby shower party boxes and birthday party boxes for the little ones. I will also be taking orders for our other products so if anybody is getting married and needs something to entertain the children on the day or if anybody has a grown up birthday party coming up.

 

I will also be personalising party bags for the kids on the day!

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.
 

I really love events like this that give businesses a chance to get out and meet some lovely families.

 

Massive thanks to my friend Carrie Dennison from Press for Design. She has worked tirelessly with me designing the stand and will be there with me for setting up the booth.

 

So if you're in the North East on 16th March then pop along to the North East Baby and Toddler Show at Newcastle Falcons, NE13 8AF and say hi!

See you there.

 

Maxine

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Mother's Day Guest Blogger - Fran from Perspective

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.

Today we're chatting to my good friend Fran from Perspective Business Centres. Have a read about what she has to say about The Joys of Working from Home. 
 

"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! 

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.  I'd spent the first 6 years of my daughter's life working full-time.  Now it was time to redress the balance …

I decided it would be lovely to work from home, and I set up a payroll and bookkeeping business.  It was a perfect scenario.  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.  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.  It also meant that I could be there if Jennifer was poorly.

My clients were lovely, and I had a great time working from their premises or homes.  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).  Don't get me wrong, my office was lovely and the view of the back garden was super.  The view into the kitchen of my Cavalier King Charles spaniel fast asleep in the sink was a small distraction.  It wasn't all bad, as the dog didn't always sleep in the sink.  Sometimes he slept on my desk, keeping my papers tidy and performing other office junior type roles.

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.  Perfect.

Except now I couldn't fit my clients' work into 6 hours a day.  Never mind, there was always the weekends and evenings, and clients could drop their books off at my home.  Fantastic.  But did I really want clients visiting my home, particularly when I had a small child in the house?  Not ideal, but ok. 

Fast-forward 10 years.

Hubby and I have just launched a new business centre in Consett.  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.  They maybe want a hot desk for a day, or an office one day a week.

I wish I'd been able to hot desk 10 years ago!

During Consett's snowmageddon in January 2013, I conducted an experiment and worked from home for a day.

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.  Said dog then decided to search my briefcase and found some goodies, which he sat on and distracted me by glowering all morning.  Lunchtime came and went.  At 2 pm, I went into the living room to work on some social media – horizontal social media, on the sofa.  At 5 pm, hubby returned home and somehow I was still on a horizontal plane.

Yes, working for yourself is fantastic and working from home can work amazingly well.  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!  For anyone curious enough, Barbilla the alpaca is on livery.  Just as well because she is so adorable, I would never get any work done."

 

The Perspective team in the break-out zone - no spaniels in sight!

                                    (l-r Simon Williams, Joy Williams, Fran Williams)

Fran Williams, Perspective Business Centres Ltd

www.perspectivebusinesscentres.com  info@perspectivebusinesscentres.com 

Tel:    01207 585843

Thanks for your words Fran. I was honoured to get an invite to the launch of the Perspective Business Centre and I can honestly say it is fantastic. The team are so welcoming and have created a lovely environment in which you could work.

Speak to you soon my friends.

Maxine
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Mother Day guest blogger - Anne from Gift in a Tin

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!

 

 

 

Anyway today our guest blogger is Anne Livesey from Gift in a Tin. Have a read what she has to say about running her own business.

"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”.

 

 

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!
 

 

 

 

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).

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.

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...

 

 

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.

 

 

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...)"

 

Thank you so much for your words Anne!

 

Speak to you soon my friends

 

Maxine

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Mother's Day Guest Bloggers - Claire from Magic Mummies

With 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!

Today's mum in business is Claire Iles from Magic Mummies. Have a read what she has to say about School Holiday Challenges! Have a read about what she has to say!

"Hi, I am Claire and I set up Magic Mummies last year to provide undercover services for busy mums, from homemade food, to costumes to party planning we are every mums best kept secret.  I first came up with the idea of Magic Mummies when I was making a World Book Day costume for my eldest.  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.  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?  All items are supplied discreetly to a location of your choice so you can take the credit.  I love what I do and I love that it can give help to busy mums and joy to children.  I love home baking and generally anything handmade or homemade and there’s always an excuse for a party in our house!  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. 

 

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.  I was faced with being extremely busy at work and highly in demand at home.  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.  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.  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.  And so armed with my laptop, I was sure I would have lots of my to-do list ticked off soon.  What I was faced with was complete mayhem as I quickly realised the likelihood of my getting some work done was slim.  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.  Never mind…the kids were happy and that’s the main thing.  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.

 

 

 

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!  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.  And so back to normal next week, but not before we finish off half term with a day of serious sledging fun!

Claire"

xx

Thanks for your words Claire! If you need a secret mummy service then why not get in touch with Claire!

See you soon my friends

Maxine
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Mother's Day Guest Blog - Vikki King from MiniMe Baby

With the launch of our Mother's Day bags Life's A Celebration is celebrating Mums in business this month.

 

Today's Mum in Business is Vikki King from MiniMe Baby. Have a read what Vikki has to say!

 

Who is MiniMe Baby?

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.

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.

 

 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.

Bebby Girls and Bebby Boys wall art is a great example of this. They are created by a very talented mum and school teacher, Rebecca McKay. Who found me on Twitter.

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.

On our search for new stock of british products and brands we are proud to have found  Zippy Suits:  Zippy Suits are 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 parents with arthritis. 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).
Matching dribble bibs are also available  

Please feel free to browse our pages, we are especially proud of our Reviews tab; which links to independent blogs and videos of products we stock. The Info tab; 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.

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.

Website: www.minime-baby.co.uk    
Twitter: @minimebabyuk
Facebook: MiniMe-Baby
Pininterest: http://pinterest.com/minimebabyuk/

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 drop me a line - 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!

Speak to you soon.

Maxine
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