Birthday parties – do we have to?

Kieran is now of an age when he gets birthday party invites. He himself hasn’t had a big party, we do a family thing, a day out etc because to be honest, organising a birthday party for a load of reception kids is like my personal idea of what hell must be like. The venue, the invites, the food, what type of party, who to invite (being careful not to leave someone out!), the entertainment, the goody bags…. so much could go wrong!

Birthdays are all about playing with the boxes anyway aren't they?

I went to a party for a five year old last week and it was brilliant! It was in a local community hall, there was an entertainer who did games, music, karaoke, a magic show etc and no-one was left out, the food was fab, there were loose balloons everywhere so kids could basically run around like lunatics should they so choose and still be occupied by said balloons… great stuff. But not for me.

Kieran will turn 5 is July and to be honest I have no plans to throw him a party. It’s expensive, time consuming and the worry that I’d not quite get it right would drive me insane!! he isn’t (yet) bothered about not having a party. We go somewhere special, make a big fuss of him, do the family thing, lots of treats (and cake) but that is it. When he’s older, if he wants to go bowling with a couple of his friends and Macdonalds afterwards, that is fine.

Will I make a social pariah out of him though, being a Mum who doesn’t do the birthday party duty? Do you? It seems like a hellish expense for one day – I’d rather spend some of that money on bigger gift. What do you think – birthday parties – do we have to?

 

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Be My Fashion Wheel!

Do you remember this? It was fantastic – you could choose your head, top, skirt/dress/shoes – so many combinations, then colour and cut out your creations. I need a fashion wheel, a real one!

I am 28 years old, married and a lucky mum of two gorgeous boys. I work for myself at home, have a fab husband and all is good! Over the past 12 years I have gained so much – unfortunately I seem to have lost or at least temporarily misplaced my sense of style! And I want it back.

Anyone who regularly reads this blog knows I’m on a bit of a reinvention road. I’m at Weight Watchers and am doing well, have picked up the exercise, had my hair all thinned out and feel great for it. Unfortunately – the body isn’t the problem anymore – it’s the clothing! For too long I have worn shapeless, colourless clothing, flat clumpy shoes and well…. looked crap! Don’t get me wrong – everything I currently own is tidy and symmetrical…. rather than scraggy and filled with holes, but thats the best thing I can say about my wardrobe. Seriously, my wardrobe just needs emptying out, next job on my list is to rent a Man and Van and have a big clearout!

Where do I start? I want to be a yummy mummy! I’ve made the first step myself and ditched my faithful but hideous and falling to pieces walking boots and bought some fab boots, low heels, higher heels, ankle boots and mid calf boots. Well it’s a start, fashionable feet!

I need a Gok, a walking fashion wheel…. something. Someone to help me!!! (And ideally someone who can win the lottery for me first as my clothing budget is about as substantial as an ice-cream during a heatwave!). I’m so out of touch fashion-wise I don’t know where to start, only to say I don’t do strappy and the last time I wore a dress I was getting married!

This is a serious one for me actually, for all the silly words. I am sick of looking like a scragbag – so I’m going to try and get out there and find my Fashion Wheel! If you a Fashion Wheel looking for a home, or a person/company who would do a good imitation and likes a challenge – pass them this post link!