Birthdays – the joy of five

Birthdays, Blogging, Cakes, Children, Families, Family Life, Parents, Photography, Reviews, teenagers

Turning 13 With A Bang At Project B

May 15, 2019by thejoyoffive4 Comments

[AD] It wasn’t until this year I realised that 13th birthdays were such a big thing now. I happily breezed through this age with the other two having a simple day out…however it seemed this wasn’t going to be the case with Izzy!

Every weekend has been filled with ferrying her back and fourth to different parties and the planning started for her own months and months before the actual big day.

The brief for me was that she wanted somewhere ‘cool’. This is a dangerously brief description when it come to teenagers as it has the ability to go terribly wrong!

I took a look through the internet and with the help of Google I came across Project B in Croydon which looked like it would fit the bill perfectly.

I went along to meet one of the owners who was warm, welcoming and more than happy to cater for a room full of hyper teens!

They have home a huge variety of different events and parties and really want to make your event work as well as it can. I mean with hours fun I g all through the day until 4am they really do cover a whole host of angles.

The venue is split into two floors of which you can hire both or separately. We opted for the upper floor that has a huge open space, cosy sofas and tables, an area to home a DJ or bring along your own music and and an amazingly Instagramable wall which was a big selling point for me.

As well as the main room there is a smaller bar area to the side which would be perfect for adult parties and worked wonderfully for us as it gave the children their own space without us being to far away.

Izzy didn’t want a particular theme so we just went for lots of props to use while they were taking photos, a sweet table which went down a treat and as she didn’t want a birthday cake a popped some bottle sparked onto nonalcoholic fizz that went down a treat with a room full of screaming teens.

To be honest the decor is super cool and quirky so it all really speaks for itself and is a world away from having to try and make a dingy hall something special.

A few parents were a little apprehensive about the party being in the centre of Croydon but I can honestly say that the set up made it perfectly safe and there was no way they could venture out and do their own thing, and to be honest they didn’t even feel the need to as they were all to busy dancing the night away!

Project B made Izzy’s 13th one to remember and if you are looking for a children’s party then I highly recommend you get in touch as it was the perfect venue for us and could be for you too.

Birthdays, Blogging, Books, Children, Children's Books, Education, Families, Family Life, Friendships, Large Families, Learning, Memories, School, Toys

Celebrating The Small Things:Week Twenty Seven

August 12, 2018August 30, 2018by thejoyoffive1 Comment

This week sees me celebrating much loved toys, birthday celebrations and the love of small businesses.

Lego – Lego has been the most played with and loved toy in our house for over fifteen years now. Those little bricks that clog up the hoover and create the most excruciating pain when trodden on can be a nightmare to tidy away but I love the way it keeps them occupied for hours and always them to use their imagination in a whole host of ways.

Birthday Celebrations – With Oscar starting school this September it has been so lovely to have already meet some lovely Mums and their new starters.

I feel so lucky that my children attend a school where it is so family oriented and such great friendship groups are build for the parents as much as the children.

This has allowed Oscar to celebrate a birthday of one of his new found friends and who is is so eager to start his school life with in the next few weeks.

Book Launches – Through my work I have had the opportunity to work with some absolutely amazing companies and this is just one of the many reasons I love my job.

I do however have a real passion for smaller businesses that are just starting out in this very competitive and crazy world of business.

So when I was asked along to cover the launch of the lovely Kate Bodell’s first book I was so happy to be able to be part of her journey.

Going along and seeing the love and support she had from her doting family and friends was so special and I was so happy to be part of this.

Birthdays, Cakes, Carshalton, Children, Families, Family Life, Gifts, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Memories, Messy play, Parents, Presents, Reviews, Surrey, Toddlers

Cake Smash Time With Layrish Photography

May 21, 2018May 23, 2018by thejoyoffive2 Comments

I actually can’t believe its been a year since we welcomed Isla into the world and I became a Grandmother. I have to say that this time has passed even quicker than it did with my own children and because of that capturing and celebrating milestones is something of great importance to me.

When I was asked by Layrish Photography if we would like to take Isla along to a cake smash photoshoot to celebrate her first birthday both Alice and myself were extremely happy to go along.

Layrish Photography offer a whole range of photography sessions from weddings to birthday parties, cake smashes to family photoshoots and so much more. They take place at locations of your choice or for from the comfort of your own home.

Cake smashes are a relatively new concept to me and certainly something I was very happy to experience with Isla as a first for us both.

We were all made to feel at ease as soon as the session began and Isla was eased into the whole process by playing with some toys and chatting before the photography started.

With pretty balloons, bunting and bubbles to distract her attention the first few photos in her pretty dress were taken effortlessly before she became a little restless.
Isla (8) Isla (9) Isla (13) Isla (15)

What better distraction could there be though than a quick change of clothes and the most beautiful cake being placed in front of you!

Isla (5) Isla (21) Isla (29)

A little hesitant a first she poked and prodded around for a while and then dived in…face first!

Isla (27)

I wasn’t long before she got a real taste and was well away digging in with her hands and trusty wooden spoon.

Isla (38) Isla (37) Isla (44) Isla (41)

Once she was sufficiently covered head to toe in cake it was time to wrap up the session and of course sample some of the cake ourselves…I mean it would be rude not to!

If you like the look of this session then I couldn’t recommend it enough for an experience that will stick in our mind for years to come and amazing image to look back over time and time again.

In fact the whole package is finished off beautifully as Layrish Photography send over a stunning case that comes with a handful of images all ready and printed out for you that are tied together with a pretty bow and covered with confetti along with the memory stick continuing all your photos that you can do exactly what you want with.

This was also accompanied with a slideshow that includes live footage of the cake smash that actually bought a tear to my eye when we received it, it was certainly a really lovely and unexpected addition.

https://thejoyoffive.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_9206.mov

It will certainly be a day to remember for us and I couldn’t recommend it more.

*we were given this session in exchange for this review and they are all my own, honest opinions.

Allergies, Allergy Free, Birthdays, Children, Families, Family Life, Large Families, London, Memories, Parents, School

Celebrating The Small Things:Week Nine

March 19, 2018by thejoyoffive1 Comment

This weeks ‘celebrating the small things’ is a bit about how I’ve been trying to think positively when things are not going the way you hoped. I am always a glass half full person and I wholeheartedly believe that thinking positively isn’t about expecting the best but accepting that whatever happens is the best thing for that moment in time.

A No No To Wheat For Frankie: We seemed to be spending a lot of time at St Thomas’s with Frankie this year in a bid to see if we can tick a few allergies off his huge list!
The other month we had a success with baked egg and I had high hopes for the wheat challenge but sadly it wasn’t to be. We had got right to the end of the five hour long test before he broke out in hives and was having itching in his throat and ears. We were both devastated as he had been sitting there all morning planning all the new foods he would be able to eat and this all came crashing down in one foul swoop!

On a positive note the reaction wasn’t as bad as it could have been and there is still good chance he could pass the challenge at a later date which we have everything crossed for.

And So Came The Snow: For me the attraction of snow is very short lived. Yes it looks very pretty and I love getting out to take photos in it, it is great fun to get the sledges out and bomb down the hills with the kids but it brings everything to a complete standstill, everything get cancelled and the kids eventually get bored of the whole thing!

I did however manage to embrace it as much as possible is as its such a rarety to get a few snow days in the UK. We went out and and enjoyed playing in the white stuff and then equally enjoyed getting back in to snuggle up with a hot chocolate.

Birthday Parties: Birthday parties when you have five children tend to take up a huge amount of the weekend, it is lovely for the kids but I often find myself thinking of the hundred and one ways I could be filling my day instead of being there though.

I have to say though this birthday party that was for Oscar’s best friend was an absolute delight.

None of the other children had really formed firm friendship groups whilst at nursery and would never really mention specific friends until primary school age. Oscar however is a different child althoghter and has a best friend that he speaks of very fondly and recalls their adventures at playgroup with such passion.

Its times like this the mum guilt kicks in for moaning about them having their own special times as they are such important experiences for them.

Birthdays, Cakes, Children, Families, Family Life, Food, Gifts, Large Families, Photography, Reigate, Restaurants, Siblings, Soft Play, Sons, Surrey

Now We Are Six:Happy Birthday Frankie

January 8, 2018by thejoyoffiveLeave a Comment

When I was one, I had just begun.
When I was two, I was nearly new.
When I was three, I was hardly me.
When I was four, I was not much more.
When I was five, I was just alive.
But now I am six, I’m as clever as clever.
So I think I’ll be six now forever and ever.

A.A. Milne

This was one of my favourite poems from my childhood and now as I’ve grown and become a mother I can relate to the words with each year that passes in my little ones lives and I have to agree that six is a pretty perfect age.

On frankie’s six birthday where his birthday request has simply been, ‘Lego and mussels’ I look on in wonder at the beautiful little boy he has become in those six short years.

He is certainly my most vibrant child that has a charater and tenacity that is heartwarming and alluring and his charming personality never fails to fill a room.

He is strong willed, determined and passionate and although this obviously comes with its challenges I wouldn’t change it for the world.

In fact it was his head strong ways that saw my big birthday plans of a trip to a Lego exhibition in town for him come crashing down when he insisted on a simple day of softplay with his little brother and a lunch of mussels to finish.

Baking, Birthdays, Cakes, Children, Christmas, Families, Family Life, Giveaways, Uncategorized

Poppet Creations Cake Topper Giveaway

October 18, 2017October 18, 2017by thejoyoffive91 Comments

Cake toppers have become a hugely popular over the past year or so and give a really special feel to the simplest of cakes.

One lady has got these down to a tee and whether you are planning a special birthday or the birth of a little one, celebrating your wedding or getting the festive feel for Christmas then Poppet Creations has everything you need.

The lovely Tania runs a fantastic small business whilst juggling life as a busy Mum creating stunning cake toppers from single sided glitter card that make a real statement on any cake.

You can simply choose your wording and colour from the drop down menu on the site and your very own personalised topper will be ready within only 24 hours..perfect for last minute people like me!

If it was something a little different you were after then Tania can also create bespoke designs to fit to your specific needs.

If these toppers have caught your eye as much as they have mine then I am offering one lucky reader a chance to win a cake topper of their own.

Simply let me know what the toppers are made from in the comments below and the winner will be picked by random and announced on the 15th November.

Good luck!

T’s&C’s – The competition closes on 15th November 2017. The prize is non-transferable and nocash alternativewill be offered.

Birthdays, Families, Family Life

40th Birthday Planning For The Mr

April 5, 2017April 6, 2017by thejoyoffive10 Comments

I actually can’t believe I am thinking about my husband Turning 40 this year!

Sadly in our own heads we are still spring chickens and more often than not act like we are still twenty one; but the reality is he has made his way up to the top of the hill and this needs celebrating.

At the moment I have a nice blank note book all ready to be filled with guest lists, themes, venues and dates but to be honest I’m finding this harder than planning for than my wedding day.

Most of us ladies have had ideas and aspirations for our wedding day since we were little so I remember being able to scribble down pages upon pages of ideas that I knew would make my day as special as I had always imagined.

When it comes to my husband’s birthday however I have all the pressure to make this into a day to remember as well as the expectation that I should know exactly want he wants for his day…even when in reality I have no idea!

Our nights out have changed dramatically since we were first together and wehave traded bozzy nights out for tea and chocolate in front of the TV, but then the odd night out we do get to let our hair down it is always such a welcome change.

The only parties that I have hosted over the past few years have mainly consisted of pass the parcel, superheroes and stodgy party food so I think if I want this to be a success I will have to pass the baton onto the professionals and get a some advice from events management companies.

They will be able to help me source that perfect venue that I may never have considered before, get menus together that will be something to remember rather than a sea of beige offering of bread, sausage rolls and sandwiches that are never massively appealing but are always an easy option of it is down to you to organise.

Those welcome drinks will be down to someone else to prepare and hand out while we can both sit down and enjoy and most importantly no cleaning up!

How have you all celebrated your 40th birthdays?

*collaborated post

Birthdays, Children, Families, Family Life

XBox Wars

March 26, 2016March 29, 2016by thejoyoffive10 Comments

Number two was absolutely desperate for an Xbox One for his birthday at the end of last year.

With the hefty price tag my husband and I were reluctant but he agreed the whole family would chip in and this would be the only present he would receive.

His face was a picture as he opened the box and for a normally emotionless teenager this was so lovely to see.

Little did I know this moment would be completely life changing for us all! This probably sounds pretty extreme to most but the Xbox entering our home has caused nothing but dramas.

First came the arguments of how long he was allowed to spend on it. We are apparently the only parents in the world that implement a time schedule and I’m totally unreasonable for not allowing him to spend hours on end stuck in front of a screen.

Next came the sneeky sessions where he thought we wouldn’t notice late at night and he was trying his luck by going back on when we were busy with the other children.

He turned into a child that’s one and only interest was gaming. In days out it would take him ages to engage with us as all he wanted to do was be at home playing on his console.

The breaking point for us though was XBox Live. This allows them to play games online with others. He would get so into the game and massively aggressive when I would go into his room to get him off. If anyone dared enter his room whilst he was engrossed in a game you would get his full wroth!

After countless bans due to unacceptable behaviour and homework not being completed the straw that broke the camels back happened and he managed to rack up a bill of over £500 by buying points online.

I felt completely sick that over a few months he had managed to do this without any thought for us. He denied all knowledge and blamed his younger siblings for sneaking into his room and pressing buttons.

The console has been removed and thankfully Microsoft were fantastic and refunded me the full amount.

After the initial week of pleading to have it back and trying every trick in the book to get on my good side I finally have my son back.

He’s engaging happily with the family, enjoying time out together, getting on with his school work and getting up without a struggle in the morning.

The problem is where do we go from here? Every part of me wants to get rid of it for good and there is then my soft side on my shoulder telling me it’s awful to completely remove something he loves so much.

Reading back through what I have just written would easily suggest there is only one option but I have always been to soft of the children and want them to be happy, what would you do?

Birthdays, Children, Crabbing, Families, Family Life, Food, Kent, Large Families

Our Birthday Boys Trip to The Seaside

January 10, 2016January 15, 2016by thejoyoffive8 Comments

Number four is a boy after my own heart and when asked what he wanted to do for his birthday he replied, “the seaside”

His first choice was Brighton which is my first love but with him wanting to take his new gokart we talked him round to Whitstable as I knew he would be able to ride freely along the seafront and make the most of his new toy.

We visit Whitstable a few times a year and stayed there last Easter. I love the simplicity of this seaside town with its narrow streets housing pretty little shops, beautiful fish restaurants everywhere you turn and long stretches of unspoiled pebbled beaches.

One of the highlights of our stay last year was the breakfast at the Hotel Continenal so we got up extra early to get down there to fill up before our adventures.

Number four was a little disappointed that we had not packed his pyjamas for an overnight stay!

Full to the brim we set off in a walk along the seafront along to Tankerton just outside Whistable. We stopped several times to throw pebbles into the sea, investigate the beach huts and have races with the gokart.

After another stop for tea to warm up once we reached Tankerton we turned back and swapped the gokart for crabbing lines. We had tried to explain to the extremely wilful number four that the chances of catching any crabs would be highly unlikely but there was no wavering and he stood on the edge of jetty shivering like mad but determined to catch a bite.