Category: Views & Ramblings

1. Dear Daughter : Things I wish for you .....

   Posted on 9:14pm Tuesday 6th Aug 2013

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   Dear Daughter,

   I hear myself saying "I wish you would tidy up after yourself" or "I wish you would think what you are doing" but you are a child and you have no real concept of why I want you to do those things, I am just that nagging noise in your ears, encroaching on your fun. I am the one that reminds you about your manners, I am the one that makes you go to bed, I am the one that wishes you would grow up and keep your innocence all at the same time but what do I really wish? What do I wish for you ......

   I wish that you will grow and learn to understand that happiness cannot be bought, it is felt, shared and found.

   I wish that you find your prince (or indeed princess) charming, who loves you like you will always rule their world.

   I wish that as you grow, you understand humility, strength and honour and will use them wisely.

   I wish that you will always have the courage to stand up for what you believe in and not to just assume he who shouts the loudest is always right.

   I wish that you choose your friends wisely but know that they do not define you.

   I wish that you will always have time to spend with your family and never be too old for a hug.

   I wish that you realise that your sister will always be your best friend.

    

   I wish that you find adventure and want to travel the world.

   I wish that you always want to find your way home. 

   And when that day comes and you say to your own children "I wish you would tidy up" ...... I wish I will be there to catch your eye and know you understand. 

2. I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

   Posted on 8:23am Thursday 1st Aug 2013

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   I love inspirational quotes, you know the kind that you find yourself nodding along to or the kind that resonate with you completely?  So when I read this on Facebook earlier this week and I was nodding my way through reading it,  it says to share it and I wanted to share it with you.

   It was shared from Keith A Wells Snr, although I am unsure if he is the author.

   I BELIEVE A Birth Certificate shows that we were born; A Death Certificate shows that we died; Pictures show that we lived! Have a seat . . Relax . And now read this slowly.
   
   I believe - That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
   
   I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
   
   I believe - That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
   
   I believe - That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
   
   I believe - That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
   
   I believe - That it' s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
   
   I believe - That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
   
   I believe - That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
   
   I believe - That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
   
   I believe - That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
   
   I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
   
   I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
   
   I believe - That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
   
   I believe - That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
   
   I believe - That maturity has more to d o with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
   
   I believe - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
   
   I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.
   
   I believe - That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we
   are, but we are responsible for who we become.
   
   I believe - Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
   
   I believe - That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
   
   I believe - That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
   
   I believe - That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
   
   I believe - That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
   
   I believe - That you should send this to all of the people that you believe in. I just did.
   
   The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

    

   What do you believe ...?

   Would you add anything to this list?

3. Unique wedding venues : Featured post

   Posted on 10:18pm Wednesday 31st Jul 2013

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   There are usually a number of wedding invites every summer but the older we get (ahem), the cycle turns to christenings and sometimes second weddings. Everyone I know is always seeking "something different" and on the Lilypad we are always looking for the unique option so when we were asked to feature some amazing wedding venues, we couldn't resist sharing a little love. 

   If you're looking for a wedding venue with a difference, rather than the traditional manor house or chapel, you could turn your attention to the rustic charm of a barn wedding. Perfect if you've chosen a country or vintage (which we love) theme or are hoping for a relaxed atmosphere, barns are ideal venues for your big day celebrations.

   

   Take a look at our pick of five of the best choices for a barn wedding.

   Combe Manor, Berkshire

   If you have a penchant for history or have chosen a medieval theme for your big day, there are few better barn venues to select than Combe Manor in Berkshire. Comprising two L-shaped barns that have been restored to their former glory, the venue is situated amid rolling countryside in a romantic location.

   Within the barn are visible beams and hanging tapestries, which give the venue a rustic, historical ambience. The barn can be decorated to specific tastes and you can also specify the menu you'd like for your wedding breakfast. The venue is accessible from the M4 and A34, while just 50 metres away is a Norman church, and you may be able to hold your ceremony here.

   Gaynes Park, Essex

   Fans of the great outdoors looking to hold their wedding in a natural location should take a look at Gaynes Park in Essex. The barn is situated on a country estate near Epping, surrounded by parkland.

   You can choose to have your ceremony in the Garden Barn, which is open on two sides, opt for the modern and spacious Mill Barn, or hire the beautiful Orangery for your service and walk down the Garden Aisle - which is lined with herbaceous borders - afterwards. There is also a Grade I-listed church nearby, and catering facilities are on hand for your reception. (My brother and sister in law got married here and it is truly beautiful)

   The Barn at Chilton, Buckinghamshire

   If you're hoping for a simple yet charming wedding, you should consider booking the Barn at Chilton in Buckinghamshire. The vaulted barn, which dates back to the 18th century, is located close to the Georgian Chilton House and retains its charming antique ambience as a result of sympathetic renovation using traditional methods.

   Your ceremony can be held in the barn or outdoors on the terrace, which can be covered with a marquee if the weather looks less than promising. Afterwards, enjoy your reception under a marquee to one side of the barn that are accessed via French doors.

   Clock Barn, Hampshire

   For a truly unique setting for your nuptials, take a look at Clock Barn in Hampshire. The distinctive location comprises a rustic barn with a beamed interior and an eye-catching thatched clock tower, both of which are surrounded by farmland and rural landscapes.

   Both the ceremony and reception can be held in the barn, with drapes separating the barn into two areas, and there are catering facilities on site and a variety of mouth-watering menus to browse when choosing your wedding breakfast.

   

   Sandhole Oak Barn, Cheshire

   Another wedding barn worth considering (you can browse plenty more at Country House Wedding Venues) is Sandhole Oak Barn in Cheshire. The elegant setting comprises a traditional oak barn with contemporary lighting, a clock tower and a private lake. Located close to the M6 just off the A34, the barn is artistically laid out and also offers 17 luxury en-suite bedrooms, so both you and your guests can relax in the glorious setting overnight following your celebration.

   We love unique and we love beautiful things, so they tick all the boxes for us ..... oh and it appeals to my romantic nature too!!

   Photo credits : ThinkStock / iStockphoto

4. Baby Shower Etiquette

   Posted on 12:08pm Sunday 28th Jul 2013

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   Yesterday I went to my gorgeous sister in law's (and latest member of our Lilypad team) baby shower and it occured to me that a baby shower is almost expected these days but only 8 years ago, when I was having my eldest daughter, no one really had a baby shower. It is amazing at how quickly traditions become adopted or fads are created and having now been to a few baby showers over the past few years, I thought it maybe good to share what happens and what is the etiquette for those that are expecting (or expecting to have one!).

   Who should throw the baby shower?

   This kind of depends on the pregnant mum, it is traditional for friends to throw the party and it is best to gauge how much control the expectant mum would like. I was delighted to have a surprise baby shower for my second daughter but I also know that there were friends who were not included, so for me I would have like a little control over the guest list (but maybe that is just the control freak in me). 

    

   When should the baby shower be held?

   The baby shower is usually thrown in the last trimester but this can sometime be dictated by travel arrangements of family or timing of the baby's due date. It is good to try and accomodate immediate family and close friends but ultimately you need to pick a date and stick to it, there will always be people that can't make it and you can't please everyone all of the time.

   Who should be invited?

   Whoever is important to the expectant mum (and how many the venue can cope with!) It is not necessary to invite every woman or friend on Facebook! It maybe worthwhile checking if any of the guests may have had fertility problems and recognize and respect how difficult this maybe for her to be confronted with other people's pregnancies. Don't be offended if she feels she can't be there.

   What to expect at a baby shower?

   Food, chats, games and laughing!

   Be prepared to have to bring photos of yourself as a child and if the games we played at my sister in law's yesterday were anything to go by, it maybe worthwhile researching the names of songs with "baby" in them, as I didn't score particularly high in this game!

   Should we buy gifts?

   In America, where baby showers have been more common place for much longer, there are expectant mums that actually have a department store gift registry but in the UK, the gifts are usually more token and personal. The image below shows the gift I had made for my sister in law yesterday, showing her 20 week scan picture. I plan to have these on the Lilypad as her reaction was very emotional.

   

   Is a Baby Shower okay for 2nd time mums?

   When I was pregnant with my second daughter, it never crossed my mind that I would have a baby shower but if friends and family want to throw showers for you, why stop them? There was quite an age gap between my girls but if you want to forgo the gifts this time, just simply ask the friend who is throwing the party to indicate on the invitation that you want their presence not their presents.

   So ultimately, when it comes to throwing a baby shower, whether it is for a friend or relative, there are very few hard-and-fast rules (aside from those that govern good manners — such as being gracious when you open a gift, whether you like it or not!), so just sit back and bask in being showered with love and affection during this very special time.