Today is my 41^st birthday. This time last year was quite a landmark day but I can honestly say it bothered me less than turning 30. And the reason for this, I think, is that I am becoming more comfortable in my own skin the older I get.

I was a very tall, awkward and shy teenager. In my 20s I had several failed relationships and some health problems. In my 30s I was mainly trying to make babies, having babies and looking after babies. But so far (touch wood) my 40s have been pretty great. So here is why I think getting older is something to be cheerful about:

I’ve learnt a lot of lessons!

I am genuinely starting to feel like quite a wise old bird! In 40 years a lot has happened to me, and I always try and learn what I can from any situation, good or bad. Both consciously and unconsciously, we are absorbing information and experiences all the time – we often have no idea how much we do know. But with knowledge comes confidence, and with confidence the world suddenly becomes your oyster!

I don’t care!

I used to really ‘care’ what other people thought of me. So I used to tie myself up in knots making myself into what I thought people wanted me to be. But the older I get, I just don’t care. I don’t mean this is a negative way. I have just come to the realisation that being myself is far less effort and actually attracts people to me who like me for who I am. And you really can’t get better than that.

It might be fun!

I used to worry a lot. I used to want to control the outcome of any given situation. And this often meant I would talk myself out of doing things. Now I am much more open to opportunity. I like the randomness of what life throws at me and the people I meet. I’m much more likely to give something a go now. What’s the worst that could happen and who knows where it might lead?

Together we’re stronger!

When I was young I had a best friend rather than being part of a gang. Then, when I started to have relationships I would throw myself into them and cut myself off from my friends. But I now realise that there is real strength in numbers. You can’t expect your partner to give you everything you need emotionally. And that’s why friends – and a support network you can count on – are SO important.

It’s just going to get better!

As my children grow they are going to become more independent and more interesting.  As my business grows I will be nearer to getting my dream house. And the the more I learn, the less I care, the more new things I try and the more friends I make, the bigger and better life it going to become!

What important lessons have you learnt as you’ve got older? And what are you looking forward to about being older?

PS. And if you need any more proof that getting old is great then you must read the brilliant poem Warning by Jenny Joseph. Personally, I can’t wait to start wearing purple!

Today is our 2nd Birthday meeting. This time last year we wrote a blog about

Twelve months on we have a new logo, a new website and a new blog. We have groups operating in 3 other counties, with 2 more launching later this year, and interest in numerous other counties. We have been  to Downing Street, appeared in the national press, and are approached daily by PR companies who want to get their products in front of our audience of business mums. And to top it all, we are days away from the second annual Mumpreneur Conference & Awards where we are sponsoring the Best Start-Up Award and finalists in the Best Business Support Category, as well as being shortlisted in the finals of the Mum & Working Awards in the Business Parent of the Year category. 

According to statistics from the Small Business Administration (SBA) a third of all new businesses will fail in the first 2 years. Happily we have survived that particular danger zone. And we would attribute our survival largely to the amazing support we have recieved from other businessmums all over the country – both those further along their business journey who have helped us with their advice or expertise, and those younger than us who appreciate the services we offer.

Some days it’s a little overwhelming. We never started out with this as our vision – or any vision for that matter! The past 2 years have snowballed us along on an amazing journey. This month has also marked the last of our collective children flying the nest, off to preschool. Everything we have achieved so far has been done with children at home, working when they are in bed, having evening phone calls and meetings late into the night. Now that we both have dedicated, child-free work-time during the day the possibilities are enormous.

So we are looking forward to our third year being the most exciting yet – and to eating our birthday cake!

This week’s guest blogger is children’s entertainer Vicky Robinson of Entertaining Acorns. Having spent more than ten years working with children she now shares some of her top tips for organising your child’s birthday party.

Childrens Birthday Parties are very important, whether you have a small group at home, or a big event at a hall. You want it to be as fun for the child as possible and as stress free for you. So if you are new to party planning or just stuck for ideas here are some handy hints to help you on your way.

Planning the Party

1) The internet is your friend. Use google to get ideas and answer your specific questions.

2) What type of party? Magician, Clown, Activity, Themed, Craft, Playcentre… There is a lot of choice. Consider what your child would enjoy the most and what is within your budget.

3) How soon to book? As soon as possible! You will get things done with shorter notice. It will be less stressful and you will get exactly what you want if you plan two months ahead.

4) If you use a hall, visit it before you book! Check the state of the floor (no splinters). How clean and tidy it is? Is there enough space for the amount of children/type of activities?

5) Booking an entertainer? Here are some questions to ask. Whats included in their package?
Do they have experience with a) this age range b) this number of children?
Do they have a CRB and Public Liability Insurance?
What experience do they have? If they do games – are they inclusive (no sitting out)?
Let them know, what size house or hall and ask if they have enough room.
Make sure you tell them if your child is outgoing or shy. If you have a theme find out how they will incude this in their routine.

6) If you have an activity party make sure this is clear on the invites and ask for appropriate shoes!

At the Party

7) Have name badges ready and a table for presents.

The children will not arrive at the same time, so have easy games like duck duck goose, or stuck on the mud to start. For younger children leave out some balloons for them to play with. This way children can join in as they arrive.

9) Make sure the activities are age appropriate – consider what the children can and can’t do and what they are interested in. For example, what music is more appropriate? Chart music or Nursery Rhymes.

10) Consider breaking up the party. For example: 1 hour activities followed by 30 mins food and pass the parcel to finish. For older
children they can cope with a bit longer before food. For younger have it even shorter with a longer break, perhaps with a story.

11) Change the rules if you want to – If you dont want to have food included – then dont. Just make sure this is clear in the invitations.

12) Have two cakes. One cake for show and candles and one already cut up for the party bags.

13) Have something for them to make, they can take this home instead of a party bag.

14) Having a joint party? Its is great to keep the cost low. Really consider the interests of both children and include activities for both.

15) Only do things you find easy. You could share responsibilities with a friend and do the same for their childs party, or get the
professionals in. Just enjoy yourself.

If you live in South East England and would like Vicky to organise your child’s party then you can call her on 01483 331575 or 07722 334494 or visit her website at www.entertainingacorns.co.uk

An ode to a 40 year old friend

 As Sam turns 40, I thought it only right
To write a blog, and on her shed some light!
But where do I start, this is the key
So many aspects to this woman you see.

A new found love of Mojitos and colours clashing and bright,
But also a studious contributor to Judith’s Room by night.
Definitely a yummy mummy and a British Mummy blogger
And more recently ……..she’s even a mummy jogger!

Sam is now an established professional of the Tweet,
And in December that even got us to Downing Street!
But more importantly than any of that
We got to meet you all and enjoy a cyber-chat.

And so we move on to cake, a most important part;
Baking, eating or decorating, Sam has made it an art!
And her most recent buy, just the other day
She owns the word as well – what more can I say!

Messer’s Tennant, Firth & Depp will have to wait another day,
As it is Nig who is taking her to the ballet.
Let’s hope that for this special treat
He has booked her the very best seat!

Annie & Molly, her two daughters dear
What will they give their Mummy this year?
Flowers, clothes or maybe some shiny bling
Chocolate & books are definitely her thing!

And so as Sam moves on another year
I’m sure by blog or Tweet you’ll lend your ear
As she updates you on all her progress
But quite, often I’m sure she’ll just digress!

Mum’s The Boss has led you all here,
And so for Sam I want you all to cheer.
So join me now and mark this momentous date,
Raise your glass and say “Happy Birthday mate!”

By Helen (the other half of Mum’s The Boss)

OK people, I need your ideas. I am going to be 40 in just under 3 months and I need suggestions as to how I can celebrate reaching the age ‘at which life begins’.

I have never really celebrated any of my milsetone birthdays – my 21st involved getting drunk with friends at university and my 30th was a meal with family and friends at our local Italian restaurant. I’m not looking for things like sun-drenched holidays or world cruises – I’m looking for magical ways I can mark the occasion without breaking the bank, that I’ll remember forever.

I must confess that I am secretly relishing the idea of growing old disgracefully and cannot wait until I reach my 50th so I can join our local chapter of the Red Hat Society. But until then I need to make the most of my 40s and squeeze everything I can out of them! Sam Thewlis (@samthewlis) and I have already pencilled in a joint Twitter party, as our birthdays are quite close together (although she is much younger than me!) to which you are all cordially invited – wear what you like but please DO bring a bottle!

So please throw some ideas into the hat – the best one gets a slice of birthday cake!