Tuesday 26 September 2017

Cake smash on a budget!

When I very first had the boys I always had it in my head that I wanted to do a cake smash for their first birthday. As the months started to run away from me, I quickly started researching the cost of a shoot and prints. The cheapest I could find was £50, and that was plus the cost of the prints. 

We hadn't long splurged out on some gorgeous portrait photos, so I began to give up on the idea. We then won a competition that was to supply birthday party decorations and cake. I started scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration. I eventually decided on a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme. I then started to think how awesome it would be to do a Mickey Mouse themed cake smash. I brought two £1 Victoria Sponge cakes from Home Bargains, and a tub of Betty Crocker's buttercream icing. The boys each wore a black vest, that I purchased from eBay; a pair of red shorts from Primark; and some Mickey ears (which they weren't keen on wearing). 

I completely emptied our dining room and set up the space accordingly. We popped one of the cameras on a tripod and we also used a handheld to record video. I have to say that it couldn't have gone better. They laughed... we laughed... cake got everywhere... a win! Yes you have a bit of mess to clear up, but the positives out way the negatives. 1. I was able to carry them straight into the bath and get them properly clean. 2. You get to decide a good mood day. 3. We all were relaxed. 



How many babies freeze up in a new setting, and encouraged to do the complete opposite with food thats usually encouraged? Everything including their outfits cost me less than £20! 

Go on.. give it a go yourself

Sunday 3 September 2017

Returning To Work

This week I returned to work after 54 weeks away! I had been advised in the early part of the year that my company were going through some significant changes, and to be honest this hadn't sat comfortably with me. Since then I had had a few more meetings, but it seemed that everything had changed. 

My anxiety relating returning to work has been quite overpowering, and possibly irrational. I had many sleepless nights, and outbursts in floods of tears. I hate the unknown! I hate change! Plus I was having to leave my babies for the first time.

The first day I left the boys I handled it surprisingly well, but day two I sobbed all the way to work. The boys knew what was happening, and clearly didn't want me to go (nor did I). I wish we were in a financial situation where I didn't have to work, and I could be there everyday to witness every milestone. Instead I have to cherish my days off with them even more.

Everyone has been so welcoming in the office, and I slotted back in really easily. I know it sounds crazy, but I'm bored. I used to running around like a headless chicken all day, and now I'm stuck behind a desk for 8 hours. My role has changed so much, and it's not the role I loved and left behind. I feel demoted. Does everyone that goes on maternity leave feel like they penalised for their time off when they return? 

Hey... I hope one day I win the lottery and I can spend everyday with my babies. But for now I guess I'll have to grin and bare it, to pay the bills😁