Dark clouds, sunshine and birthday wishes

The past few months have been a rollercoaster of emotions with some of the most heart crushing lows I have ever experienced. I have felt tested to my limits, but know that going through these tough times is only making us stronger and closer as a family. When life is this hard, it opens your eyes to the people who really care about you. The people who have rallied round providing emotional and physical support have been amazing. The people who have shown a genuine concern in our situation have made me appreciate the kindness of fellow humans. The love that has been extended has made a world of difference to us as a family and I shall be forever thankful. The past few months have changed me as a person and as a mother.

Through all our recent trials, one thing has been a constant. The love of my children and my absolutely unconditional, neverending love for them. My children really are everything to me. Being their mother defines me. Their pain is my pain. When they hurt, I hurt. I know this for a fact. They bring so much love, pride and joy into my life. They give me strength and give me reason. Five rocks in the sea of my life, anchoring me when I fear being swept away.

But life carries on even when you feel that reality is crashing down around you. There are still special days that beg and deserve to be celebrated. We have so much to look forward to. Wonderful times lie just ahead on the horizon like beacons of hope. I know we are getting closer, just a little bit farther to go and we'll be there. Smiling. Happy. We just need to stay strong.

This weekend we will be celebrating my daughter Ella's and my birthdays. Ella is turning twenty but she is still my baby girl. It's unbelievable to think that my tiny, beautiful little girl is getting so grown up. She is an incredible young woman. She is thriving at university and is using her natural empathy and desire to make a difference to help people, through volunteering and mentoring. I am so proud of her achievements and the direction her life is going in. She is so kind, loving and thoughtful. She gives me so many reasons to feel proud.

So today, I say Happy Birthday to my gorgeous girl. You are a shining light. You give me so many reasons to smile and I adore you for it. You've also wept with me, and I adore you for that too. You care so much about your family and give so much love and joy to us all, even in our darkest hours. I love you to the moon and back.

For my birthday this year, I am wishing that we get through these crazy times to a place where we can look back and laugh. I know that as a family, we can get through anything. We've got each others' backs and we will power through together. Because together we are stronger.

Things will get better and I know we will get closure on this dark chapter in our lives. But I shall be taking all the lessons learned with me, making me a better person, mum, wife, nana and daughter. I won't forget the way I have felt. I won't forget the people who have cared. I won't ever take my family for granted. I promise that I will appreciate every single day that I am blessed with these wonderful people who I love so much.

Even when bad times cast a shadow over us, I know we will be stepping out into the sunlight again soon.

How becoming a mother shaped my life - Happy Birthday Joe x

My eldest child Joe is 26 years old today.  The little boy I raised is now a man.  A man that I am proud to call my son.

When I gave birth to Joe, I was little more than a child myself.  A teenager with no direction, floundering through life making a series of mistakes and bad judgments.  But having Joe gave me the incentive and the strength I needed to grow up and to heal myself, in order to become someone worthy of being his mother. He made me whole for the first time, giving me purpose and making me want more for myself and for him.  That tiny 7 lb 1 oz baby saved me.

Over the years my son has taught me many things about myself, about life and about parenthood.  We didn't always have it easy, but together we muddled through as best we knew how.  Sometimes I look back and wish that Joe could have enjoyed the charmed existence that his little brother Freddy has now. But the journey we took back then has made us the people we are today.  And who we are today has been shaped by everything we experienced together.

I do have regrets about my past, but I wouldn't change a single thing, because anything done differently would have altered the path that I ultimately took.  The path that has lead me to who and what I am today.  The path that has blessed me with five incredible children along with the richness they have brought into my world.  The path that gave my children the most amazing father they could have ever wished for.  The path that has given them a mother who is hopefully, in their eyes, worthy of that title. The path that has lead my son Joe to become an amazing man with his own beautiful family, a promising career and a sense of humour that never ceases to make me smile.

Joe is a man I am proud to call my son.  The father of my first born grandchild.  Big brother to the girls and Freddy. A man who I have watched grow as a person, learning from his mistakes and evolving into a more responsible, hard working, loving, hilariously funny, unique human being with a passion for cars, computer gaming, playing football and for providing for his family.

Joe, I love you.

Happy birthday son xxx

Recreating Old Family Photos for my Birthday

I have wonderful kids who surprise me, delight me and make me proud everyday. My girls really excelled themselves this year for my birthday by making me a video, which made me bawl my eyes out.

I was aware of a 'secret project' taking place over the last week or so, but I tried to ignore it, not wanting to ruin my own surprise.  To be honest I thought maybe they were maybe taking some photos for a card or something, but their idea was far more elaborate.

They wrote and recorded an original song and made a video featuring recreated family photos.  It was just so beautiful and so very thoughtful.  They did such a great job and included big brother Joe, who contributed to the project remotely, and little brother Freddy too.  I am so lucky to have kids who understand the things that make me happy...and nothing makes me happier than them.

Just seeing how much they have all grown, but how the relationship between them is still as close and how their personalities still shine through is just beautiful.  I'm definitely going to get involved in more recreations with them and am looking forward to joining in with the posing as we re-imagine precious memories.

Here is the video that they played for me on my birthday :)


                            

A Quarter of a Century Ago

25 years ago on the 8th October 1988, I gave birth to my first child.  My son. Joe.
He changed my life, giving me direction, focus, hope for the future and love.  He was my salvation from a dark point in my life.

Everyday he has made me proud.

Now as a dad with a family of his own, I see the adult that he has become. A wonderful man with a strong work ethic. An amazing dad who is making a good life for himself with his fiancee Jade and their little boy Ted. (Who has an obsession with gaming computers and shiny cars!)

He still makes us laugh and will always be a big kid at heart.  He still has that cheeky glint in his eye and the naughty streak that he had as a little boy.  I wouldn't change that for the world. He is a brilliant big brother to his sisters (...and a bad influence on his little brother!)

I love my boy.  With all my heart.

Happy birthday son. xxx

Freddy is 4 Today

Things I Love - April Edition

It is the end of yet another month in 2013 and I am reflecting on some of the things that I have discovered, used or done, which have made me smile over the last few weeks in my monthly round up of things I love!

De-Cluttering

Now that spring has almost arrived, I am thinking about projects that I would like to do to my home.  We decided that this is the year that we are going to reclaim space in our house that has previously been given over to the accumulated clutter generated by having had five children.  So last week I  blitzed my wardrobe, clearing out six sackfuls of clothing.  I was pretty ruthless deciding that if I hadn't worn it recently or if it was looking a bit tired, it had to go.  It felt quite therapeutic sorting out my wardrobe space.  I had had so many landslides in recent weeks as my irregularly arranged piles of t-shirts, vests, jumpers and nightwear slid over one another as they vied for freedom from their fabric prison.  Making rows of neatly folded articles of clothing and removing the dozens of empty coat hangers from my hanging rail has given my wardrobe a new lease of life.  I found long forgotten clothes so it felt like I'd been on a shopping spree!  Now I just have to apply this principle to the rest of my house!

Springtime 

I love that we are finally beginning to believe that the UK has another season other than winter and there are a host of seasonally themed products appearing in the shops to remind us of this fact.  For instance, you can make your washing-up chores fit in with the season by using new Spring Blossom Persil Washing Up Liquid.  Featuring hints of freesias, white rose, vanilla and dry fruits, the pretty pink washing-up liquid has the perfect aroma to welcome spring into your home.  With its burst of fragrance it makes the kitchen smell fresh, and the sparkling results make cleaning up less of a chore.  It is especially pleasing if your husband is the one who does the washing up!  It retails at £1.00 for a 500ml bottle making it great value too.

I was sent one to try!

Window Blinds

I have always been a curtain-person.  I have only ever had blackout blinds for the kids' rooms and have never previously thought of them as being anything beyond functional.  However, curtains are quite frankly a bit of a pain.  They are a nightmare to hang, the hems fray, the fabric billows in the breeze knocking things over and they are such an all or nothing method of light control.  Recently I have begun to covet the array of blinds that adorn the windows of my neighbours' houses.  They look so stylish and modern with their clean lines that I am thinking that this is the way I should go when I revamp my bedroom.  I love the way that they allow in as much light as you want and they give you privacy.  (I'm forever flashing the neighbours when the curtains are open and the bedroom light is on.)  I really love these Dark Chocolate Vertical Blinds from Web-Blinds which  can be bought online made to measure.  I always enjoy adorning my home with things that are named after food.  I have Pecan paint in my living room, Toffee Fudge in my kitchen and Mint in my hall. It sounds utterly delicious but is totally calorie free.

Dark Chocolate Vertical Blind  #sp

Birthdays

In our family April is a month of celebrations as both Ella and I have birthdays two days apart.  This year we had a weekend of chaos and fun when everyone descended to help us celebrate.  Then to continue the birthday fun we have had cakes, meals out and made favourite dinners at home.

Ian took me on a date to see The Evil Dead at the cinema!  He is such a true romantic!!  Even Google got in on the act giving me a personalised home page on my special day.  This really made me smile :)

TV Finales

Two of our absolutely favourite TV series are coming to an end and we are both excited to see how things pan out and feeling bereft that we will be losing them over the summer.  Dexter and The Following have both had us totally riveted for the last few weeks. Ian, Ella and I have our weekly dates where we join together on the sofa for our fix of our favourite serial killer and our favourite FBI agent who battle it out in their own respective shows.  How will they end??  I can't wait to find out.  I hope some new shows come along to fill the gap.  I have high hopes for Hannibal which starts on Sky Living soon!

Five People You Meet in Heaven

Ella bought me this book for my birthday.  It is by Mitch Albom.  The story follows Eddie, a fairground maintenance guy who dies while trying to save a little girl from being crushed by a ride that has malfunctioned.  He is sent to heaven where he meets five people who significantly impacted his life.  I read it in one day because I didn't want to put it down.  It is a beautiful and powerful book that made me think about how everything that we do impacts on others and reminds us what is important here on Earth.  I highly recommend it for comforting the soul and bringing a little faith and light into your life.

Family Reflections After a Wonderful Weekend

This weekend has been hectic.  Megan and Joe, his fiance Jade and baby Ted came home to spend the weekend. My niece Kate also came to visit and my parents came over too.  We had a houseful!  It also happened to be the weekend before both mine and Ella's birthdays so it was a real celebratory family weekend.  We also had a quick visit from my sister and two of my other nieces who got to meet baby Ted for the first time, which was lovely.

During the weekend I took lots of photographs.  It is really important to me to record all these family moments.  We have four generations of our family now since the birth of baby Ted and my niece is soon going to give my parents their second great grandchild and me my first great nephew.  These are really precious times and I want to save them to look back on in the years to come.

Being a grandparent has made me feel like I have a greater responsibility to be a keeper of our family memories and to uphold our traditions. I treasure my children and the arrival of this whole new generation is exciting and wonderful.

I am currently reading The Sixty Minute Grandparent by Rob Parsons.  It is interesting to read about other people's perceptions of this new role that is thrust upon us when our children start having their own families.  The book is pretty light hearted and easy to read or dip into. The emphasis is on becoming the best grandparent you can be, in whichever way you are most comfortable.  It reminds us that our grandchildren only really want two things from us: to be loved and to know we are there for them.

Grandparents are a varied species!  Some are very hands on and play a major role in their grandchild's life.  I don't see Ted very often so I'm not a nappy changing, babysitting, disciplining, bottle making grandma.  However, what I can be is someone who can give Ted unconditional love and the promise of quality time spent together whenever I do see him.  As he gets older, this will become more and more significant to his life.  I can tell him about his dad and what he was like as a child.  I can tell him about our family and our past.  I can make him feel included and embraced, a brand new branch on our family tree.

The line in the book that really resonates with me is this one on the job description of a grandparent:

"Individuals must be loving, caring, loving, selfless, loving, accepting and loving."

I think I am definitely up for that job!

I received a copy of The Sixty Minute Grandparent by Rob parsons which is published by Hodder and Stoughton priced at £11.99.

Delicious Personalised Cakes Through The Post

Delicious, fresh cakes through your letterbox.

You can't always be there when a loved one celebrates a birthday or other special occasion.  But you can let them know you are thinking of them by sending them a personalised cake from Bakerdays.com.

This unique gift is designed to be sent through the post and drop through a letterbox without causing it any damage.  As it fits through most letterboxes you don't have to worry about whether anyone is in to take delivery.  It is so much better (and yummier) than just receiving a card!

The cake arrives boxed in its own special tin which protects it and keeps it fresh.  A candle, balloon, gift card and party blower and are also included to help the recipient celebrate.

There are over 400 designs to choose from and five cake flavours: Madeira, lemon, fruit, carrot and double chocolate chip.  You can personalise your cake with a name and a message and even upload a photo.

This week we celebrated Megan's 21st birthday and Bakerdays kindly sent her a cake.  It arrived via Royal Mail in perfect condition.  

The personalised iced top was such a surprise when Megan opened the tin.  It really is a delightful gift to receive.  The double chocolate chip cake itself was "lush" and "fudgy" and a definite huge hit, and there was enough for four slices.  She was really thrilled and loved the idea of getting a fresh, delicious cake through the post. 

A personalised letterbox cake starts at just £14.99 including delivery.   Simply go to www.bakerdays.com to choose and create your own special gift.  If Royal Mail can reach your loved one, so can a Bakerdays cake.

Mini Lollipop Cupcakes

What is a Daughter?

A daughter is a little girl....

...who grows up...

...to be your best friend!

Happy 21st Birthday To My Beautiful Daughter And Best Friend Megan xxx

A Wonderful Family Weekend

This weekend was the window in my daughter Megan's busy schedule, reserved for celebrating her 21st birthday with her family.  We booked a private function room at our local gem of a venue Fordhall Farm for a three course sit down meal, and invited our nearest and dearest to join us.

As it is my dad's 80th birthday the day before Megan's 21st, we surprised him by including him in the proceedings.  We bought helium balloons festooned with their ages which delighted them both!  We also made my dad a CD recording from a very old tape cassette he had of his parents singing.  This made him very emotional as he remembered his mum and dad and relived happy family memories.  My girls comforted him and it was a beautiful moment.

Birthday Boy and Girl

Having my Megan and my son Joe and his blooming pregnant fiance Jade stay for the whole weekend was lovely.  Having all my chicks back in the nest is one of my greatest pleasures (albeit a noisy and chaotic one!)

Kizzy, Fred, Joe, Ella and Megan

It was nice to have visitors pop in to see both Meg and Joe, as their old friends realised they were back home and we enjoyed some real laughs together during the weekend.  In fact I haven't laughed so hard in ages!

Having A Laugh With Friends

On Sunday we went for the meal.  It was so wonderful to also be joined by my niece and her boyfriend, which was a lovely surprise for my mum and dad.  Megan was really pleased to see her cousin and it was nice to hear them planning a night out in Manchester.  Unfortunately my nephew couldn't make it as he is off to Alabama to see his American fiance this week, so we had to take a visit rain check.

Gorgeous Girls

The food was absolutely incredible.  We started with a goat's cheese, walnut and fennel salad which was so good.  It is not an option I would ever had picked from a menu, but I'm now a convert to the idea of salad starters because it was so interesting with different flavours and textures working together.

Eight of us opted for the nut roast for our main course. The accompaniments were amazing.  Huge serving bowls were brought out with roast potatoes, red cabbage, brocolli and greens, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire puddings and roasted vegetables.  There was so much food!  We piled our plates high, yet didn't finish it.

Tom and Ella Listening To One of Grandad's stories!

Dessert was an apple and pear sponge served with home made custard sauce.  The meal lived up to my high hopes and we enjoyed chatting and relaxing, while Freddy played in the function room with the farm's playgroup toys!

I've Got Toys!!

We'd bought a huge baked toffee and choc chip cheesecake and a Bailey's roulade from a local pudding shop, but we were all stuffed, so I organised take away packages of cake for our guests to take home!

As the evening wore on, those of us left, plus one of Megan's friends who came over to see her, watched X Factor and made a big dent in the remaining puddings.   It was a great night (especially seeing Rylan saved by deadlock again!!)

Kizzy and Jade

We had a fabulous time and I loved being surrounded by friends and family. I can't believe that my gorgeous daughter is about to turn 21.  I am so proud of her and everything she has achieved and I love her so very much.  I hope she enjoyed her weekend with her loved ones as much as I did!!

Happy 21st Birthday!!

Reasons to be Cheerful

It has been a lovely week...one of those weeks where I can't stop smiling to myself.  Even though Ian's job is on the line and the weather is appalling and the follow/no-follow link situation has seen my head nearly implode, there has been enough good in the world to make me very happy!

Birthdays

It has been both mine and Ella's birthdays this week. Megan came home for the weekend to join in the celebrations and we had a wonderful time with lots of laughs and love.  Ella's wonderful friends really spoiled her with some very thoughtful gifts and enjoyed an afternoon at our house for a lunchtime party.  In a world where people are suspicious of the motives of young people and where teens are regarded in a negative light, it is lovely to see that Ella has picked her friends so wisely.  Both the boys and girls are polite, well mannered, friendly and engaging.  My daughter is well loved, respected and  cared for by her posse of pals and I am very happy about that!

Ian spoiled me on my birthday.  He took the day off to be with me, which was wonderful.  As if that wasn't enough he also surprised me with my brand new toy...a gorgeous laptop!  Thanks to the kids for helping with the surprise!

My eldest son is visiting this weekend which will be wonderful.  He makes me so very proud, I can't wait to see him and his girlfriend.

I know I say it a lot, but I really do feel incredibly blessed in my role as a wife and mother.  I wouldn't swap what I have for anything in the world.

Blogcamp 2012

I attended Blogcamp last Saturday and as well as learning a lot of stuff....albeit a lot that has caused me lots of headaches...I met up with a lot of fellow bloggers and enjoyed catching up and chatting with everyone.  I am really grateful to Sally for all she does for us.  I think the blogging world is on the cusp of great change, and I am doing my best to embrace this and hoping it leads to great things for our vibrant and diverse community.

Fab TV

I know it's shallow, but anyway....with Dexter, Desperate Housewives, Homeland and Touch on the tellybox, I am enjoying some topnotch TV programmes.  Add to that the fluff that is The Voice, The Apprentice, TOWIE and One Tree Hill and I am loving my television right now.  Ella and Meg are also telly addicts so we share the joy of sitting together on the sofa, watching TV and trying to second guess the plotlines! 

Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen

My Beautiful Daughter is 16 This Weekend

People complain about teenagers.  But the stereotype of a monosyllabic, door slamming, liberty taking, ungrateful teen, couldn't be further from the truth when I think of Ella.  She is truly a shining light in my life, a girl with empathy, compassion and a loving heart.  She is a wonderful daughter and an amazing sibling to both her older and younger siblings.  She adores her grandparents and brings them such joy as she performs for them on her guitar or gives them hugs letting them know just how much she loves them.

Even as a baby, Ella had an ethereal quality, a sensitivity and delicateness that made her seem vulnerable both physically and emotionally. As a teen, she may have her demons but she also has an inner strength which I know will win through.  She amazes me with her resilience and determination and we are coping with our problems together as a family. Nothing will extinguish the bright light that shines inside her, however hard it tries.

My baby girl has grown into a talented, intelligent, creative individual.  She loves to draw and her bedroom walls are covered in sketches of her favourite Disney characters (alongside photos of her favourite horror film icons!)  Her music fills our home.  She is independent, I've never had to nag her to do homework, revise or tidy her room.  She has a strong moral code and consequently is given total freedom, yet she has never betrayed our trust.  I know that choices she makes are right for her at that time and I respect her decisions. She does incredibly well academically, but has a humility that I find humbling.

I sometimes thinks my kids sound too good to be true, so to balance things out, she hates kittens, spends ages doing her hair, is an absolute nightmare to hurry along in the morning and has a strange and macabre fascination for serial killers and horror films!

So, I give thanks for the child that I was blessed with sixteen years ago and celebrate the colour, complexity and richness that she has brought into our life.  Ella means "bright light" (Greek origins) and I can't think of a more appropriate name for my daughter.  Happy Birthday Ella xxx

What Happened On The Day You Were Born?

Obviously, to me, the most exciting thing in the history of the world to ever happen on the day I was born, was the fact that I was born!  However, other events have been going on on this date since man first invented the calendar.  Exploring this is the idea behind this meme.

Jo from Given to Distracting Others tagged me...thanks for that Jo!  And here are the questions along with my carefully researched answers!! 

When is your birthday?

April 24th

Pick three people who share your birthday and share what you know about them.

Barbara Streisand - singing, acting, Oscar winning superstar...Well Hello Dolly!  She has sung some of my favourite sing-along-songs: The Way We Were, Memories, No More Tears and You Don't Bring Me Flowers.  

Paula Yates - troubled wife of Bob Geldof, lover of Michael Hutchence, and love child of Hughie Green. She used to co-host the tube and I never liked her, especially as I had a crush on the Boomtown Rats frontman and thought she was way too trashy for him.  Her heroine overdose in 2000 on her daughter's 10th birthday marked the end of her colourful yet tragic life.

Shirley McClaine - award winning actress from Terms of Endearment and Steel Magnolias (blubfest!!)  Warren Beatty's big sister.

Is anyone listed as being born on the same day as you (ie the same year)? If so, what do you know about them?

1969 was the year of mine and these people's births:

 Elias Atmatsidis - Greek footballer and Greece's goalie in the 1994 World Cup.

Melinda Clarke- American actress who played Julie Cooper in The O.C. (One of my guilty TV pleasures!) Now this is really depressing...she is my age and look at her!!

Viveca Paulin - Swedish actress and wife of Will Ferrell!

(...not the most exciting bunch of possible 'separated at birth' contenders!)

List three people who died on your birthday and tell us what you know about them. 

Estee Lauder - cosmetics and perfume giant who lived to be 94.  She said: "Beauty is an attitude. There's no secret. Why are all brides beautiful? Because on their wedding day they care about how they look. There are no ugly women – only women who don't care or who don't believe they're attractive." ...she's never seen me first thing in the morning then!

Wallis Simpson - other half of Edward and Mrs Simpson.  Edward VIII abdicated to marry her...and now Madonna has made a film about it all.  How romantic!

 Vladimir Komarov - a Soviet cosmonaut died in Soyuz 1 when its parachute failed to open. He was the first human to die during a space mission.  Not a great thing to be famous for :(

List three notable events that took place on your birthday.

2005 – Snuppy the Afghan Hound, the world's first cloned dog, was born in South Korea. (I can't help wonder if they later ate him??)

2005 – Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was inaugurated as the 265th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church taking the name Pope Benedict XVI.  At 78 he was the oldest Pope to be elected and he caused a stir when he was linked to Hitler Youth.  He doesn't like gays or condoms.

1953 – Winston Churchill is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.  Sir Winnie! 

Tell us about a holiday that falls on your birthday.

There is no particular holiday on April 24th bar some random Democracy Days for far flung countries.  However, we had Easter Sunday on my birthday last year and I got to have cake and Easter eggs...how cool was that??

Tag some other lovely bloggers.

Lou from Bloggomy ....hehe you'll have to think of different answers to mine ;)

Helen from The Crazy Kitchen

Danielle from Blog By Baby

Carolin from Mummy Alarm

Click on the badge at the top of the post to grab the code and enter your post in a linky.   

Hallmark Cards for Every Ocassion

Leading greeting cards company Hallmark has just introduced more choice to their already extensive card range.

Bellissima is a beautiful collection of exquisitely handcrafted cards, perfect for those looking to express simple yet meaningful messages to loved ones.

Consisting of 39 sophisticated designs adorned with intricate, unique and delicately applied attachments, they are complemented by pearl envelopes for the perfect finishing touch.  They are perfect for when you want to send something extra special including designs for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, engagements and for messages of thanks.

The range is available from £2.99 RRP from selected Hallmark stores, card shops and supermarkets.

An exclusive Vintage range, inspired by Britain's rich design history, has been launched in conjunction with Wayne Hemingway founder of the Red and Dead brand.  The twelve designs pay homage to glamorous past eras from the 50's to the 70's, following the trend for all things vintage in fashion and design.  This range proves that the past is not passé and makes this part of Britain's cultural heritage accessible to a whole new generation who will love the Rock 'n' Roll Fifties and  the Swinging Sixties imagery, with the range's cool retro graphics.

The Vintage Range is available from Tesco stores nationwide priced from £1.69 RRP.

I was sent a selection of Hallmark's cards from the new ranges.  They are all of the highest quality and the designs are diverse making sure that there will be a choice to suit everyone.  The Bellissima cards are beautifully crafted and uniquely designed with added jewels and gems to make them look really special.  The Vintage designs are really cool and funky.  The retro images are brought perfectly up to date with quirky slogans, making them the perfect card for sending to fashion conscious friends.  My family will be spoilt with their Hallmark cards this year!

Check out www.hallmark.co.uk to discover thousands of card designs covering all occasions, including a range of personalised cards.