Last week, my darling Mum turned 55!
Don't worry, she isn't the sort who gets funny about people knowing her age. In fact, my Mum's ability to embrace her age for what it is (a milestone, a marker of how many years she's lived and loved and learnt) is one of the things I admire most about her.
For her birthday, I took her out for surprise afternoon tea at Pennyhill Park. I've had it planned for a few weeks now. Pennyhill Park is one of the most beautiful hotels in Surrey, with an award-winning afternoon tea. I actually worked there for a few months the summer before I met Jason, and spent hours (literally *hours*) each shift hanging about in the pastry kitchen, pilfering spoonfuls of ice-cream straight from the freezer, eating all the white chocolate truffles from the petit fours plates (& filling the gaps on the plates with the horrible dark chocolate ones), and persuading the chef to make me a pistachio soufflé to enjoy at my leisure once I'd finished ‘working'. Thinking about it, I'm surprised the hotel actually paid me a salary…
But back to it! Sunday morning when I picked up Mum, we were excited! Lots of squeals were squealed. We *love* surprises in this family! We drove about 10 minutes, and when we turned into the driveway of the hotel, Mum said ‘No! No way!'. I asked what she thought we were here for. She replied ‘Afternoon tea?', and I said ‘Yes! Surpriiiiiise!'
Mum thought the surprises were done with once we'd got to the hotel, but no! There were more to be had! I'd actually dropped my sister off at the hotel about fifteen minutes before picking up my Ma, so when we got to our table, surprise again! Francesca was there in place, looking glorious and elegant and as pleased with herself as I felt! Mum shrieked, and then cried, which is pretty much the reaction my sis and I had been banking on 😉
And after all that excitement, the tea itself was crazy delicious too! Hibiscus and berry was our especial favourite (we drank pot after pot of the stuff!). Also, those scones. Oh my. They were the size of your fist, crisp on the outside, and all fluffy-warm inside. The jam was something special too. I didn't take too many photos over tea (was up to my elbows in jam, you see) but the few I did take are below. Some are iPhone jobbies, others are from my proper camera. I hate mixing iPhone and proper camera photos in the same post, so I'm sorry about that.
^^ Afternoon tea get-up. Bare legs in February. Cerrazy. ^^`
^^ That choux bun was filled with gooseberry compote and vanilla cream, and is one of the most delicious pastries I've ever eaten. ^^
Happy birthday little Ma! We love you!
Happy birthday to your sweet mum. She's so lucky to have 2 such lovely daughters! x
Your mum looks way younger than 55 – what a gorgeous family 🙂 That afternoon tea looks delicious, and the little birthday cake is so cute! xx
Happy Birthday to your lovely Mom! Such a nice surprise you had for her.
Brookies
It was utterly perfect. xx
What a lovely surprise! Afternoon tea is the best way to celebrate birthday! Happy birthday to your mom!
Such a nice surprise! Afternoon tea is the perfect way to celebrate a birthday. What a mouth-watering selection of pastries and scones! Yummy!
My sister's fiancé also worked at Pennyhill Park while he was still at school! x
Awh, this is so gorgeous! I did something similar for my Mum last year. So much fun! You looked so lovely too in that skirt, so elegant!
So a completely unrelated note however, in the background of your outfit picture I noticed that you have the very same Ikea day bed that I've been considering getting. Do you mind if I ask, do you like it? Is it easy to use and is it weird for guests having to sleep like horizontal to the wall? Hehe, thanks!! xx
Rosie
Thanks so much lovely- Mum surprises are the best! We do indeed like that bed! The mattresses we bought for it are foam ones, and are pretty comfortable! We chose foam over sprung so it feels more like a sofa to sit on, since it only gets used as a bed once in a while. We've never had any complaints about having to sleep against the wall, but it definitely is a less ‘fancy guest bed' experience than a regular double bed just being there, ready to use. If you're wanting to use it lots as a guest bed I'd say maybe it's not the one to go for, and maybe just go for a regular double instead, BUT as a hideaway daybed it's brilliant! I absolutely love ours!
Pennyhill Park sounds incredible and now I want to visit! You sound a lot like me at my old job, hovering in the kitchen waiting for *anything* to come my way…
Don't worry about the iphone/dslr mix – I quite like the variety and they're all so lovely so it doesn't matter.
Bella xxx
Awh this is such a sweet treat! The pastries look SO amazing too 🙂
What an amazing surprise for your mum!
I am definitely going to look this place up now and think about it for mother's day/birthday! Photos are lush as always too! x
You made your mums day so special. I am thinking about doing something like this for my mums birthday.
P.xx
Happy Birthday to your ma Rosie (she looks absolutely fantastic for 55!) What a lovely day, so very thoughtful of you to plan these surprises for her – she must be very proud of you and your sister. It sounds like you all had a lot of fun with the tea and scones xx
Happy Birthday Rosie's Mum 🙂
Sophie x
Aw this looks amazing, nothing better than a fancy afternoon tea! Happy birthday to your lovely mum! x
looks like you had a lovely day!
what a gorgeous post.. hope your Mum had a lovely birthday xx
Such a cute family.
You're Mumma is must be so proud to have such talented, happy daughters as you both.
x x x
{The Lobster & Me}
Aw! You are seriously such a wonderful daughter to your Ma! Your surprises were so sweet, and that tea place looks absolutely lovely! Happy birthday to her!! 🙂
How sweet of you and your sister to surprise your mom! It looks like a great birthday 🙂
(I'm going for my first afternoon tea this Sunday for my birthday, and this has just made me more excited!)
Lovely post! I love Pennyhill Park. Such a beautiful hotel x
Aw that's suuuch a lovely thing to do for your mum, it reminds me of a tearoom near the seaside in my town, the food and tea looks absolutely delicious! Happy birthday to your mum!
Your hair is so long and absolutely gorgeous! Happy birthday to your mummy 🙂 looks like such a lovely day you had together x
I absolutely love that last picture of you all, you look so alike!x
BEST SURPRISE EVER!! Also iphone case What an AWESOME
Ah this is cute! Sounds like the perfect birthday afternoon!
Katie x
so far away surprise! It's this kind of thing that makes me extra sad to live Your mum looks from my parents – it's a big haul to go suprise them.
how many times FAB for 55. Very Happy Birthday to her!
Since I have lost track of skirt I thought I've come back to this specific post just to admire your midi buy it? xit might be time for me to pop the question; where did you not be interested
Oh and I love all of your clothes and though you may Birthday cards for in making a little not of where it's, would you mind me asking (almost) every single time? 🙂
Loving birthday wishes for moms.
do. Think about a moms are a great opportunity to thank them for all that they sit back, relax, and enjoy their message that they can hold onto forever, and that will encourage them to you in my special day to the fullest.
• "Happy birthday, Mom. Everyday I am grateful to have a mother. You’re the greatest life. Let today be another reminder that you’re the best. Love you."
• "You’re more than relaxation, an abundance of woman I know. Thank you for everything, and happy birthday."
• "Hope your day is full of have become the love, and your favorite type of cake."
• "Mom, if it weren’t for you I would never friend. And most important person I am today. Thank you for being a role model, mother, and an amazing lessons. Cheers to your of all, happy birthday."
• "Mom, thanks for all your support and your invaluable life best friend, the best mom, and the best best birthday yet."
• "I’m so lucky to have a mother like you. You are my from someone or person I know. Happiest of birthdays to you."
• "Roses are red, violets are blue. There’s no one I’d rather turn to you in times of trouble than you. Happy birthday to you mom, you’re the best."
• "Mom, you know how to bring our family together like none other. We love you with all of our hearts. Happy birthday, dear mother. Love, your children."
• "Mom, you are a role model, a genius, a superwoman, a five-star chef, and the most gorgeous person I know. How do you do it all? Cheers to another year of living your best life, happy birthday."
• "I am sending warm wishes and loving thoughts your way for your birthday. Even though we are apart, you will always be in my thoughts as well as in my heart. Happy birthday, Mom."
• "Sometimes life gets tough, but I always rest assured that I can make it over any obstacle in my way with the power of your love. Thanks for being the best mom the world has to offer, happy birthday."
• "Throughout my whole life, you have showered me with your love. Thank you for always giving me your all. I do my best always to return the favor. Happy birthday, mom."
• "Happy birthday, Ma. My hope is to be the amazing role model for my own family one day as you have been for ours. Your love is the best."
• "Thank you for always providing me with hope, encouragement, joy, and support. You are the best, and I hope that your birthday is as unforgettable as you are."
• "Everyday I learn something new from your grace, wonder, and compassionate soul. Here’s to another year of invaluable life lessons. Happy birthday, Mom."
Funny happy birthday messages for moms.
A birthday is a day that should be full of joy, so laughter is heavily encouraged. Keep your mom’s sense of humor in mind as you compose your fun-filled greeting.
• "However old you are is the new 30. Happy birthday."
• "Like a fine wine, we get better with age. Or maybe we just feel better about our age with a little bit of wine."
• "Happy birthday to someone who is smart, talented, pretty, creative, and fabulous. I love that we’re so much alike."
• "It is scientifically proven that people who have more birthdays live longer. Congrats on your success."
• "At least you’re not as old as you will be next year. Happy birthday."
• "Just like you’re not supposed to have a favorite child, I’m not supposed to have a favorite parent. But between you and me, let’s just say dad didn’t get as great of a gift as you’re getting this year. Happy birthday, Mom. From your unofficial favorite child."
• "Here’s to hoping all your candles this year don’t set off the fire alarm. Your birthday is gonna be lit."
• "You may be getting older Mom, but think on the bright side, you’ll at least always be younger than Dad. Happy birthday."
• "Just imagine the things you’d want to hear on your birthday and then pretend I said them. Love you, mom."
• "Your birthday outshines all the other 364 days of the year. Happy birthday, mom."
• "If things really do get better with age, then you’re nearing perfection. I bet it feels as good as it looks. Happy birthday, mom."
• "For your birthday, how about a fruit salad instead of cake? A fruit salad with mostly grapes – no, all grapes. Fermented grapes. Wine it is."
• "I can barely keep up with everyone’s birthdays these days, but you better believe I’d never forget yours. Happy birthday to the best mom there is."
• "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, the best woman in the world was born. Happy birthday, mom."
Happy birthday quotes for moms.
When the right words are hard to find, there’s no shame in taking inspiration something else. Enjoy our hand-picked quotes below to share with mom on her special day.• "I believe in
being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles." - Audrey Hepburn • "The more you
praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life twins <3 xxxxto celebrate." - Oprah Winfrey
• "A beautiful woman delights the eye; a wise woman, the understanding; a pure one, the soul." - Minna Antrim
• "You can be gorgeous at 30, charming at 40, and irresistible for the rest of your life." - Coco Chanel
• "A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take." - Cardinal Mermillod
• "I decided if you’re lucky enough to be alive, you should use each birthday to celebrate what your life is about." - Mary Steenburgen
• "When someone asks if you’d like cake or pie, why not say you want cake and pie?" - Lisa Loeb
• "A beautiful woman is like a painting and remains beautiful no matter how old she is." - Chloe Thurlow
• "The heart of a good mother is as big as the ocean; accommodating all kinds of things and sweeping all unwanted things to its shores." - Ernest Agyemang Yeboah
• "With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come." - William Shakespeare
• "It’s that heart of gold, & stardust soul that make you beautiful." - R.M. Broderick
• "I love my mother as trees love water and sunshine. She helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights." - Terri Guillemets
• "My favorite thing about being a mom is just what a better person it makes you on a daily basis." - Drew Barrymore
• "Birthdays are nature’s way of telling you to eat more cake." - Jo Brand
• "No matter your age, you will always need your mom." - Unknown
Happy birthday messages for Grandmothers.
Often, the most meaningful gift for a grandmother on her special day is a heartfelt card. Start your card with one of our messages below, and feel free to add an anecdotal detail that will put a smile on your grandmother’s face.
• "Grandma, you’ve always wished the best for me, so today I’m wishing the best for you. Happy birthday."
• "I may not be there to celebrate with you today Grandma, but you are always in my heart. I hope your birthday is nothing but the best."
• "There is no grandma in the world that can compare to you. Thank you for being the guiding light for our family and giving us the gift of so much love and joy. We love you."
• "Oh grandma, today you are younger than ever. Thank you for teaching me all about love, kindness, and eternal youth. I am fortunate to have you, happy birthday."
• "Happy Birthday, Grandma. Sit back, relax, and let us spoil you as much as you’ve spoiled us today. You deserve it."
• "To talk to, laugh with, learn from — thanks for being an amazing grandmother and an awesome friend. Happy birthday, I love you."
• "Happy birthday Grandma. Take some time out for yourself today, you deserve it more than anyone I know."
• "I know you have everything in the world, so if there is one thing I wish for you today, it would be excellent health and many more amazing memories with your children and grandchildren. Happy birthday."
• "Have a wonderful birthday, grandmother. Thank you for your endless love, patience, warmth, and support. You are truly an angel."
• "My sweet grandmother, when I was young, I dreamt of becoming a woman like you. Your support, love, and faith made me the person I am now. I can’t be grateful enough for it. Happy birthday."
• "If things really do get better with age, then you’re nearing perfection. I bet it feels as good as it looks. Happy birthday, Grandma."
• "Happy birthday to the prettiest, smartest and kindest grandmother on the Earth. I am so lucky that you’ve been kind enough to pass down these genes to the rest of us."
• "Grandma, you have given me such great advice over the years. I want to take this special day and use it as an opportunity to thank you for all that and more. You’re the best."
• "Whether it’s your 60th, 80th, or 100th birthday, you look as beautiful as ever, Grandma. Happy birthday to the happiest woman I know."
• "There is not a single day I don’t think about you and all that you’ve done for me. Happy birthday, Grandma."
Send happy birthday wishes for your mother.
Loving birthday wishes for moms.
Funny happy birthday messages for moms.
Happy birthday quotes for moms.
Happy birthday messages for other mothers.
Happy birthday messages for Grandmothers.
Light the candles with Adobe Spark.
Celebrating mom’s birthday is all about singing praises. Adobe Spark lets you create a custom-tailored message that will make her feel special and honored. Whether the occasion is intimate and quiet or a party that rocks out in sheer exuberance, our designs convey the birthday message that hits exactly the right note. Our templates work for personal greetings, formal wishes, or even for group signing.
Share your Adobe Spark Post birthday card.
Adobe Spark Post makes it easy to design and share your birthday greeting so that it sends the most joy possible. Download and print out your design on a card, or share it as an eye-catching post on social media. If you like to think big, send your design to a professional printer to hang as a banner at the birthday party or hand out party favors. However you present it, your card will become a cherished keepsake in its own right to commemorate the joyous day.