
Well, I’ve suggested some affordable gifts for Mum, as well as some interesting days out to celebrate Mother’s Day. But if your budget is really tight (don’t worry, I’m with you!), here are a few gift ideas that will cost you nothing but your time and effort. Take a look:
1) Make a Playlist
Remember that Susan Boyle song that you couldn’t stand but Mum loved? Add it to an iTunes playlist, along with all her other favourites, to create a personal prezzie. You may even stumble across a few guilty pleasures of your own in the process! (ABBA? Anyone?)
2) Say It with a Photo
C’mon, who loves cheesy family snaps more than Mum? Pick a favourite photo, or perhaps one she’s never seen before, and frame it for a lasting Mother’s Day memory. If you can’t choose just one, why not go bigger and make a collage?
3) Tidy up
Give the house a top-to-bottom clean – and yes, that includes doing the laundry. Mum will love how tidy and fresh everything looks and smells, and she’ll have no excuse not to put her feet up!
4) Cook a meal
Do your best Jamie Oliver and cook Mum her favourite dish. If you’re not a whiz in the kitchen, recruit your siblings or Dad to help out. Even if it doesn’t turn out Le Cordon Bleu, she’ll appreciate the thought nonetheless. And when you’re all finished in the kitchen, refer back to point number 3.
5) Spa Day
Take your mum to the “spa”, a.k.a. your living room. Set up your favourite nail polishes, makeup and face packs then treat her to a spa-like experience. Remember to make some fresh cucumber sandwiches and have ice tea on hand for authenticity!
6) Mummy & Me Time
Maybe you’re a student wrapped up in studies, or perhaps have your own family. Whatever your busy schedule, try to leave Mother’s Day clear of plans. Spend some quality time with your mum, just like when you were a kid. She relished those moments then, and she will now.
However you celebrate, remember that Mother’s Day is this Sunday, March 14th. Forgetting would be the worst gift you could possibly give!
As awards season draws to a close, the grand finale is fast approaching. C’mon, they might be a bit long, but you always watch. So why not watch the Oscars en masse this year? Celebrate the 82nd Annual Academy Awards with a party!
I’ve selected some vouchers to help you throw a shindig without breaking the bank. With less than a week to go before the big night, you’d better get cracking! Stock up on some champagne and chocolates, and watch the stars while feeling like one:
Step 1 – Watch the Nominees
Use our Blockbuster UK vouchers and get unlimited DVD rentals for one month. Go down the nomination list and rent as many as you can! If some aren’t out yet, why not see some other flicks your fave nominated actor has been in? (Read: Watch Colin Firth emerge in a wet shirt in P & P for, you know, research…)

Step 2 – Fill the Fridge!
With Brits nominated in the Best Actor and Best Actress categories, there’s a good chance you’ll need to crack open some champagne! Use our Adnams Cellar & Kitchen vouchers to get free delivery on orders over £125. Stock up on red and white wine, bubbly, beer and more.
Step 3 – Stock Up on Food
The Oscars are the epitome of posh, so go all out on your food selection. Use our London Fine Foods vouchers and pick up goodies like caviar, fruit purees, cheese platters and truffles.
Step 4 – Decorate!
Create your very own red carpet with Drinkstuff vouchers, and save on a party bundle. They have a movie section filled with decorations and themed goodies to instantly transform your drawing room into the Kodak Theatre.
There’s a full list of nominations available for free download on a printable ballot from the official OSCAR website. Nab one for you and your guests to really turn up the competition!
Happy watching, everyone!
I have a real soft spot for fashion’s bad-girl Peaches Geldof. I love her attitude as much as I love her style! Her evolution from boho-hippie to A-list fashionista has seen her front row at shows in New York and London recently. With her enviable style, she’s not hard to miss!
With Fashion Union vouchers you get a double whammy: 15% off your first order and free shipping. With such a great deal, you can afford to pick up a few signature items from Peaches’ wardrobe. Take a peek into her style file…
Tyra Dress
At the Bulgari 125th Anniversary Celebration, Peaches rocked a little black frock that perfectly complemented her peachy complexion. She paired her dress with soft waves and red lips, and was, very appropriately, the picture of elegance. Try this look at a semi-formal ‘do.
Nicky Dress
At Beth Ditto’s Evans Launch, Peaches opted for a more colourful look. This dress is great on its own at summer garden parties, and for current colder months, pair it with a crop jacket, tights and ankle boots to rock it up.
Lace-Up Peep Toes
Peaches played it elegant yet edgy at the Dolce & Gabbana’s Fabulous Night in Cannes. The fashionista paired her big-shouldered dress with gladiator-inspired sandals similar to these. The ankle-band looks best with a shorter dress, great for a night out.
Plait Detail Belt
A good belt can take an outfit from drab to fab in no time. True to her rocker roots, Peaches regularly pairs a belt with dainty outfits to give them some edge. Try it with everything from your favourite denim to that flowery number your Nan bought you! Belts aren’t just for trousers anymore.
Morocco Check Jacket
Peaches opted for a casual-chic look at the V Magazine Fashion Week Party. Her short-sleeved jacket added just the right amount of style. I love pattern and colour of this one, and it lends itself to all seasons.
Astoria Skinny Jeans
A favourite of both Peaches and sister Pixie, skinny jeans are simply a must. They make legs look longer, can be paired with virtually anything, look as great with heels as they do with boots and can be dressed up or down easily. Need I go on?
Divino Necklace
A long necklace can be either the perfect complement to an outfit, or the centrepiece. At the Harvey Nichols Hosts a Dinner for The Row event, Peaches gave her long necklace a starring role over her simple two-tone dress.
Nab Peaches’ stellar style for less with our Fashion Union vouchers. After all, if you look like a star, you’re bound to feel like one.