Mum's The Word

Whoever that special lady in your life happens to be, this Sunday is the time to indulge her and even humor her love Cliff Richard if that is what she desires. So rather than just giving her a half eaten box of chocolates and the only bunch of flowers left in town, try something a bit different.

You could try surprising her. Back when I was little and my Mum loved a home made card (who am I kidding - she still loves them!) my brother and I got a bit sidetracked from designing a card Hallmark would be proud of. Instead we decided what Mum would really like is if we gave each other haircuts using our crinkle clown scissors. I can still remember her little face now when we woke her to show her our stylings, me sporting a pineapple look (my brother lopped of my half-up ponytail) and Robert with a micro fringe.

Okay, so don't take that tip for Mother's Day; perhaps that is only 'cute' if you are six. Instead try these ideas:

Film Night
Rent out your Mum's favorite film and have a girly evening watching it together, eating chocolate and drinking wine. You will definitely need the latter if your Mum has taken a fancy to Mamma Mia! and insists you both sing along...

Get In The Kitchen
Make fairy cakes together. This sounds very twee but it will be like when you where a little kid, but this time your mum will actually be up for eating all the cakes and not sharing with anyone else. She no longer has to set an 'a good example to you' so make the most of it!

Credit Crunch Dining
Taking 'her indoors' out for a meal sounds good in theory, but if you can knock her up a nice Sunday roast at home she will love it. If you are no domestic goddess, then head down to Marks and Sparks - they are doing a Mother's Day meal for 4 (including a bottle of wine) for £15.

On The Razz
Get dressed up and go out. Everyone likes an excuse to get dressed up and your mum is no exception. A couple of drinks in a nice bar/pub will leave her proud to be out with you and will make her remember why it was worth putting up with you, even through those difficult teenage years (remember when you were a bit of a cow?).

Catch Some Live Music
Listen to some live music. Check out your local listings to see if there are any little gigs going on near you. From jazz to covers bands, Sunday is usually a good day to catch a gig. Make sure that you blag a seat and have enough room for a bit of mum-dancing at the end of the night.

Tea For Two
Take her out for afternoon tea. You get to indulge in yummy scones and unlimited tea while you have a girly gossip (make sure your remain ladylike throughout though). You even get to make the 'I'll be mother' gag when you pour the tea. Great.

Indulge Her
Do something your mum loves doing. This sounds simple but it will make her day if you take an interest in her. So do what it takes - get her to teach you how to belly dance, go for a jog or do a bit of gardening - it will be more fun than you think. Honest.