Okay its my 18th in August and i really wanted a party but i cant choose what to do!
My mum was thinking of getting a marquee and having a bbq, dance floor, and a bar… we also thought themed party like alice in wonderland/ black and white tie event. I was also thinking of taking my close friends away on a spa weekend somewhere.. however i just feel i need some fresh ideas so i need you guys to come up with a few more options for me pleaseee! the max amount of money ive got is £1000, and my mum isnt keen on renting out anywhere because we live on a farm already so she says its pointless spending money on somewhere when weve already got the space to put a marquee or whatever… although i would rather have it somewhere ive already picked out the venue i would like but she’s not up for it.

it’s my 18th birthday in July and I’m having a garden party Mines going to be loosely based on alice and wonderland but I’m not doing the full fancy dress and crazy decorations thing because a lot of my friends are boys and won’t bother! I was also thinking of a marquee to start with but thought that I would rather have the money to spend else where but if I had a lot of people coming and spare cash then I would go with one without walls ( like this http://heartofengland.bouncycastlenetwork.co.uk/thumbs.ashx?img=jousting%20tent%20marquees.jpg&s=l ) or it could get a bit claustrophobic and you won’t be taking advantage of the summer weather! You can get lots of inspiration from photos of garden parties online. I like the idea of paper lanterns ( like this http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lfmwm33XNP1qb1ua7.jpg or this http://www.jessicaclaire.net/images/content/01tablewide.jpg ). you could do shots or small cocktails/punch in bottles like this http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yeGTlXynb7E/TLZ0W-z78VI/AAAAAAAAB3g/TMl5nqCs5ds/s1600/gwendolyngracephoto.jpg ) and make little tags like these ( http://countrydays.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/alice-party-picks.jpg?w=450&h=450 ) to put in sandwiches/cupcakes etc. I’m going to fill big silver buckets with ice and dot them around with bottles of beer etc. then I’m choosing some nice cocktail recipes and having a table with liqueurs on for people to make their own (i’ll print the instructions out and leave them on the table). Buy lots of things like candles/lanterns/paper doilies/pretty plates and cups/flamingos for outside/fairy lights etc. to make it feel like a proper alice in wonderland party and you could even set up a game of croquet (the game the queen of hearts plays in the film if you didn’t know) and turn it into a drinking game or something somehow! another idea is to dot playing cards round the table with markers and have a box so that guests can write messages on them and leave them for you to keep. that way you could make a kind of scrapbook to keep afterwards with photos and the playing cards etc i wouldn’t worry about the venue. it’s fun to organize an event from scratch and you can keep a lot of the things you buy to use again. you also have the benefit that people can arrive and leave when they like whereas a venue might throw you out early. A spa day is a nice idea but it can be a bit pricey. I’m going to get my hair and nails etc. done with friends on the day and going out for afternoon tea afterwards My local bar has a ‘mad hatters tea party’ where you get a teapot filled with cocktail and little cups and saucers to drink from so thats another idea. Be creative, have fun, take lots of photos and don’t worry if you aren’t in a glitzy venue. You can always go out for a night in town either after the party if it’s early evening or another night soon after. As long as you are surrounded by close friends, a nice atmosphere and drinks you’ll have the best time! hope this helps and sorry for the essay haha

Hi all,
Ok I know a little early but im expecting my first baby on Nov 26th and my mobility is decreasing day by day and would love to get most my christmas shopping done!! Ive not many to buy for but I am at a COMPLETE blank (im blaming the pregnany for the memory loss!!). I hate giving vouchers and loove my presents to be the ones they talk about! I try to buy as cheap as possible but il be on a budget of about 50eur(35GBP) per person. So heres a rundown.
My dad. 46,An organic farmer, hates wasteful things and that!
My mum. 45,Passionate about cooking but has all kitchen gadgets going! Like being a bit girly but say a spa treatment is not what she likes.
My sister.26, Lives in OZ so present has to be light. A girly girl and also expecting her first in May 09.
My sisters fiancee 27. A professional rugby player, so very sporty.
My partners family:
His mum 50. Into alternative healing say reki/accupunture, loves housey bits.
His dad 50. Very reserved man so very hard to know what he’s into! Like horse racing and is always on the move either mowing lawns, planting veg etc.
His sister 27. Quite sporty, loves partying and fashion not her best fortae!
His other sister 16. Very girly, loves make up, clothes, shoes etc.
His niece, 7. Into that little hand held playstaion, teddys, bratz and high school musical.

Thanks in advance! Im at such a blank!!
x:)

dad. 46- Whisky, classic tv programme boxset?
My mum- Good Food magazine subscription?
My sister.26- some nice maternity pyjamas?
My sisters fiancee 27. Aftershave?
My partners family:
His mum 50. Aromatherapy gift set
His dad 50. Does he drink? Maybe appreciate a good whisky or something (most older men do!)
His sister 27. Alcohol gift set- you know the kind of cocktail set ones you get in supermarkets at xmas time (also on page 214-215 of the Boots gift guide)
His other sister 16: Fill a gift bag with lip gloss, mini perfume, mobile phone charms etc
His niece: There’s lots of High School Musical & Hannah Montana stuff on the Boots website (link below!)

*As you & your sister are both having babies then a nice photo album is a good idea.
*If you are really stuck for someone then you could get one of the charity gifts- thats what my sister does for "secret santa" at work & everybody loves it! (link below)
*Also, remember Boots do 3 for 2 on almost all their xmas gifts- a great way to save money & they have a big selection for all ages!

Right, i just started my period last night. But today i was meant to go swimming/spa/sauna/steambath with mum. And i promised her. So without breaking her heart, is there any solution where i can go there and have same fun but with period? would tampon help? :/

just use a tampon and you’ll be good to go.
but dont forget to change it every 4-6 hours.

the thing is she’s got a lot of clothes already and she hardly wears make up or buy any beauty products. I bought her a spa voucher last year. I want to buy her something different. I don’t mind spending time with her on a day out but I really don’t know where to go

I totally have it! Last year my daughter bought me a fair ivy surprise package subscription and i loooooved it–I really like creative surprises and mail. You get a new surprise package each month full of luxurious, cute and fun goodies.

It made me feel really special and it’s fun bc the gifts keep coming every month so its like your gift goes on forever

and we were both naked?

we have always been pretty close

Not strange at all …. a mother and daughter should feel comfortable enough to be naked together ….. and enjoy the naked company of a man together …… I’ll just get my swimming shorts ……..