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Spoil yourself on Mother's Day
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Mother's Day is coming up, why not set some time aside and spoil yourself this year, even if you're not a mom.
Article: Erla-Mari Diedericks from Ideas
Image: Getty
5 ways to celebrate winter
  • Cuddle up in the evenings in a fluffy gown and soft, warm slippers.
  • Stock up on hot chocolate and marshmallows.
  • Thaw cold toes in front of a fireplace – if you don't have your own, track down a cosy restaurant that does, and while away a chilly evening.
  • Get out the goose-down duvet and spend cold nights in bed with a book. Frosty winter mornings on weekends are the perfect excuse not to get out of bed at all.
  • Revel in not having to have smooth legs every day!

    Quiet time
    Jane Scrivner, author of Detox your mind (Piatkus), advises that you take a day for yourself. Create your own quiet retreat at home by cutting yourself off from all outside stimuli. Unplug or turn off the phone, switch off the radio and television. Don't answer the door or read any books or newspapers. Pack away clocks and watches and resist the temptation to clean the house. Retreat in silence and get back in touch with yourself, or simply use the time to unwind.

    Tea for one
    Have a tea party all by yourself or invite a few close friends. Use porcelain teacups, your favourite linen and spoil yourself with little vases filled with plump, fragrant roses. Enjoy traditional treats such as scones, crumpets or sponge cake. Make your own cucumber or watercress sandwiches – cut the crust off white bread and spread with cream cheese, layered with cucumber or watercress. Infuse your favourite tea, such as Earl Grey, with rose petals.

    The origin of afternoon tea
    The ritual of afternoon tea started with the hunger pangs of a duchess. Anna the 7th Duchess of Bedford, caused a scandal in the court of Queen Victoria when servants were seen slipping in and out of her boudoir carrying covered trays.

    The Queen soon found out that Anna simply couldn't contain her munchies until dinner – traditionally at 9pm – and ordered pastries and tea to her room. This soon caught on among the upper classes, giving rise to the ritual of afternoon tea.


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