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How to Make Mum's Day Forget Flowers and Chocolates - Make Mother's Day a Memorable One By Pampering Her at Home

Posted on: Thursday, 3 March 2005, 21:00 CST

MOTHER'S DAY is just around the corner. But this Sunday, instead of rushing out to buy the usual bunch of flowers and box of chocolates, give her something she can truly cherish - some time to herself.

From a dinner party delivered to her front door, a manicure in the comfort of her own home, to an exotic shiatsu massage, we've rounded up a list of the best and most unusual treats.

From deluxe gifts to quirky services, KATHLEEN MANSON suggests a host of ideas to suit most mums and every budget.

PERSONAL TRAINING

Ideal for beginners and fitness freaks alike, Linda Lowery will come to your home and discuss your exercise goals.

She can create a training schedule for a specific event, such as the Women's 10k, or simply to get fit. She can also show you a work- out routine that can be done from the comfort of your own home.

Linda can also host a fitness party, with the emphasis on fun, at home for mum and her friends. She will demonstrate how to use everyday household items to get into shape, and can also advise on diet.

Linda Lowery, Fitchix.

Home visit, pounds-40 per session which lasts about an hour. 07932 387 893 and www. fitchix. net BEAUTY THERAPY Tina Steenberg does manicures, pedicures, aromatherapy and Swedish massages and facials.

She brings a portable treatment table can also do tanning treatments and a pregnancy pamper treatment for mums-to-be.

Especially for Mother's Day, Tina has created an organic rose facial, ideal for mature skins, which also includes a single red rose.

She can also arrange a half-day spa treatment at home where your mum can indulge in three or more treatments.

Tina places a big emphasis on time out for mum, with pampering and relaxation the order of the day. Gift vouchers available.

Tina Steenberg. Prices from about pounds-25. 0141 637 5555 and www. tinasteenberg. com HAIR STYLING Chris Cameron makes having your hair done at home a five-star treatment.

Armed with incense and candles, Chris will provide a luxurious head massage as well as a cut and style of your choice.

A hairdresser for five years, Chris specialises in fashion hairdressing for photo shoots and also does bridal hair and make- up.

Chris Cameron, Holistic Hair.

From pounds-50. 0141 550 0033

SHIATSU MASSAGE

Shiatsu is a gentle form of massage suitable for most people.

Practitioners use their fingers and thumbs in tiny, kneading movements up and down the length of the body.

Deeply relaxing, clients wear loose clothing and lie on a futon mattress on the floor that Julie Freedman provides, although she can perform the massage if people prefer to lie on top of their bed.

She is also a reflexologist.

Julie Freedman. pounds-35 an hour.

07980 698647 and www. shiatsu. org

LAUNDRY

Give your mum a break from the washday blues and arrange to have her laundry washed, ironed and delivered to her door. Ace ironing can offer a next day delivery service and also do dry cleaning.

Ace Ironing. pounds-5 per load of laundry pounds-14.50 for 25 items to be ironed. 0141 339 7799

SPRING CLEAN

The annual spring clean can be quite a chore.

Take it off your mum's hands this year and arrange to have her home cleaned from top to bottom.

The cost includes the price of two staff who will wash down paintwork, tiles, inside of windows, light fittings, skirting boards and all those hard to reach places, as well as the standard cleaning of all floors and surfaces.

Will also change the bedclothes and clean the oven. Gift vouchers are available.

Molly Maids.

Price depends on size of home. An average size house with two bedrooms is pounds-80. 0800 389 9476

DINNER PARTY

Treat your mum to a luxurious restaurant-quality, three-course dinner in her own home - and best of all there's no washing up at the end of the evening.

Grace Drummond will do the shopping, cook, serve drinks, canapes, and dinner and then wash up afterwards.

You can choose between a casual or formal dinner.

Menu to be agreed beforehand. Grace describes her cooking style as classic and says a popular main course is chicken breast stuffed with red pepper mousseline, a roasted red pepper sauce, dauphinoise potatoes and shredded mange tout.

The evening is finished off with coffee and home-made tablet.

Gift vouchers are available.

Grace 'n' Flavour. From pounds-25 per head. 07866 459791 and www.grace-n-flavour. co. uk

IMAGE CONSULTATION

Karen Oliver will come to your home and spend time getting to know your mum's likes and dislikes and create a customer profile.

She will raid her wardrobe, establish her tastes and then advise on styles, colours and shapes.

She will then provide a list of garments which mum can either buy herself, or Karen can purchase for her.

Karen also runs a "buddy shopping" service, which involves her accompanying your mum around the shops to pick items for a special occasion or to refresh her wardrobe.

Karen Oliver. Wardrobe Consultation pounds-50. Buddy shopping pounds-17 per hour.

07813 075 099 and www. koliver. co. uk

ONE-TO-ONE YOGA

Julie Hanson is a celebrity fitness trainer who has helped to sculpt the bodies of people such as television presenter Carol Smillie.

Julie will come to your home and describe the principles of yoga, demonstrate postures and guide your mum through some basic postures.

Ideal for those wanting an introduction to the relaxing and invigorating practice of yoga.

Julie provides equipment and will tailor the yoga to suit all fitness and mobility levels.

She will also provide a lifestyle consultation based the principles of Chinese medicine.

Julie Hanson, Chi Yoga Centre.

pounds-50 for an hour and 45 minutes.

07966 875 208 and www.chiyogacentre.com

Source: Evening Times; Glasgow (UK)

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