Got a picnic to plan? You can make a picnic as fancy as you please, but if you want to keep things super simple, use our checklist below and enjoy the outdoors.

Do you need to level the playing field when it comes to footy? Pop these definitions in your back pocket and you’ll never be short of conversation when it comes to NRL or AFL (…for those who do not know the difference between the two – please see NRL and AFL – suggest you do a bridging course by way of 3 minutes on both sites before attempting to use the terms below!)

Looking for a venue to host a hen's party, birthday bash or just a fantastic girls’ day out? We think a day at the races is the answer. There's nothing like frocking up, sipping a glass of your favourite tipple and taking in the action - both on and off the field! Send out one of our racy invites created especially for you.

If you are a fan of eating and drinking well, then this weekend, indulge your passion for culinary delights by asking a friend to join you at a food and wine event.

There’s no excuse for being stuck with nothing to do this weekend! We’ve got ideas to beat boredom – in all states and territories. Here’s what’s on near you (most of these events are perfect for Mother’s Day):

Aussie Day is just around the corner and there’s no excuse not to get out and enjoy all that is… Australia. There are so many great ways to get into the spirit with local, state and federal governments all hosting activities this year. There will be live bands, fireworks, photographic and art exhibitions, entertainment for the kids and more. There are over 5,000 events planned for NSW alone!

The weather may be cooling down, but that doesn’t mean you should sit at home in your trackies every night from now until spring arrives in September. Making an effort to go out with your partner for a regular date night ensures you don’t slip into the humdrum of spending every night on the couch – co-ordinate diaries to pick a free night, then book the babysitter ASAP! Here are some fun date-night options which don’t cost a lot but are sure to inject a little romance into your day-to-day lives:

It’s Bastille Day next week (Wednesday July 14), so why not get in the spirit with a gathering to celebrate everything Gallic? Either host a party at home, or head out to a Bastille Day event … here are some ideas:

Are you having an end-of-winter crisis? Can’t remember what your body actually looks like under those tracksuit pants, bulky jumpers and ugh boots? Well, it’s time to shed the winter layers – literally and mentally – and shape up for spring with our inspirational tips.

Mad for rugby? The Bledisloe Cup matches each year see our mighty Wallabies go up against the All Blacks.

The Chinese believe you should eat ‘lucky’ foods to bring on a prosperous new year, and clean your house to sweep out the bad luck from last year ... sounds to us like getting ready for a dinner party!

Get out and about these Christmas holidays and check out what your city has on offer.

Got Irish heritage in your family tree? Even if you don’t, St Patrick’s Day is still a good excuse for a themed party. Go green on March 17 and decorate your place with banners, balloons and badges featuring shamrocks and leprechauns. Oh, and stock the fridge with Guinness if it’s your kind of tipple! Or simply invite a few mates to hit an Irish pub together to dance a jig and have a drink. We’ve got lots of cheeky St Pat’s Day invites you can use.

Those four crazy gals from NYC are back in the next installment of their fabulous lives – yes, the wait for Sex and the City 2 is finally over! We all love fantasising about living the high life like Carrie, Sam, Charlotte and Miranda, so invite your own posse of girls to see the flick in style together. Here’s how:

Do you love Christmas and all things festive? Then don’t wait another six months for December to finally roll around. Instead, celebrate Christmas the way those who live in the Northern Hemisphere do – when it’s wintery and chilly outside, and warm and cosy inside!

Here’s an interesting cause to support: Live Below the Line, a campaign designed to help us understand the obstacles faced by those who live in extreme poverty. The challenge is to live for less than $2 a day for a week, like 1.4 billion people do around the world.

Whether you’ve just embarked upon a new relationship or actively dating in the quest for the perfect partner, taking note of a little dating etiquette is certain to impress your potential life mate. Here are some classic do’s and don’ts of the dating world:

Make the most of the extra hours of light that daylight savings brings – don’t you just love leaving the office when the sun is still shining? Here are some top ways to make the most of daylight saving:

If you’ve got a few hours spare, maybe it’s time you became a volunteer? It might sound like a daunting commitment, but most organisations will welcome you even if you can only help out infrequently.

Thinking of getting away for a ski weekend? Check out our favourite ski sites and leave more time to plan your après activities.

Have you got a mini-break on the horizon? Lucky you! Whether you’re heading off as a twosome for some romance, escaping the city with a gaggle of girlfriends, or taking the whole family tribe along for the ride, packing is the least exciting part of getting away from the daily grind …

Dads young and old deserve a day of fun with their kids on Father’s Day! So on Sunday 5 September, give him the day off from his usual weekend dad duties and invite him to do something special together. Here are some ways to celebrate Father’s Day and show him how much he means to you:

Spring has sprung, so why not get out and smell the daffodils? What better way to enjoy catching up with friends than over a picnic. Here are some tips to ensure your picnic is as enjoyable and easy as possible:

Can’t wait for the first holiday break since Christmas? The good news is, Easter will be upon us in a month (Friday April 2 to Monday April 5), bringing four blissful days off from the office grind. Bring it on!

Get out and about and do something interesting this Easter long weekend!

Spring Racing Carnival kicks off in a few weeks in Melbourne, with 50 days of racing excitement to be had. In Sydney, Royal Randwick Spring Carnival starts on 25 September and runs through to 2 November (Melbourne Cup Day, of course!). Here are some ideas to gear up for a day at the races, whether in Melbourne, Sydney or at your local racecourse.

When the coldest season of the year is finishing up, we can usually think of a million reasons to be glad spring is coming. But here are a few positive things about winter to help get through those last few weeks of dull weather!

With outside socialising at its peak during summer, remember to protect yourself from sun damage. With a little planning, you can stay safe in the sun, and enjoy yourself even more along the way.

Gardening is a really fun activity for kids to get involved in – and it’s also a unique party idea. Send out a greeny invite, then gather a selection of inexpensive supplies like small plastic or terracotta pots, seeds or seedlings, potting mix and trowels.

Sooner or later, most of us get roped into helping out with a local interest group that we’re a part of, such as your netball club or children’s school. And if you find yourself on the fundraising committee, you may be expected to not only come up with ideas for raising dosh, but also organise the fundraiser itself. But where to start?

Then rush to view our bright new Tupperware party designs – there are 12 funky e-invites to choose from, and each is sure to inspire lots of enthusiastic replies to your Tupperware party.

Another long weekend is headed our way thanks to the Anzac Day public holiday on Monday 26 April. So take off in the car after work on Friday or early Saturday morning to enjoy the time off!

Need some exercise, but also lacking the motivation to get off the couch? Get a group together for an exercise session …

Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival is upon us with exciting events like Derby Day and the Golden Slipper, so here are five ways to make your girls’ day at the races super-fun:

Spring is a beautiful time to host a garden party. Go all old-worldly and feminine and set up a traditional tea party at your place. Think shabby-chic, romantic, pastel and pretty! This is a great idea for a girls-only event such as a kitchen tea, birthday celebration or baby shower.

Is it a while since you had some real quality time with your partner – just the two of you, alone? If you've got children, ask the grandparents or a babysitter to look after them on Friday night, then catch a flick together (flip to see who gets to choose the movie).

As the temperature rises it's the ideal time to head outdoors one balmy night and watch a great flick. There are outdoor cinema options all over the country - here are our top 5 picks:

Yes… when the weather starts to cool down and we turn our entertaining indoors, what better way to keep warm than with some karaoke action. There is a good splattering of karaoke bars around town, so if you’re keen to get a group together and head out for some time on the microphone and air guitar, here are some great options in your city:

Has time got away from you and you’re wondering what to do with 5 days worth of holidays? Never fear! Here are our top picks for some fun in your capital city.

Whether you’re the next Nigella Lawson, or have trouble serving up anything more sophisticated than spag bol, cooking classes can be a fun day or night out for everyone.

Getting out of town for the weekend is a great way to relax, recharge and leave the stress of the working week behind you. Throw in a beautiful location - coast or country - plus a snazzy tent and blow-up mattress for comfort, and you have the ultimate low-key, low-cost getaway.

With the onset of Winter, long weekends are now few and far between. Here are some suggestions on making the most of it in your area (sorry WA, nothing for you here - you got your day off last week and the Queens Birthday to look forward to in October).

You’ve invested in a gorgeous dress, and some don’t-mention-the-price shoes. Make sure you complement your outfit with the right undergarments, to ensure the best possible look on the day.

A big night under the stars: whether watching a classic from Hollywood’s golden age, the latest action blockbuster or a smoochy chick flick, taking in the movie magic under the stars is simply an unforgettable experience.

The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade has become an iconic part of Sydney's cultural landscape … and the 2010 event will be no exception. Billed as ‘the world’s premier gay and lesbian arts festival’, it is set to take on a new format, covering a two-week period in February and March 2010. The festival will kick off with Fair Day on 21 February, and the stunning Parade itself will strut its stuff on 27 February.

Farmers’ markets are a fantastic concept: producers bring their food direct from the farm to you, meaning you can purchase a range of high quality, beautifully fresh food as you wander from stall to stall.

There's something about water that makes you feel calm and relaxed, isn't there? Think nautical thoughts this weekend and gather a group to enjoy some antics on a boat - big or small, fast or slow-moving, you decide...

We’re lucky to have some of the most spectacular NYE celebrations on the planet available for free.

Footy fever has certainly arrived, and to celebrate, we’ve created some awesome new football e-invites that are perfect to get your mates together for some finals action. We’ve got Rugby League, Aussie Rules and Rugby Union covered, so you’re sure to find something to match your footy celebrations here.

It’s a tacky catchphrase but one that we all know well. And come Australia Day and Anzac Day, there are always plenty of people shouting it out! Yes, these two public holidays are special days to celebrate being Australian.

Are you heading off on a winter mini-break? Whether you’re headed to coast, country or city, cool-month getaways inevitably mean you have to pack much more gear than for summer trips.

Who doesn’t love a drink or two around the silly season? Champers, beers, cocktails, shots, RTD’s … Hey, there are stacks of ways to celebrate! With Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve all coming up, the end of the year signals one big party. Yee ha!

It’s the last hurrah – summer is in its final weeks and for lots of us who’ve enjoyed a long, lazy break, it’s finally time to head back to uni or work. You might think that a big night on the booze is a fitting way to farewell summer, but in reality, a binge drinking session is far from a good idea.

Aahh, summer... don’t you just love it? The beach, Australia Day barbies, and lazy days by the pool. Throw in some cheeky wines, beers, cocktails, spirits or RTD’s and the good times just keep on coming. But when you misjudge your alcohol intake, all that summer fun can go scarily pear-shaped. Yep, we’re talking about binge drinking

There’s nothing more refreshing than spending a glorious winter day outdoors. Without the humidity and blistering sunshine of summer, winter picnics can be even more fun.

Love to pound the pavement? If you’re a runner, no doubt you’re a regular in events like the iconic City2Surf. So when you’re done with all the huffing and puffing, you deserve a post-race celebration!

To be certain that your summer holiday is not only super-fun but also super-safe, here are some issues to consider before you head off.

Lawn bowls is one of those activities that used to be seen as a little daggy – that is, until everything retro became cool again, and taking up your grandfather's favourite past time was suddenly an acceptable way to spend your Saturday!

Cruising your local night market is a fabulous way to spend a balmy summer evening with friends. Packed with great food stalls and interesting gift ideas, night markets offer great alternative shopping ideas. Enjoy the energy and entertainment of buskers, bands and bustling stall holders.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival might just be your answer. This furious festival takes over Melbourne every autumn and sits alongside Edinburgh and Montreal as one of the biggest in the world.

The 2010 ski season is opening in a matter of weeks, so it’s time to plan and book your winter ski holiday. Even if you can only take a couple of days off, you can still head to the slopes for a long weekend of skiing or boarding, mulled wine by the fireside, and throwing snowballs. If you’ve got a week or more off, even better!

Don't panic, we're not suggesting you clean all weekend long - there's no fun in that! But a change of season is a nice chance to freshen up your home and de-clutter, then show off your work by having some friends around.

The days are getting a little longer and warmer, and there’s plenty of sunshine to enjoy. Yes, spring is the perfect time of year to hit the hiking trail with the family. You’ll get some exercise, won’t get too sweaty, and the kids will love the incentive of walking to a destination such as a waterfall or lookout.

Let’s celebrate the fact that spring is just around the corner – next week brings the start of September, which means farewell to hot water bottles, nights huddled by the heater, and endless rainy days trying to occupy the kids at home. Here are some ways to get out and about to enjoy the change in season:

St Patrick's Day falls on March 17, so what better excuse to rally some friends together for a drink, a laugh and some great music – three things the Irish do very well!

Warm weather, daylight savings, mangos, ice-blocks, reading books, an afternoon snooze, swimming, playing in the park, rumbling with your pets, enjoying the sunshine ... It’s not hard to come up with a billion reasons why summer holidays are looked forward to by everyone!

Picnics are an easy way to entertain – they create a casual vibe for whatever occasion you’re celebrating, and a park location provides loads of open space for the kids to roam (while the adults laze about!).

We like this cause because it involves two things most of us enjoy: eating yummy cupcakes, and looking after lovable animals! Cupcake Day for the RSPCA is being held on Monday 16 August, but you can hold your event anytime during August. It’s simple to take part …

Sydneysiders who love a good read and some lively literary discussion should make a beeline for the events happening during the Sydney Writers’ Festival. The program is in full swing and runs through to May 23.

Want to enjoy the racing festivities, without sounding like a complete novice? We’ll ensure you’re a little better informed with some simple equine terminology…

Q. I’m having a family barbeque and my cousin is bringing his new girlfriend, who’s vegetarian. Do I need to cater to her needs?

We all know the importance of being environmentally friendly, and us Aussies are pretty good at it…but why does it go out the window when we’re having a party? For most of us, our priority is making things look beautiful, no matter the cost.

A new survey has revealed that the fave attraction of Sydneysiders is Taronga Zoo, followed by the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge... which begs the question: when's the last time you played tourist and visited one of your home town's greatest attractions?

Many of us have childhood memories of being packed into the family station wagon to travel hours to reach our holiday destination. Dad would torture everyone with his daggy music, Mum would mediate the fights between the kids, and of course, there was no air-conditioning to cool the family down!

The 2010 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is being held from March 12 to 23, and Victorian foodies will be mad to miss it! There are 250 events being held over the 12-day festival period, including 70 regional events.

Winter is a brilliant time to get together with friends. Schedules usually aren’t so busy and there's a great opportunity to make the most of the daylight without the sweltering heat that Summer can bring. If it's been 'too long between drinks', we hope that the following winter party ideas inspire you to get your favourite people together.

We’ve got some suggestions for interesting and different ways to spend the weekend – explore what your area has to offer …

EDITORIAL

Date nights: whether you are in the first throes of a relationship, or have to squeeze in romance around kids, work and fretting about the mortgage, date nights are important, and it can be stressful trying to think of a night which is romantic and enjoyable, stress free, and just a bit different.

Are you a soccer fanatic? It’s fair to say you need to be a really committed fan to either get up super-early (or stay up super-late) to watch Australia’s final game of the FIFA World Cup against Serbia … it’s being played at 4:30am this Thursday 24 June.

Here are five fun ways to embrace the chill with a smile on your face!

Have you noticed the trend towards embracing everything handmade and home-grown? It makes plenty of sense – whether your concern is caring for the environment (the recycle/reuse mantra), saving pennies, or teaching your children to value the simple things in life.

It’s tempting in winter to cover up your body and forget about what’s underneath ... but lurking beneath those jumper layers, there’s bound to be some dry skin waiting to be pampered. We think it might be time to head to a day spa for some skin TLC.