We had neighbours over for dinner last night and against my better judgement (I don't usually drink more than 1 glass of wine!!) - I drank a gin & tonic and about 3 glasses of wine. My lovely neighbour bought along a chocolate moose for dessert - VERY rich and we ate really late - I am slightly allergic to chocolate - sometimes get a light rash - and normally I wouldn't eat it but I felt obliged as she'd bought it along. So, I was an idiot - I drank more than I should, I ate chocolate late at night, then I hardly slept and had to get up at 6.30 for kids. So hardly suprising that I'm feeling horrendous today. I haven't been able to eat a thing and feel totally nauseous. OK, I know I bought it all on myself but we've all done it right??! Anyway, the BIG problem is that tonight I have to go with dh to a posh dinner party at his boss's house - I am DREADING it - but I absolutely have to go - and as it's only 4 of us, it will be SOOO obvious if I don't/can't eat or drink and look generally jaded. I am so worried but am trying to put on a brave face for dh who is clearly worried too!!! HELP LADIES - QUICK. I need ideas on how to get my act together by 8pm tonight!!! I have 2 kids so can't head for bed which is what I'd love to do but please please any ideas to get myself back on track pronto???

Thanks so much....

Stick the kids in front of a DVD and go for a long soak in the bath (if they are old enough to be left for a while); drink lots of water and/or orange juice; whack a face mask on; exfoliate and paint your nails. And eat a slice of wholemeal bread and an apple at the very least.

OK! squeeze half a fresh lemon into a mug of boiling water, cool slightly and drink it. This starts to cleanse the liver. You should feel a little better...try it a couple of times before you go out.

thanks - just tried the lemon drink - yuk but at least it went down!! should I really try and eat or save myself hoping that my appetite comes back??

Can you go, but say that you are feeling under the weather and might be coming down with flu to excuse your lack of appetite? or say you've had a bout of food poisoning (only a white lie as yoour body thinks the chocolate has poisoned it). I'm sure they will understand.

go out for a long walk

Amandella, would you be able to have a nap? I have just woken up from the most delicious 20 minute snooze and feel energised.Could your DH watch the children while you snuggle down to catch some zzzzzzzzs? It seems to reset the body.

Don't do a face mask. It may bring out spots. You need to do them a couple of days before a big event.

Eat something, but not too much before you go out. You don't want your stomach shocked if you do decide to eat tonight. Dry toast or a couple of biscuits?

Have some bread and milk before you go if you intend to drink alcohol.