15 Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

15 Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

by | May 1, 2023 | At Home, Mother's Day, Spring

Find the best gift for Mom amongst these awesome Mother’s Day gift ideas and you’ll be sure to make her feel extra special this year!

15 Mother's Day gift ideas - child holding gift and card behind her back standing in front of mother

It’s that time of year again to show an extraordinary mother in your life how much you love and appreciate her with a special gift. Let’s look at some ideas that’ll make her feel important. Whether you’re a spouse, kiddo or not even related to this exceptional mother, you’ll find the perfect Mother’s Day gift that shows her how much you care.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

1. Spa Treatments

Who doesn’t love a relaxing spa treatment?! Depending on your budget, treat mom to either one special treatment or make it a whole day of pampering.

    • Mani-Pedi

Treat Mom to pretty nails in her favorite color. Upgraded services include longer sessions with extra massage or added designs for her nails. Some provide parrafin wax treatments for extra moisturization or salt and sugar scrubs. Your spa may even offer Mom a glass of Champagne.

    • Facial

Set Mom up with a facial for a little pampering this Mother’s Day. She can choose a treatment to best fit her skin needs and leave feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.

    • Massage

How about a massage for the hardworking Mom in your life? Does she like a relaxing Swedish massage or is she in need of a tension reducing deep tissue massage to work out those knots? Hot stone massages are a soothing option and improve circulation. Whatever Mom’s cup of tea is, she’ll be delighted with this thoughtful gift.

2. Handmade Mother’s Day Gift from the Kids

Get the kiddos together and make a handmade gift for Mom. Not sure what to make? Click here for Good Housekeeping’s awesome list of ideas.

3. Jewelry

Does Mom like jewelry? Consider jewelry made with her favorite stone or metal. Maybe a locket with a picture of the kids or family inside is the perfect sweet and classic gift for the mom in your life. A bracelet with charms that mean something special to her is another thoughtful gift and something you can add to for her birthday or Christmas.

Mother's day gifts - spa treatment, handmade gift from child, jewelry, painting pottery, candles

4. Pottery Painting

Take Mom to paint pottery. Usually, you choose an already made piece and paint it as you desire. They’ll then throw it in the kiln for you and you pick it up a little later. This is a fun one for the whole family or something Mom can do with a friend when she needs a break.

5. Scented Candles

Get Mom some nice candles this Mother’s Day. A seasonal scent for spring or summer is a great option. Fresh floral scents are great for this time of year or tropical scents are always fun going into summer. Another idea is lemon, which is a classic scent that’ll freshen up any space.

6. Concert Tickets

Does Mom have a favorite band or musician, or does she like a certain style of music?  Does she love country or is rock and roll her thing? Maybe she prefers the symphony or jazz. Whatever her taste in music, treat her to concert tickets or a night at the jazz club.

7. Book by Her Favorite Author

If Mom is a reader? Does she have a favorite author whose books she can’t put down? If so, grab her a book and see if you can get it signed by the author.

8. Body Care Items

Consider treating Mom to some luxurious hand cream or silky foot lotion with spa socks. Perhaps she has a preferred scent and would like some nice body lotion. A pillow spray in an aroma therapy fragrance is also a nice option or even a favorite perfume or fragrant soap.

Mother's Day gift ideas - concert tickets, book by author, body care items, wine and paint night, adopt furry family member

9. Wine & Paint Night

How about treating Mom to a wine and paint night? These are fun and relaxing whether she’s an artist or not. Canvas and paint are usually provided, and the instructors often do a great job of breaking down the steps to painting your masterpiece. Many ask you to bring your own bottle of wine and some have it for sale. If you’re of an age where you can join her, do so for some good ole fashioned quality time. If not, make sure to send her off with a buddy to enjoy the night with.

10. Adopt a Furry Family Member

Do you have the time, love, patience and financial means to care for a pet? Has Mom been dreaming of a sweet little doggie or kitty friend joining the family? If so, head to a local shelter and rescue a furry critter that’s looking for a family. They’re a big responsibility, so make sure you do your research and are ready for the commitment!

11. Wine Club Membership

If Mom appreciates a nice glass of wine, sign her up for a wine club membership. Even if she’s not a wine connoisseur, a wine club membership is a great way to learn about and try new wines. They’ll often send monthly bottles and even have special member-only events and give discounts on the purchase of additional bottles.

Mother's Day gift ideas - wine club membership, do Mom's chores for a week, flowers, breakfast in bed, photo memories

12. Take Over Mom’s Chores for a Week

Give Mom the week off from chores! Set her up in front of her favorite movie or that new book you got her with her feet up and get stared. Divide tasks up amongst the whole family. Take out the trash, fold the laundry, make the dinner, mow the lawn and whatever else she normally does to keep the household afloat and do it with a cheerful attitude the whole week!

13. Flowers

Spoil Mom with her favorite flowers for Mother’s Day this year. The classic gift of flowers can be fresh cut bouquets or potted plants. This is a great gift for any mom, but with all the delivery services out there, it’s an especially great gift when you don’t live close by.

14. Breakfast in Bed on Mother’s Day Morning

Let Mom sleep in and get the family together in the kitchen and put together a nice breakfast for Mom. Try this tasty Strawberry French Toast Bake or her favorite pancakes. Bring it to her on a tray with a handmade card from the family telling her why she’s loved and appreciated.

15. Framed Photo or Photo Book

If Mom has a photo of the family that she just loves, have it printed and put it in a nice frame as a Mother’s Day gift. Consider what size to print, the color of the frame and what space she might like to hang or display it.

Another option is a photo book of the family. Choose photos from a recent trip or a collection of favorite photos over the years. Create a photo book online or add printed photos to an album you think she’d like.

Thank you for taking a peek at the best Mother’s Day gift ideas! Which one is your favorite?

Let me know in the comments below!

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15 Ways to Ease Post-Vacation Blues after Spring Break Travel

15 Ways to Ease Post-Vacation Blues after Spring Break Travel

by | Apr 3, 2023 | Adventures, At Home, Spring

Post-vacation blues will fade away with these tips and tricks that’ll keep your memories alive and help you transition back to everyday life.

Several years ago, my husband earned a trip to Hawaii through work, and we were fortunate enough to fly to paradise that spring mostly on the company’s dime.  It was my first time there and upon our return home to a cold, wet and gloomy Oregon, I came down with the post-vacation blues.

When we got home, my every-day reality felt depressing. I just wanted to go back, or LIVE there!  I started looking at real estate and dreaming about how we could make the move, but soon came back to reality and instead started thinking about how I could bring a little Hawaii to our humble Oregon abode.

A few days later, in an effort to climb out of the funk I was in, I decided to make a tropical dinner that reminded me of Hawaii.  My hubby and I turned on some Hawaiian music and found a live webcam close to where we stayed looking right at the ocean.

Just as we were finishing dinner the doorbell rang.  I kid you not, it was a delivery of chocolate covered macadamia nuts, just in time for dessert.  My husband’s boss sent them to thank my husband for his hard work the previous year and they just happened to arrive at the PERFECT time!

Later that night, we got back on the webcam to watch the sunset.  It made for a great date night. It cheered me up and was a fun way to transport ourselves back to Hawaii and ease those post-vacation woes.

Over time, embracing the memories and letting the vacation live on at home sent the blues packing.

What are Post-Vacation Blues?

Did your vacation give you a chance to get away from the everyday stresses of life? Maybe you experienced a new place or an epic adventure, or perhaps you had well needed quality time with family, friends or loved ones.

Whatever it was that captured your soul on your recent vacation, if you’re back home facing reality, and feeling downright depressed, post-vacation blues may be the culprit. Are you experiencing any of the following?

  • Not wanting to leave your vacation destination and dreading going home
  • Re-thinking your every-day life or feeling like you want to move to the destination where you spent your vacation
  • Feeling extra tired or fatigued
  • Experiencing a loss of interest in regular activities
  • Feeling sad or moody
  • Changes in appetite

Sure, most aren’t excited for their vacation to end, but for some it goes deeper than that. So, if you’re feeling blue, come with me and we’ll explore some ideas to help you embrace you travel memories, transition back to real life and experience a little joy along the way.

How to Ease Post-Vacation Blues

1. Tell Someone About Your Vacation

Give a friend or family member a call and tell them about your vacation. Perhaps you know someone who’s been to the same location and you can exchange stories and experiences.  Tell them about what you hope to do on a future trip.

Also, reminisce about the vacation with your friends or family that you traveled with. Exchange pictures and ask them what their favorite part of the trip was. Although the excursion is over, the memories stay with you and can help turn the sadness to joy.

2. Research the History and Culture of the Destination

Did you visit any museums or historical sites or attend any cultural events at your vacation destination? Further research the history and find out more about the people, culture and what makes them who they are today.

3. Print Photos from Your Trip

Find some of your favorite pictures from the trip. Print them up and put them in a fun frame. Display them on a wall or shelf at home or put one on your desk at work.

4. Create a Picture Album, Slideshow or Video

Put time aside to organize your pictures in a fun way so you can look back on the memories often. Creating a digital picture album can be a lot of fun.

You can also turn your photos and videos into a slide show. Put an evening aside and enjoy watching it with friends and family.

5. Use a Favorite Photo as Wallpaper on Your Phone and Computer

Choose some photos to display on your phone, laptop or desktop. I prefer using a different photo for each and like to switch them out often to enjoy as many memories as possible.

6. Create a Social Media Post

Sharing your experience on social media is a great way to reflect on your trip and engage with others. You may learn others have spent time in the same location. Some social media platforms show memories on the anniversary of when you post, which are always fun to look back on.

7. Watch Movies, TV Shows or Videos Filmed in the Area You Visited

Look up movies or TV Shows filmed in the location you visited. Search YouTube to find creators that visit or even live in the area.

When we got home from my first Hawaiian vacation, I found a YouTuber that lived on Maui. She walked around and filmed life out and about and it was fun to see what it was like to live there. I often found myself watching one of her videos while eating breakfast and sipping on coffee before work. It felt like a mini vacation before heading out to my car in the rain!

8. Make a Meal and/or Beverage that Reminds You of Your Vacation Destination

Did you have a favorite meal or a tasty beverage while you were traveling? Look up some recipes and ease post-vacation blues by recreating them at home. It’s fun to learn new recipes and you never know, they may become new staples in your home.

9. Find a Live Webcam in the Area You Vacationed

Look around online for a live webcam located in your travel destination. As mentioned earlier, we found one at a Hawaiian resort close to where we stayed when we arrived home.

10. Listen to Music that Reminds You of Your Travel Location

Did you enjoy any music that represents the culture of your travel destination, or did you have music playing while you were there that reminds you of the vacation? Make a playlist you can listen to while having dinner or exercising.

11. Find a Scent that Represents the Location You Visited

Did you know the sense of smell is closely tied to memory? Find a scent that reminds you of where you visited and you’ll be transported back to your happy place. Ideas include  a candle, lotion, room spray, perfume, or even a fruit or spice.

12. Start Planning a Return Trip

Even if you’re unable to go back for a long time, start planning now. It’s never too early to start saving. You can start a travel savings account or piggy bank. Do some research now and make itineraries. Half of the fun is in the planning and anticipation!

13. Plan a Small Local Getaway or Fun Activity

Try planning a night or two away within driving distance or find something fun to do locally. Sporting events, concerts, or going to a movie you’ve been looking forward to can cheer you up. Perhaps there’s even a restaurant locally that serves the cuisine from the location you traveled to.

14. Write Down What You are Thankful For

Try writing down 10 things you are thankful for, with half being vacation related and half being what you’re grateful for in everyday life. Although it’s fun to reflect on your vacation and even plan the next one, it’s good to be present and content right where you’re at.

15. Talk with Someone About How Your Post-Vacation Blues

For some, post-vacation blues may not be so easily cured. If you find yourself having a hard time transitioning back to everyday life and feel a longer-term depression setting in, please speak to your doctor or a professional counselor and be assured that better days are ahead for you!

Let Me Know What You think!

    • Which one will you try first?

    AND

    • What other ideas do you have to relieve post-vacation blues?

     

    Leave a comment below.

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    How to Make an Easter Centerpiece

    How to Make an Easter Centerpiece

    by | Mar 20, 2023 | At Home, Easter, Spring

    This Easter Centerpiece is the perfect way to add spring holiday charm to your dining table. It’s fun, pretty, easy to do and sure to welcome whoever sits at your table. 

    How to Make and Easter Centerpiece with wooden tray, candles, greenery and Easter eggs

    I have fond childhood memories of joyous anticipation of the Easter holiday as it came our way each spring. My brother and I would decorate eggs and look forward to the friendly Easter Bunny stopping by.

    We’d wake up on what was normally a rainy spring morning excited to see what goodies the friendly bunny brought our way. Several sweet treats adorned our baskets, including chocolate bunnies, yellow sugared marshmallow chicks, crème filled chocolate eggs and jellybeans, all sitting atop shiny green Easter grass.  We were always delighted.

    We’d also dress in our Sunday best and head to church to celebrate our faith and the peace found in God’s grace, a gift that we are so humbly grateful for.

    Over the years we’d also sit around the Easter table alongside family and friends and enjoy a meal together. I remember looking forward to buying a home and having a space to decorate and entertain for such holidays and that dream eventually came true.

    One of the first things I did to decorate our new space was add a centerpiece to our dining table. I wanted to put something together that was nice, but wouldn’t break the bank, something I could easily modify when the season changed, or a new holiday was on the way.

    Here you’ll find the Easter version of that centerpiece. So come with me and I’ll show you what you’ll need and how to put together this sweet little table decoration.

    Why you’ll love this Easter Centerpiece

    • It’s simple and enjoyable to put together.
    • The base pieces can be used all year long, making it easy to change just a few items for any season or holiday.
    • You can add your own creative touches to personalize it to your taste.
    • It adds pretty, fun and festive flair to your dining table.
    • You can choose a size and shape to match any table.

    What You Need for Your Centerpiece

    • Tray, Board or Shallow Bowl (a base for the centerpiece)

    How to choose the right base piece for my table

    There are many shapes you can use on your table. For my centerpiece, I’m using an oblong, rectangle tray to match my rectangle table, but it’s not the only option. Depending on the size and shape of your table, choosing a square, circle, oval or unique shaped base can work too.

    Take a peek at the graphic below. Find the shape of your table, represented in white, and look at some centerpiece shape options, represented in gray.

    Also consider the size as it relates to your table. A small centerpiece on a large table can get lost, while a large centerpiece on a small table can be too overwhelming. You want to make sure there is room to set the table and eat around it!

    • Candles

    How many candles should I use?

    When doing your centerpiece, choose an odd number of candles, but consider how big your table and base piece are to make sure they will fit properly.

          • Table Seats 2 People: 1 Candle
          • Table Seats 4 – 8 People: 3 Candles
          • Table Seats 10 – 12 People: 5 Candles

    What candles should I choose for my centerpiece?

    In my example I’ve chosen candles in a soft cream color, which contrasts nicely with the other pieces in the centerpiece. White candles are a great choice too. I recommend the neutral options because you can use them in every season, which we’ll discuss a little later.

     I’m using real candles in this case, but battery-operated candles are a great choice and a lot safer, so I’ll always recommend them over the real thing. I never leave my real candles unattended and only light them when we are sitting down eating a holiday meal. I also don’t burn them down very far because of the flammable greenery!

    Another thing to consider is if you’re using an oblong centerpiece on an oblong table, you can either choose candles that are all the same height, or taper in size, with the middle being the tallest. With round or square centerpieces, try using three different sizes of candles and grouping them together similar to the graphic below.

    • Greenery Stems

    What type of greenery should I use?

    I chose several stems with soft green leaves, some with white flowers and buds. Craft stores or online retailers with home goods and décor are great places to find greenery. Look for either soft or bright green to give it a spring touch. Palm leaves are another great option for Easter.

    Wherever you shop for your greenery, you’ll often have the option of small or large stems. Oftentimes you can save money by using a few larger stems as opposed to several smaller stems. Many times you can pull the leaves off of the stems for your centerpiece or at least cut it into smaller pieces using wire cutters and/or scissors.

    • Easter Eggs

    What eggs should I use?

    Faux pastel eggs look nice with the soft greenery and are the perfect way to add an Easter touch. Like the greenery, you’ll often find Easter eggs at craft stores and online retailers. Some are solid in color and others have patterns or graphics on them. You can even find some you can decorate yourself or with the kiddos.

    How to Put Together the Centerpiece

    So you have everything you need, now let’s take a look at how to put it together. It’s quite simple!

    Step 1: Add the candles to your base piece (tray, board or bowl).

    Step 2: Arrange the greenery on the base piece, around the candles, spreading it out evenly so you cannot see the bottom of the tray, board or bowl. Allow leaves to drape out over the edges here and there.

    Step 3: Place the eggs in the centerpiece so they are meandering throughout the greenery. If you opted for multiple different colors of eggs, make sure to spread them out.

    Step 4: Place it on your table and enjoy!

    Easily Change the Centerpiece to Match the Season!

    Spring: You can use this centerpiece all spring long by simply taking out the Easter eggs.

    Summer: Simply replacing the Easter eggs with faux lemons gives it a summery touch. If you chose palms for your Easter centerpiece, just removing the eggs gives it a summery look.

    Fall: Remove the greenery and replace with orange, red and/or golden fall leaves for a cozy autumn centerpiece.

    Winter: Snowy branches are a great choice in place of the greenery. You can even add little Christmas ornaments around the holidays.

     

    I hope you enjoyed making this festive centerpiece with me!

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    3 Best Spring Break Activities for Families Staying Home

    3 Best Spring Break Activities for Families Staying Home

    by | Mar 6, 2023 | At Home, Spring

    Staying in town for spring break and looking for something to do? Look no further than these spring break activities! They’ll keep you and the family entertained, having fun, and creating new memories.

    So, you’ve decided to stay home this year for spring break.  Maybe the budget is tight or you just aren’t up for traveling this year, but whatever the reason, I’m here to help! Take a look at the spring break fun below to keep you and the kiddos happy and enjoying the break.

    Spring Break Activity #1: Backyard Camping

    Why not pitch a tent in the backyard or set your sleeping bag up outside under the stars? Leave those phones and tablets inside and head outside for some good ole fashioned family fun.

    What To Do During Your Spring Break Backyard Camping Trip:

    • Campfire – Get out the fire pit, set up the camping chairs and warm yourselves by the fire.

     

    • Eat Dinner – Roast up a hotdog or brat, throw a can of baked beans in the camping pot and enjoy some quality time around the fire as you eat dinner.

     

    • Eat Dessert – What’s a camping trip with out roasting up some marshmallows? Step up your game even more and make s’mores. Get creative with your s’mores and try them with peanut butter cups or mint chocolate. Yum! ***Gluten free friends – did you know there are multiple brands that make gf graham style crackers?!
    • Ghost Stories – Tell your favorite family friendly ghost story! If you don’t know any, look some up beforehand. Another fun way to do some story telling it is to make one up with the whole family. The first person starts with a sentence or a phrase and you go around the circle and each person adds a phrase or sentence until someone decides to end the story. Here’s an example:
        • Person 1: It was a dark and stormy night…
        • Person 2: and the house was cold.
        • Person 3: Jim Bob and Margo went to start a fire when…
        • Person 4: a bat flew out of the fireplace and into the house.
        • Person 1: This wasn’t just any old bat, it had…
        • Person 2: one red and one yellow eye!

    You get the idea. You’ll be sure to laugh at what everyone comes up with.

    • Play the Would-You-Rather Game –Have everyone come up with two things to ask the rest of the group and everyone goes around and answers. Here’s a couple of examples:
        • Would you rather have a pet snake or a pet spider?
        • Would you rather play in the ocean or snowboard down the mountain?
        • Would you rather jump in an ice-cold pool and stay in for 1 minute or clean the toilets?

    They can be fun things or things that no one would want to do. Either way, it’s always entertaining to learn how everyone will answer and why. This is a fun spring break activity whether you’re camping or not. Try it around the dinner table now and again for some fun quality family time.

    Spring Break Activity #2: Plant a Fruit and/or Vegetable Garden

    Spring is the perfect time for planting and what’s more fun and educational for the family than growing your own food? If you’re not much of a gardener, choose a couple of fruit or veggie plants to place in planters. If you consider yourself a plant pro with a green thumb, try out that large garden bed.

    Steps to Planting a Fruit/Vegetable Garden:

    • Research what fruits/veggies grow well in your area.

     

    • Based on what will grow where you live, choose some crops that you will eat and enjoy having in your backyard.

     

    • Research how to care for them. You can look online, but consider also speaking with someone at a local nursery or in the garden section at your local store. You’ll often find more specific information from a local expert on how to best care for plants, specifically in your area. You’ll want to know the following:
      1. How much sun do they need and what’s too much? ***Consider where to place your planters or garden bed in your yard based on sun needs. Some plants need morning sun and afternoon shade, for instance.
      2. How often do they need watering?
      3. What soil works best?
      4. What fertilizer/nutrients/plant food will they need and how often and when?
      5. What tools will you need?
    • Decide how many plants you want to care for.

     

    • Choose where you want to plant them (in planters vs. garden bed).

     

    • Purchase what you need. There are some great kid-sized garden gloves and tools out there. You can even find adult garden gloves in fun colors and styles to make it more fun.

     

    • Enjoy planting with the family!

     

    • Track the progress with pictures every few days.

     

    • When the plants produce fruit or vegetables (long after spring break is over) have the kids help you with a recipe that includes something from the garden. It’s a great lesson to see where food comes from and how it goes from seed to food to in your belly!

    Spring Break Activity #3: Scavenger Hunt

    How about a Scavenger Hunt? Variations of this fun game can be done with small children wanting to hang out with their parent/s, all the way up to teenagers wanting a little independence.

    Where and How to Do a Spring Break Scavenger Hunt?

    • Nice Weather? Head Outside for a Walk or Bike Ride! If your spring break weather is nice (or at least tolerable) head outside for a scavenger hunt. Make a list of items to hunt for while out on a stroll or bike ride and see how many you can find!
      • What to Hunt for Outside:
        • Local wildlife or animals – See if you can spot birds, bunnies, squirrels, or even domestic pets you might find in your area.
        • Local trees and plants – Search for either native vegetation or plants and trees commonly planted and grown in your area.
    • Poor Weather? Head Inside to the Mall or Grocery Store!

    The mall is great for teenagers. Set them loose at the mall for an hour or two for this fun spring break activity.

    At the grocery store, kids can learn about the cost of food, how to read grocery store tags, how to find budget friendly items, where to find various items and more.

      • What to Hunt for at the Mall?
        • Clothing Items, Shoes, Toys, Sporting Equipment – Make a list of specific items to hunt for (i.e. red high heels, blue sweatshirt, basketball). Split into teams and have them take a picture of each item. See who can find the most items in the allotted time with no running allowed (let’s not alert the mall cops, ha ha)! They get a point for each item found on the list, but only get points if they find something different than the other team/s (a different brand or style of red high heels, for example).
    • What to Hunt for at the Grocery Store:
      • Grocery Items, Makeup, Household Supplies, Pet Food, etc – For kids who are old enough, make a random list of items you would find at a grocery store. Send kids out to shop for those items. Have them try and find the least expensive version of the items and write them down or take a picture on their phone if they have one. Then tally up the cost at the end and see who has the least expensive bill.
      • Grocery Items You Need – Make your grocery shopping trip into a game. If they’re old enough, give each kiddo three groceries and see how long it takes to come back with the items (without running). For younger kids, just have them help you hunt for items. Look at tags together and see if they can tell you how much an item is or find point to numbers on the tags.

    Whether your spring break activities include a backyard campout, planting a vegetable garden, doing a scavenger hunt, or all three, you’re sure to have a fun time and create some new memories!   

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