Three Sweet Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day

I don’t think I really understood the meaning behind or importance of Mother’s Day until becoming a mom myself. Of course, I pampered and expressed my gratitude for my own mother on this special day each year growing up (and still make sure I treat her now that I’m an adult), yet I never fully understood the all-encompassing energy it takes to be a mom and how that job never ends  – until I had a child. While it’s important to tell the caretakers in our lives how much we appreciate them every day, Mother’s Day gives us a great opportunity to extend an extra thank you to Mom, and maybe even spoil her a bit. To me – and probably for many moms – the best Mother’s Day gifts are simple and personalized. But if you aren’t sure what mom wants this year (after all, she never tells us!), read the rest of this post for three simple ideas to make sure she feels the love this Mother’s Day.

1. Serve Mom Breakfast in Bed

This is not a new idea by any means, but very thoughtful and easy to customize with Mom’s favorite breakfast foods. I was given this treat when my son still wasn’t sleeping through the night, and I certainly appreciated the extra minutes in a comfortable bed, as well as a homemade breakfast. The possibilities for setting up a breakfast tray are endless, but here are a few ideas (with recipes) to get you on your way:

The Pastry Lovers Tray: Croissants, turnovers, muffins, popovers and more…pile the pastries high for this tray and serve it alongside coffee or tea and fresh orange juice (or a mimosa!). Here are a few recipes to get you started: Apple & Sausage Popovers and Apple-Carrot Morning Glory Muffins.

The Cereal Lovers Tray:  If your Mom loves her breakfast in a bowl, consider Apple-Coconut Quinoa Cereal or Pear, Pecan, and Pumpkin Oatmeal for this special occasion. Serve with a hard-boiled egg, colorful fruit salad, and her favorite beverage.

The Little Bit of Everything Tray: Serve a hot meal like spinach and gorgonzola strata, or a simple broccoli and cheese quiche for the main dish and include healthy sides for the rest of the tray, including a fresh green smoothie and plain yogurt, granola, and fresh apple bowl.

No matter which tray you create to help mom start her special day feeling full and refreshed, don’t forget to include a sweet note, and maybe even a bundle of fresh flowers for her.

2. Treat Mom to an At-Home Spa Day

Treating mom to a spa day in the comfort of her home is a great idea for older children and adults. Start off by giving her a manicure and pedicure (complete with a massage), make and apply a detoxifying face mask, and finish up by offering to style her hair or apply make-up. Include relaxing music and make sure to take lots of time and care with each step so that mom savors it all. Remember how great apples are for your skin? Follow this recipe to make a natural face mask that full of vitamins and antioxidants! Don’t forget two cucumbers to moisturize the eyes and eliminate dark circles or puffiness.

3. Give Her a Unique Arrangement

What mom doesn’t love receiving fresh flowers or a plant for the garden? These classic gift ideas can be made unique with arrangements that are edible, or a bouquet that mixes the beauty of flowers and that of fresh fruit. Consider making a floral-style arrangement of chocolate dipped cherries (they are fresh off the tree and just starting to appear in stores), or pile fresh flowers in a beautiful bouquet that uses an apple for a vase. Get creative and have fun with this one!

Happy Mother’s Day!