Word to your mother: Mother's Day done right

I was at a Kentucky Derby party this weekend when the conversation wandered from horses to other beasts of burden: mothers. Let's face it, we do it all and as the years so by, we have become less coy about Mother's Day. We've worked hard, and feel we've earned the right to be more vocal about what we want. 

At the party, the mother in the giant fascinator told me she used to feel guilty about taking time for herself. She couldn't enjoy it because she worried she was being selfish. This is not a concern I hear from fathers, and I let her know it. She loves her family, but longs for alone time.

What do moms really want for Mother's Day?

I did a little research, and the responses from the matriarchs largely mirrored what my friends say. They care less about material things. We tend to buy things for ourselves now. The top of the wish list incudes:

1. Acts of service
2. Quality time
3. Expressions of appreciation

If we dig in and get more specific about the above wish list, the feedback has been:

1. A duty-free day for rest and relaxation
2. Being pampered
3. A prepared meal

As someone who still gets worked up when I see roadside vendors selling balloons and teddy bears on holidays: Skip it. These last-minute buys infantalize women, who only pretend to like the teddy bear. And mylar balloons are all fun and games until it loses some of its helium, and rides the air stream to creepily follow you around the house. 

Ladles and Linens has you covered. Read on to find ways to make the day meaningful for Mom.

Mother's Day Inspo at Ladles!

 

Breakfast in bed

Ladles and Linens has everything you need to meet moms where they're at. For instance, you can combine a prepared meal and pampering by providing breakfast in bed. A stack of pancakes and hot coffee is good for your soul. Especially if mom was able to sleep in without any interruptions. I'm really hoping my husband reads this. Ladles sells:

• Bags of local roasted coffee beans
• Pancake mix
• Organic syrup
• Grapefruit spoons (if you're trying to throw in something healthy)
  

Pampering

Nearly 50% of moms (47% to be exact) participate in some form of gardening at their home. Seeing as how we are in the midst of spring, and timing is everything, they have likely been out there digging, planting, and pruning. It does a number on your hands and skin. To make Mom feel pampered, Ladles offers luxury skin care products, and seasonal treasures not listed on the website. You will find:

• French milled soaps in a variety of scents
• Teas for relaxation, digestion, etc.
• Scented candles
• Artisan snacks

A feast for the matriarch

If mom isn't a breakfast person, or tends to be an early riser, breakfast in bed is not an option. When my husband wants to spoil us, he fires up the pizza oven. Since it takes so long to reach the high temperature needed for that wood fire char, he takes full advantage once it's hot. He throws in a whole fleet of pizzas; pesto, Philly Cheesestreak, pepperoni - and while he's at it, he'll throw in a chicken, maybe bake some cornbread. We have prepared food for days.

Perhaps cooking an epic meal is an opportunity to get that pasta maker you've been eyeing. Who says there can't be a little in it for you too? 

Other items from Ladles that will take your dinner up a notch include: 

• Crystal decanters
• Cloth napkins
• Patterned tablecloths
• Wine glasses

So check in with Mom and see what she really wants. If she demurs and says, "Oh nothing.." It's a trap. I say this as a fellow mom. She wants to feel appreciated - we all do. And a roadside red rose bouquet wrapped in cellophane isn't it. Spend some time with her, make her feel pampered, and for the love of all things holy, let her relax. Happy Mother's Day to the whole spectrum of moms out there. We see you!