Mother's Day

Buying gifts for mom can be tricky. Especially Mother's Day gifts. This day is so sweet and sentimental and it carries so much weight. Celebrating the woman who brought you into the world, potty trained you, fed you every meal, kissed your boo boos, and sang you to sleep is a big deal. Hug coupons aren't gonna cut it anymore, kids. We can do better.

Me and my mommy at the beach last year

If your mom is anything like mine (if you're lucky, she is. Mine is awesome) then she loves gifts that mean something. It wouldn't matter if I gave her a new wreath for her front door or a gift certificate for a massage, as long as I told her why I gave her the gift, she would love it. When she knows I put thought into the gift I gave her, that's what speaks volumes. Because isn't that what this day is all about? Honoring the one who has spent millions of her thoughts thinking of you? 

My gift for my mom this year is really simple. I got her a few special things for her kitchen that I noticed she needed when we were baking together last Christmas. Practical and pretty. Two things that she and I both appreciate.


But another part of her gift has been coordinating a dinner with all her girls (I have five sisters) so we can spend some quality time together. My mom told me once that as we have gotten older, she has feared we wouldn't want to spend time with her anymore. It's actually quite the opposite! I want to spend more time with my mom now than I ever have. But I can say those words all day. If I don't help plan time to spend with my mom, my words fall flat.

So don't be mad but I really don't have a "one size fits all, buy this for your mom and she'll stay happy til next year" gift list. I wouldn't know where to start because only you know your mom. My only suggestion is to think about her. Like really think. What makes her smile. What makes her light up. If you don't know, then ask her.

I think now that I am a mom I can connect so much better with my mom. I have a tiny little understanding of what it must have been like for her to give and give and expect nothing in return. But also to know how gratifying it is to get something in return from the people you love the most in the world.

Maybe it's a hand-written note, maybe it's just a one on one dinner out. Maybe it's a shopping trip where you help her pick out some clothes. Maybe all these things sound exhausting because you don't have the best relationship with your mom. What if this year you extended the hand of friendship to her as your gift? Talk about the gift that keeps on giving...

Whatever you choose to get for your mama this year, my hope is that we will all take some time to really think about how our moms have given of themselves and celebrate them for that. Even in their imperfections, they are still ours. So let's love them well this Mother's Day.

Laura

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, friends!

In today's edition of Friday Favorites... this super cute scalloped edge swim suit!

$12.99 WHAT?!


We have a date night coming up tonight and I am THRILLED about it. We have a new goal of only going to places we haven't eaten at before. This is a big deal for two people who have been eating at Maggiano's consistently for the past 15 years. But we are branching out beyond the olive oil and Parmesan (bless it) to explore new eats in our city. Wish us luck.

Saturday morning it's birthday party time for one of Reese's friends. Then Saturday afternoon we are heading to the airport to pick up my mom and dad. They've been vacationing in England for almost three weeks. My mom is my besty so having her gone this long has been the worst. But I know she's having a blast so that makes it all worth it. And eating at OK Cafe on the way home from the airport won't be too bad either. #favplaceinalltheland #givemeallthesweettea

Here are a few of my favorite things right now!

1. Tan Wise: This tanning mousse is uhhhhh-mazing. Not kidding. It's so great. You can get it from Sally's or Amazon. I recommend the dark mousse for body and the gel for face. It gives a beautiful glow without making me feel orange. I'd recommend a tanning mit for application like this one on amazon.

2. Speaking of TAN... this bathing suit came in the mail and I love it! The quality is spot on. I wasn't sure what to expect since it was my first time ordering something from China. I assumed I would probably end up with a scalloped oven mitt. Under $15 AND a great fit. Please and thank you. Just for sizing reference, I ordered a medium and in most suits I wear a small.

2. Hail Merry's Macaroons: I have a sweet tooth. Ok. Not just one tooth. I think maybe all of my teeth are sweet. Dang it. So I'm always on the lookout for sweet snacks that won't stack on the lb's. These can be found at Fresh Market and Whole Foods and they are clean and YUM. You're welcome. Oh, but don't try to order them online because they're way cheaper in stores.

3. Coconut Oil: It's kind of crazy that the same stuff I took my makeup off with last night is what I used to saute my asparagus at lunch. But coconut oil has SO many amazing health benefits and uses. I fill a small glass container and keep it in my bathroom to remove my makeup at night time or before working out. Rub a generous amount all over your face and then use a warm washcloth to remove your foundation and eye makeup. I also add coconut oil to my favorite smoothie recipe. According to researchers, eating coconut oil helps reduce belly fat. So yeah gimme some more of that... the oil, not the belly fat. We get this kind from Coscto and it lasts us a long time even tho we use it for everything!

4. Nike Frees; I got new running shoes a few months ago and they have been the best purchase of 2016. Second only to the macaroons mentioned above #priorities. They are comfortable with or without socks and they move with my feet so well. Love. Them.



Hope your weekend is filled with lots of laughter, rest, and memory making.

Laura