Mother's Day Gift Guide

For all the last minute shoppers out there, I am often in this bunch, here are some great ideas for Mom. If you are like me, it's always tough to buy something for someone, that you think might have everything, you can't buy clothes for, she lives far away, you feel like you always give her a scarf, etc.! These ideas work from anywhere and for anyone. Of course, always add a personal touch, that can come with an endearing card and beautiful gift wrap. Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there! Click images below to shop online and check inventory in stores near you. Now, hurry, you only have a few days! xo RCN

Books are great gifts, especially if you know what your Mom may be interested in. Does she like history? gossip? beach reads? tear jerkers? biographies? Barnes & Noble, and any book store, for that matter, has more than a enough options to pick from. That's the problem, there are so many!  So, I narrowed it down for you. Here are a few of my favorites that are great for all the kinds of Moms. 

If Mom likes to cook, but also may be a super busy lady, then a gift of food and recipe delivery is right up her alley. Every once in a while, everyone likes a break from something - like grocery shopping and food prepping. A gift card to Hello Fresh or Blue Apron is an easy way for Mom to pick out some tasty recipes, without having to shop the grocery aisles for all the ingredients. The recipe, instructions, and prepped ingredients are all delivered right to her front door. Mom can enjoy easy cooking and tasting a new menu on the family table. Each week, new dishes are offered for selection by the one and only, Mom. Bon appetite!

Sometimes it's not so easy shopping for clothes for your mom, but accessories- yes! How about shoes? Whether your Mom likes to dress up or down, Soludos come in soooo many styles, patterns, embroideries, and colors. They take only a couple wears to break in, which is pretty good for shoes. Search for a quirky pair with flamingos or lemons, something that fits your Mom's character, or go for a chic chambray, stripe, or natural linen. Soludos are sold online and carried in store at Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Saks, Dillards, Urban Outfitters, and other boutiques. Head to your nearest mall and you'll likely find a perfect fit.

A lot of florists are beginning to fill up for deliveries on Mother's Day, but they may still have some glorious blooms available for purchase in store. Give the florist, closest to Mom's house, a call and order...right now! If delivery isn't an option because the Florist is already too busy, then hopefully you have the opportunity to visit Mom on Mother's Day and hand deliver. You can even stop at a farmers market, Whole Foods, or artisan grocery store to select from the best of bunches for a better bargain. The flowers do not have to be formal, a nice bunch wrapped in brown paper and bakers twine, makes for a beautiful bouquet. A great place to get inspiration is Bouqs.com. Unfortunately, they are booked through Mother's Day this year, so you can't order direct for a timely delivery. However, the website has some great inspiration for "farm to table" floral bouquets that you can pull together yourself, if you can get your hands on paper and string. Keep Bouqs in mind for your next holiday or floral order.

Wrap up a nice bottle of Mom's favorite Chardonay and include a gift card to Painting With A Twist (if there is one near your location). I'm sure you have heard of these wine and paint nights, if you haven't already attended one yourself. Even if Mom isn't an "artist", this could be really fun. Does she like wine? It's a nice way to do something together with Mom. If there isn't a Painting With A Twist near you, there is likely another wine and paint group or studio nearby, just google!

Having nice manicured nails is a dream. Some women often have them done, but it's still a dream. Every time you look at your well manicured finger nails and pedicure, it gives you a sense of cleanliness and beauty that is desired by a lot of ladies, myself included. Mom may get them done every week, or hardly ever. Either way, she would enjoy going to the salon with you, or if you live across the globe, send her to her favorite place nearby. Maybe order her a few polishes in advance and she can bring them along to the nail salon when she goes. You can pick up a few Essie bottles at almost every drugstore. Shop one of the latest Spring collections, below.

Let them eat cake, but Mom first! Bake Mom a pretty cake, as pretty as you can make it. Grandkids can help decorate, or just do it yourself and then place it on the prettiest of cake stands that you know Mom will just heart. It is a wonderful leave behind that Mom can use for future gatherings. Cake stands are wonderful for not only cakes, but serving appetizers, other desserts, and setting a tablescape for a party. If Mom has the kitchen to store it or loves to entertain, then she will be happy to have a pretty piece like this. Homegoods, Target, Walmart, Crate and Barrel, Sur La Table - they all have cake stands! Oh, and if you don't have time to make the cake, pick it up at a bakery. If Mom likes Carrot, then that's what you bring to Mother's Day brunch.

The cool thing about an outdoor blanket, is it can be used for multiple things. Beach, camping, picnic, soccer game, just sitting on the deck or balcony at night. There are many stylish finds out there right now, my favorites are linked below. If you need to find one quick, try Target or your local department store! It's a great combo gift with some of the other mentions - espadrilles or a book!

Mini gardens are just divine. If you are going to be able to spend some time with Mom on Mother's Day, this is the perfect giftivity to do with Mom! Wrap up some glass jars, bowls, or whatever cool item you can stumble upon at Homegoods, Marshalls, Michaels, Target, (or Terrain if you are lucky enough to live nearby). Also, include some sand (good for cacti/succulents), potting soil, pebbles, maybe some moss or a few shells, and of course, the plants. Home Depot or a local nursery will have great options to select from. Depending upon the plants chosen to inhabit your jar, pot, or terrarium, the garden can thrive rather easily with the perfect mixture of water and sunlight. For succulents and cacti, they only need a couple TBSP of water a week and lots of sun. Small leafy plants need only an extra TBSP or 2 of water and a little less time in direct sunlight. Have fun planting and making your very own unique plant home with Mom. For advise on planting and directions, click HERE.

Domino is one of my most favorite editorials. It covers mainly home and interiors, but also highlights fabulous products for the home, fashion, and lifestyle. Not only is the magazine a quarterly subscription I look forward to, but the website also has an online retail store to purchase some great goods that have been featured and selected by the editors. Product ranges from handbags to pillows. Mom would love to get the mag in the mail and/or receive a GC, where she can shop some Domino style! 

 

The Mellow Month of May

The mellow month of May...or anything, but! Most families, like ours, have a million and one things going on in May. Graduations, Mother's Day, Communions, Birthdays, Labor Day, Weddings. You name it, it's happening, and all within the next 31 days! Z and I have Mother's Day, a graduation, three birthdays (one sister, one niece, and one BFF), and a wedding all within seven days. Sadly, we will miss some celebrations, as we cannot be in Jersey for the whole week, but we get to be there for half the fun, and that is a lot of fun!

Considering all the craziness and party happenings in May, I am finding myself more than ever needing to take a MAJOR chill pill. So, in the event that Summer is fast approaching, and I want to be ready for it, I have decided to give myself a challenge. Cinco de Mayo,Memorial Day and all, doesn't matter the festivities that soon await me, I have decided to make May, my most mellow month. That means one thing mainly (& only) - no booze. I have never done a 30 day drinking detox, but I am doing it this month. I am not giving up everything that's "not good", but the alcohol is a definite. Considering how much I enjoy a refreshing cocktail on the beach or any party I attend, this is going to be a tough one for me, but that's why I am doing it. No pain, no gain. Anyone, want to join? Let's get beach bod ready!! Wish me luck, eeek! xo RCN

 

This Is 30 Gift Guide

My outlook on turning 30 is simple and good. 30 is the same as being 20, but maybe even better, right!? And after all, if it is just as good as my 20s, then I think I will be in pretty good shape.

I lived a full life in my 20s and had a wonderful time. Yet, there are a few things I did or dealt with then, that I am glad I no longer have to conquer or do in life, ever again. Nothing terrible, just things that I am happy to have accomplished, signed and sealed. College, for example, it was a blast, but at the end of the day I don't want to study for midterms or worry about getting my first "real" job, ever again. Zach and I were married at 25. It was the most beautiful day of my entire life and I wouldn't change a thing. That being said, I am so happy I am married and don't ever have to worry about finding the man of my dreams, ever again. I am blessed we nailed the forever thing down in our 20s.

Then, there are the things that I am glad will stay the same from my 20s to 30s. At 21, I was legal to drink champagne, mojitos, and all my favorite libations. The same will happen in my 30s, as I am glad there is not a law to revoke drinking at 31. I traveled around the world in my 20s and I for sure hope that fortune continues. I plan on it. I worked really hard at my career over the last decade, and I plan on doing the same for the next ten years, no matter what I end up doing each day. 

So, 30 for me is about continuing to live and love life and build dreams. I want to grow a bigger family with my husband, explore new places, and find a forever home that I can put as much wallpaper and hang as many plants from the ceiling as I desire. With all those additions to the things that continue from my 20s, I am projecting my 30s to be the best years yet. Cheers to 30! Here is my birthday gift guide for anyone that is turning 30, 20, or older! All are based on the thoughtful presents my loved ones gifted me this year. xo RCN