All The Feelings on Mother's Day

Mother’s Day can be heavy. I know this, because I’ve felt it. I think it can be a time of complex emotions for many people. There are people that do not know their Mom. So many that wonder about their Birth Mom and First Mom. Many have had their Mom pass away. Mom’s have had their children pass away. So many people have strained relationships with their Mom and on the flip side, Mom’s have strained relationships with their children. There are Step Moms and families that just don’t have Moms at all. I am grateful for the loving, healthy relationship I have with my own Mother. I’m lucky to joyfully honor her every year on this day. However, throughout my infertility journey, Mother’s Day has brought on a lot of uncertain feelings which I wish I could have just wished away.

On Mother’s Day three years ago we had just completed our first IUI treatment and unbeknownst to me I was actually pregnant. Fast forward to a year later having suffered a miscarriage and many more failed IUIs and IVF treatments I was feeling lost and saddened by our reality. Mother’s Day felt like a punch in the gut. I was pained by a day that emphasized everything I wanted to be, but couldn’t. I remember having trouble wishing my own Mom a Happy Mother’s Day because I didn’t want to think about Motherhood in any given way. I was torn apart, aching to be celebrated as a Mom with no control in the matter that it was unfairly not my time. I decided to use the day as a day of forgiveness to myself for the guilt I carried because of the jealousy, sadness, anger, and loneliness I was going through. I decided I needed to do something for myself on Mother’s Day to lighten my mood. So, I went plant shopping! I bought this plant pictured here as a gift to myself on Mother’s Day two years ago. I felt drawn to this lively angel plant before I even knew it’s nickname. It became a perfect reminder of the one we lost and a symbol of the grace and patience that keeps giving and growing throughout our journey. Today my angel plant hangs about five times as long and full as it was when I first stumbled upon it’s beauty.

This year on Mother’s Day I am feeling pretty chill and happy because I am a Mom, but also because I no longer feel the sadness and pressure of having to feel “the right way” on Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there and a special shout out to those that understand the pain of yearning and grieving what was lost or not yet found and what may never be. It is okay to feel any which way you feel.

Needing to shop for the Moms in your life? There’s still some time. Check out my favorite gift ideas all linked below. xo RCN

 

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!