Val's View: Spoil Yourself On Mother's Day!

“A mother’s love endures through all”- Washington Irving 

Our relationships with our mothers are the first bonds we make in life; they help us weather the seasons of change and growth everyone experiences. We can be vulnerable and real with one another because our hearts were once beating in tandem.

When I recently asked my 21-year-old son about our relationship, he talked about some of the complexities of the ever-evolving nature of our connection- tightening and loosening, fraying and strengthening. I am honored to be on this incredible journey with him that brings us both pain and joy, frustration and endless laughter.

The superpower of shapeshifting that is unique to moms is celebrated on this very special day in May. Women literally give life to humanity and, I think, make the planet a better place to inhabit.

Any reason to be kind to ourselves and one another is always a good idea. It is important to indulge a little, and Mother’s Day especially provides the perfect reminder of the fact that you are worth spoiling, whether or not you have kids. I believe that a woman embodies the spirit of motherhood when she is nurturing, not only to children, but to friends, neighbors, parents, pets, and herself. I’d like to highlight some of the many varieties of mothers and how each type can feel appreciated and loved.

Fashion-Forward Mom

I can identify with this one! I really enjoy expressing myself through clothes. I get it from my mom and her sister. We love to trade and share our unique style ideas. I do like to pick out my own things so I'm never upset with an E-Gift Card. I like to buy things that keep me cool and have nice coverage for my neck and chest, plus I also love a print. I think that the Mola Sleeveless Zip-Neck Tunic by Parsley and Sage is the perfect combo of a colorful print and a comfortable cotton fabric.

Pet Mom

Love to treat your fur babies like royalty? If you are blessed with the joy of four-legged, cuddly creatures, a great way to keep them extra soft and snuggly is a mobile grooming service. You can also gift your pet a fresh bed with a washable cover so they can lounge around in style. If you need a break for a day, doggie daycare is a wonderful way to take some time to yourself while keeping your pup entertained. Whatever you have planned for Mother’s Day, the Critters Cotton Knit Top by Jess and Jane will help you wear your heart on your sleeve by letting everyone know how much you adore your pooch.

On-The-Go Mom

Always busy wearing several hats like chef, gardener, housekeeper, teacher? Try a little delegating and creative planning to get all of that done! Meal delivery kits like Hello Fresh are incredible time savers for food prep. Combining errands and waking up an hour earlier allows for more “me time”. If you’re caught in rush hour traffic, turn up the radio and sing out loud; it’s a real stress buster. No time to fuss with wardrobe woes? Throw on a Coconut Row dress like the Damask UPF50+ Long Sleeve Dress with a pair of sandals. You can look polished in a jiff and still have extra time to cross more off your to-do list!

Homebody Momma

“There’s no place like home,” Dorothy declared, clicking her heels. If that’s your philosophy, make your comfort zone your throne. Find a special spot in your house and claim it as your own, a command center if you will. Create a nook to keep on top of paperwork and make dream boards. Of course, you do have to venture outside your castle sometimes, so keep outfit-planning a breeze by organizing your closet with go-to ensembles for each season. An example of a great casual look for spring that you can wear outdoors or relax in at home is the Sequined Sunflower Linen-Blend Tank paired with the Primrose Linen Pull-On Crop Pant, both by Kaktus.

Art Aficionado Mom

Expressing your creative side through designs is fun. I have always loved blown glass so when I spotted the Stained Glass V-Neck Knit Top by French Dressing, I knew I had to have it. If you are feeling inspired to express yourself artistically, there are kits you can buy at arts and crafts supplies stores to make your own beaded jewelry, murals, and even frames for your projects. Art is a tool for self-fulfillment and creativity on any level is known to boost your mood, so try it out this Mother’s Day. 

Adventure Seeker / Nature Lover Mother

Eco-babes and Earth mommas unite! If you are gifted with a green thumb (or even if you aren’t), seasonal flowers and green planters come pre-assembled for your gardening pleasure. Lavender, aloe, rosemary, and basil are resilient plants for new gardeners to experiment with. I love tropical plant-printed clothing like the Paradise Cove Scoop Neck Knit Top by Impulse. It is a go-to with jeans or white bermudas, especially for what I like to call “micro-vacations”, which are half-day outings. Pack a lunch and go to your nearby botanical gardens; a reprieve from the mundane recharges one’s batteries.

Spa Mom

Soothing my inner goddess with beauty treatments is right up my alley. I feel like a princess after a jacuzzi and ice bath, which boosts the immune system and is great for the pores. With a mani-pedi, a hair mask, and my new anti-aging facial wand, I’m ready to take on the world. Add in a relaxing afternoon swim and I throw on the Navy Stripe Hooded Cover-Up by Cabana Life. I love the adorable nautical vibes, and I feel resort chic even in my own backyard. Use this Mother’s Day as an opportunity to revitalize yourself!

Creative Kitchen Mom

For the culinary boss lady, there are so many options. Clever with a cleaver? A set of new knives are always welcome. Buy a one-step coffee maker and you just knocked 15 minutes off your morning routine. Food for thought: a lady who regularly whips up meals would look great in the Magic Dots Mineral Wash Double Pocket Top by Jess and Jane. In case there are spills, this vintage wash will only get better no matter how many washes it takes.

Generous Mother

Sharing is caring and assisting the less fortunate to pay it forward is a gift that keeps on giving. Donate gently used items to your local charitable thrift store and while there, you can reward yourself by purchasing a little trinket to keep. And if you are in need of something comfortable to wear while perusing cool treasures, the Water Lily Cap Sleeve Ruffle Dress by Tango Mango is stunning. If it's the thought that counts, then take a minute to do something special on Mother’s Day, even if it’s just for yourself. Find time to treasure each other. If only I could have one more day with my mom, I would spend every second present and in awe of the gift that she gave me
and my siblings- her unwavering love.

All Mothers Deserve TLC

Mothers foster peace and spread love, enriching the world with their care. Being a mother is one of the most incredible journeys of self-discovery: first, you learn to be selfless, and then you relearn how to treat yourself more often. Believe me when I say, “The peaceful mother is like no other!”

Which type of mother are you, and how do you plan to indulge yourself this Mother’s Day? Let me know in the comments below!