The Mother's Day Idea Place

by Lynn Bode

Do you know a Mom that deserves a special gift this year for Mother’s Day? I’m sure you know at least one, if not more. Sure, flowers can always brighten a Mom’s day and a dinner out is always appreciated. But, doesn’t she deserve something more personal, something that won’t wilt and something that lasts longer than an evening? This year give that special woman a gift that will improve her well being.

I’m talking about the gift of fitness. Improved fitness is a gift that is invaluable to everyone. After all, what woman doesn’t want to look better, have more energy, and be healthier? Plus, all Moms need to take time for themselves, but most are reluctant to schedule that “me” time. So, give them a gift that will help encourage them to enjoy some alone time .

When you give a woman the gift of fitness, you are helping her open a door to better health (both physically and mentally). I can’t think of a more thoughtful gift that shows the recipient how much you care about their well being. By giving the gift of fitness you are providing them with unlimited health benefits. And, it’s a gift that you can truly feel proud to give.

Of course, we all know that exercise can help people stay slim and fit. But, do you also know about all the other great benefits of exercising? Daily physical activity reduces stress and can help you sleep better. Fitness has been linked to reducing the risk of some diseases and to warding off depression. Researchers also believe that strength training can help prevent osteoporosis. Not to mention that exercise also improves self-esteem, increases stamina and ultimately helps you be able to do continuous work for longer.

All Moms would find these fitness benefits incredibly invaluable. If she is like most of us, she’s probably even mentioned how she would like to drop a few pounds or just get in better shape. In fact, experts say that about 62% of Americans are currently on a diet. By giving the gift of fitness you are helping provide her with extra motivation (which is one of the biggest obstacles in getting fit). She may be more motivated to actually get fit because she doesn’t want to feel guilty for ignoring such a thoughtful gift (personal training gift certificates and gym memberships are especially good for helping with motivation).

While fitness gifts are incredibly valuable, they don’t have to be expensive. Gifts can cost as little as $5 or range into the $100s of dollars. Here are a few suggestions in the various price ranges:

Under $15:

• Resistance Band
• Dumbbells
• Jump Rope
• Exercise Mat

$15 – $35

• Fitness Ball
• Online Personal Training Program (custom designed for the gift recipient)
• Home Exercise Video
• Heart Rate Monitor

Over $35

• Full dumbbell and barbell set
• Treadmill
• Bicycle
• Yoga Kit

Giving something that supports health and wellness will be appreciated for years to come and may even turn someone’s life around. The gift of fitness will make her feel special – she’ll know that someone cared enough to give her the opportunity to improve her health. And, giving a gift that will help someone lead a healthier life is also one of the most rewarding gifts you can give. So why spend another Mother’s Day searching for the perfect gift only to end up with the same old things? Surprise her this year and give the gift that comes from the heart and truly keeps on giving throughout summer and beyond.

Want to enjoy the benefits of improved fitness for yourself? There’s no need to wait for someone to give you the gift of fitness. Treat yourself to a special fitness gift – you deserve it!

by Susie Cortright

A mother’s love is one of the most powerful forces in this world. Here are 10 memorable ways to celebrate her love this Mother’s Day:

1. Create a Memory Jar. Fill a jar with slips of paper, each detailing a special memory you and your mother shared. The more specific the memories, the better. Present her with the jar, and sit beside her as she reads each memory.

2. Interview the children in your family (both young and old) on what special things they love most about their mother. Record the sentiments on video or transcribe the thoughts in a special album. You could also record special memories, favorite family recipes, her best maternal words of wisdom, or anything you want to remember about your mother.

3. Make a Blessing Book. Cover a composition book or hardbound journal with patterned papers and include photos of each of your mother’s children, as well as a special pen for her to record what she is most grateful for in this world.

4. Help a mother in need by donating money, clothing, or other household items to organizations that help mothers and children.

5. Make a donation to your mom’s favorite charity, in her name.

6. Get together with your family and friends and create handmade cards for your mom. Make sure to include a heartfelt, handwritten letter.

7. Send flowers to a new mom in celebration of her first Mother’s Day.

8. Make a tablecloth memento. Start with an oversized tablecloth and some fabric pens. Ask each member of the family to sign the tablecloth with a special message to mom. Kids can make their handprints, too. This is a keepsake that you can add to each Mother’s Day.

9. Write a letter to your children about how being their parent has enriched you. Save these letters in a special journal or album to give to your children when they become parents themselves.

10. Spend some time looking through your scrapbooks and reflecting on the bounty of love that comes to you via family and maternal love.

About the Author

Susie Cortright is the founder of Momscape.com and Momscape’s Online Scrapbooking Magazine. She is also the creator of Free-Article-Bank.com, featuring free, quality articles for your website, ezine, newsletter, or blog.

by Nicola Kennedy

Here is the basic idea for any scrapbook, for Mother’s Day just add more personal stuff like memories that would special to her. Favorite photos, colors, flowers, a lock of hair, things that would show her how much she means to you. A scrapbook is a wonderfully personal Mother’s Day gift. 1. Sort your photos and select a theme to work on, generally, 5-7 photos fit on a two-page spread and 3-5 photos fit on a single page. Select only the best photos to highlight the event, feeling or moment you want to convey.

2. Select 2-3 colors of safe paper that will complement colors found in the photographs. Experiment with different color combinations to find the perfect colors to enhance your photographs. You may want to include stationary or decorative paper that supports the theme of your pages.

3. Choose a photo to be your focal point. As a general rule, select photos with sharp images, vivid colors, and well-lit subjects.

4. Shape and mat your photos to add extra prominence to your focal point. You can do this easily by matting your photo with a wider border than the others, or double or triple-matting it. While shaping your photos, keep in mind that simple shapes such as rectangles, ovals, circles, and squares are among the most eye-pleasing shapes. If irrelevant or distracting details appear in the background, simply trim them out. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you have to cut out all of the background–frequently, ordinary items pictured in the background will bring a flood of memories essential to journaling and reminiscing.

5. Add journaling. No page is complete without adding your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Take a few minutes to write down not only the “who” and “when,” but also the “what” and “why.”

6. Arrange photos, journaling, and titles on your page. As you arrange these elements, pay close attention to the direction your eye moves. In general, well-designed pages are well balanced and will follow a natural flow that mimics the letter Z. To check the balance, imagine that your layout is on a scale. Does one side tip the scale? Once you’re pleased with the layout, simply adhere the elements to the page.

7. Try a few extras. As you get more comfortable with scrap booking, try your hand with some embellishments — stickers, die cuts, rubber stamps, and punches are among the most popular page accents. Use these items sparingly — you don’t want them to overpower your photos.
About the AuthorNicola Kennedy has enjoyed some great Mother’s Days, both as a grateful mom and a loving daughter. She can help you find great Mother’s Day gifts with tips and news, information and views at http://www.I-Love-My-Mom.com

All rights reserved. Copyright http://www.I-Love-My-Mom.com

by Tenley McDonald

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14th! Whether she lives next door or across the country, Send Mom a beautiful Fresh Flower Arrangement to celebrate her “Special Day!” Your local florist can design and deliver the perfect gift to Mom this year.

A Vase or Basket of Mom’s Favorite flowers will be a welcome surprise. Lilies, Roses and Orchids are especially popular for Mother’s Day. With Spring in full swing, Tulips and Daisies are abundant as well. Ask your local florist for creative suggestions based on your Mom’s favorite floral variety and/or colors. You may also find that they have some unique/specialty vases or containers available to showcase Mom’s blooms!

A Green or Blooming Plant can be delivered with your “Happy Mother’s Day” message. A decorative bow can be added for that special touch. Fresh Cut Flowers can also be added to a planted gift for an extra splash of color.

A Floral Centerpiece can be created just for “Mom” to highlight her table of homecooked meals she is so famous for! Centerpieces can even be designed with a candle as an extra keepsake for Mother’s Day.

Fruit/Gourmet Baskets offer Mom some delicious treats in a decorative basket. Consider sending Mom some special Teas, Coffees, Cookies, Chocolates or any Gourmet treats. Ask your local florist about the many delicious options available for Gift Baskets.

For an extra special touch, add some balloons or a plush animal to Mom’s flowers, plant or gift basket. It will give Mom’s gift a real “WOW” effect!

A simple “Happy Mother’s Day or detailed sentiment can be included with your floral gift on a message card. Some florists also have full size greetng cards available.

Consider sending your Grandmother a floral gift on Mother’s Day as well! Mother’s Day is a perfect day to celebrate any woman in your life that you honor and respect; Your Wife, Your Grandmother, Your Stepmother, Your Mother-In-Law, Daughter-In-Law.

Mother’s Day is a busy floral holiday. We suggest ordering your floral gift a few days early to ensure timely delivery for Mom’s Special Day! For the best value and service, you should always order from the florist delivering your arrangement directly. This will ensure that your order is filled to value, and you can discuss any details with the florist designing your order.

by Nicola Kennedy

Easy Photo Card: We all have them, photos of our kids. Well grab some construction paper or card stock, a photo and some glue and make this adorable little card.

You will need: construction paper or card stock, photo, scissors, glue, glitter, sheer ribbon

What you do

Fold paper or card stock in half to create a card. Have your child write their greeting inside the card FIRST.

Cut photo out in a heart shape. Glue photo to the front of the card, center it and put it high enough to allow space for the bow at the bottom (see photo).

Lay down some newspaper, wax paper, or other paper and set your card on that to catch excess glitter. Use glue to pipe a thick border around the photo. Sprinkle the glitter generously over the glue border. Be sure to completely cover all of the glue. Let it dry about 20 minutes. While the glue is drying, tie your ribbon into a bow and trim off the long ends. Once the glue is dry, carefully lift the card up and tap off all excess glitter. Place a dab of glue onto the back of the ribbon and adhere to the card under your photo. Let it dry completely before doing anything else with it. You can add or take away any of the items listed to make it more personal. Have fun with it! Mom will enjoy it forever!

Making homemade cards are fun and easy. You can use nearly anything you have at home. You can take the formula from above but make a few changes like take fabric and paste it to the card stock to add a decorative look to it then add all the other things on top, with a photo or a drawing. Use your imagination, let it run wild.
About the AuthorNicola Kennedy has enjoyed some great Mother’s Days, both as a grateful mom and a loving daughter. She can help you find great Mother’s Day gifts with tips and news, information and views at http://www.I-Love-My-Mom.com

All rights reserved. Copyright http://www.I-Love-My-Mom.com

by Deal Girls

Looking for a great present for your mother, the woman who gave birth to you, raised you, and was there for you every step of the way? What can you give her that she would love, and at the same time would remind her of you, and her grandchildren?

Give Mom personalized jewelry – personalized jewelry is a great gift for a Mother and it could be personalized with different things, such as a names, initials, birthstones and many other things. The best thing about it is that it can be personalized with Mother’s name, or names and initials of her kids and grandkids. This will make the piece of jewelry one of a kind, and your Mom will know that you picked the gift just for her.

Here are tips to help you find a perfect piece of personalized jewelry for your Mom. Here are our tips to help you find that perfect personalized jewelry:

- Personalized Rings. Personalized rings make great gifts for Mothers. You may get a personalized ring with Mom’s name on it, or Mom’s initials.

Or, make the ring really memorable, by choosing a ring personalized with birthstones. You may pick a ring personalized with family’s birthstones – Mom’s, Dad’s kids’ and grandkids’ birthstones, all in one ring. Every time Mom looks at the ring, she will think about her family – this personalized ring will be a very special gift, she will always treasure.

- Personalized Necklaces and Pendants. Usually personalized necklaces is something that the younger crowd wears. A necklace, personalized with the person’s first name has been a hot item a few years ago. However, these necklaces are good gifts for Moms too.

There are necklaces that say Mom or Grandma, which will also make a great gift for Mom. Or, you can have a personalized pendant made for Mom, the pendant would be personalized with Mom’s birthstone and the birthstones of her children and grandchildren. How cool is that?

- Personalized Bracelets are also very popular gifts for Mothers, and there are many to choose from. Some bracelets are personalized with Mom’s name. Others may be personalized with Mother’s and childrens names. Yet, others may have her birthstone or a combination of her and childrens’ birthstones on it, making it one of a kind bracelet just for her.

Next time when you are looking for a gift for Mom, get her a personalized piece of jewelry. You will be glad you did – she will love it!

by Melanie Breeze

Do you know a Mom who needs to be thanked for the tireless effort she makes every day to her family? Does your Mom get the appreciation she deserves? While we all know we should tell our mothers how much we love her every week, sometimes our day to day routine can make us forget. This Mother’s Day, make Mom feel extra special! By following the gift ideas and tips below, you’re sure to make this year’s Mother’s day a great one, something she will cherish and remember, and all at the same time keeping an eye on your checkbook.

Anyone could get flowers and a card and be done with it, but don’t you think Mom deserves a little more thought and consideration this year? After all, it’s only one day where we really get the opportunity to tell mom how special she is. Sometimes an inexpensive, more thoughtful gift can go a long way in telling her how much you care.

So first, spend a moment think about what Mom likes, considering her hobbies and interests. Does she like to garden or spend time outside? You could consider some gardening equipment or fitness clothing. Does she like a certain animal or enjoy a certain type of craft? How about a gift that will add to her collection, or a piece of equipment to help with her hobby? Whatever it is, by taking just a little time to think it through and plan out your purchase, you’ll get the benefit of a unique gift that will have her smiling ear to ear.

Next, define a budget and how much you’re willing to spend. By planning in advance, you can often take advantage of internet shopping specials, coupons, and free shipping offers. The marketplace online is growing rapidly and you can often find deals and discounts you would otherwise not have found shopping near home. Also, by expanding your options to buying something online, you’ll find that many of the unique items you couldn’t find in stores are in abundance on the web.

If you are going to shop online, make sure to plan your purchase far enough in advance to allow for adequate delivery time. Many stores provide free shipping offers if you don’t need the items overnight. Also, why not use a coupon? Did you know that most stores on the web these days take a new form of online coupons? Most often this is a code that you can enter just before checking out of a store. Your discount would then be applied right there, just like using a coupon at your local grocery store! There are coupon code websites that provide all these types of offers and coupons in one location, where you can search by store to find a deal you want. Many of the top online places to shop have great coupons, including Buy.com, Overstock.com, and Dell! A great place to get these codes and free shipping offers is at http://www.couponchief.com

Still not sure, or really don’t have the budget? What about a personal coupon / IOU that entitles her to something special, like a massage or a chore that you normally don’t perform. Sometimes these simple gifts can do more to delight her than something you buy. Another idea would be to get her a simple pendant or ring to constantly remind her of your love and appreciation. These can be found at online jewelry stores at deep discounts, sometimes even in the $10 to $20 range! In any case, be creative, she will understand and be happy your gift was thoughtful.

And lastly, give her a big hug and tell her you love her!

by Tony Luck

Today Mother’s Day or Mothering Sunday is celebrated all over the world. For florists and card shops the event is one of the highlights of the year, but the roots of Mother’s Day are not commercial.

Motherhood has been celebrated since ancient times. The ancient Greeks paid homage to Rhea, the Mother of Gods; and there are records of the ancient Romans worshiping a mother Goddess known as Cybele as early as 260 BC. Festivals took place in the spring which was the most fertile time of the year.

The more modern way of honoring mothers began in England in the 1600s where Mothering Sunday was observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent. This day is also known as ‘Refreshment Sunday’, the only day when you are allowed to eat or do whatever you have given up for Lent. Not surprisingly, families came together and took the opportunity to party with a big meal at which mother was treated as the guest of honor. Traditionally, mothers were given posies of flowers and a cake.

The term ‘Mothering Sunday’ is now falling into disuse and has mostly been replaced by ‘Mother’s Day’, which is used the world over.

In the USA there were several attempts to introduce a Mother’s Day as a way to celebrate peace and heal the scars of war. Julia Ward, who wrote the words to the Battle Hymn of the Republic, suggested the idea in 1872. But the idea didn’t really take off until Anna Jarvis campaigned for the establishment of a Mother’s Day to commemorate her own mother who died in 1905. Ward’s mother herself had tried to establish a similar holiday, Mother’s Friendship Day, to heal the pain of the Civil War.

The first Mother’s Day in the USA was held in 1907 when Julia Ward held a ceremony to honor her mother. She then successfully campaigned for a formal holiday to honor mothers and by 1911 most states had taken up the idea. This was followed in 1914 by a declaration by President Woodrow Wilson that Mother’s Day should be celebrated as a national holiday on the second Sunday in May. The idea quickly spread to Canada and Mexico and many more countries throughout the world.

The commercialization of Mother’s Day quickly followed, much to the disgust of Anna Jarvis who was arrested in 1923 at a Mother’s Day festival for trying to stop women selling flowers. Jarvis said “I wanted it to be a day of sentiment not profit.

Ironically Anna Jarvis campaigned for many years against the commercialization of Mother’s Day, the day she had worked so hard to establish.

Although she had no children of her own, each Mother’s Day Anna received hundreds of cards from all over the world. Anna Jarvis died in 1948.

by Sam Serio

Jewelry can be the perfect gift for mom on Mother’s Day, but there are pitfalls, especially if you rush at the last minute. Procrastination and a lack of knowledge can be rewarded with overpaying for a piece of jewelry or even worse, being ripped-off.

A gift of jewelry can be expensive. Asking friends, family and co-workers if they can recommend a website, brick and mortar store or local crafts person can help. Checking with the better business bureau is also a commendable approach.

When you are shopping, ask the salesperson to write down any information you might rely on to make your purchase and before you buy, ask for the store’s refund and return policy. When ordering online, keep printouts of the web pages with details about the transaction, including refund and return policies if you’re not satisfied.

Six Smart Shopping Tips for Mother’s Day and Beyond

1. There’s a big difference between 14 karat gold and gold-plated jewelry. Fourteen karat (14K) jewelry contains 14 parts of gold, mixed in throughout with 10 parts of base metal. Gold-plated describes jewelry with a layer of at least 10K gold bonded to a base metal. Gold plating eventually wears away, depending on how often the item is worn and how thick the plating is.

2. If you’re buying a watch, determine whether you want one that runs on a battery or one that must be wound daily. Ask if a warranty or guarantee is included, how long it lasts, and what parts and repair problems it covers. Also ask how and where you can get the watch serviced and repaired.

3. Know the difference between laboratory-created gemstones and naturally mined stones. Stones created in the lab are visually identical to stones mined from the earth. The big difference is in the cost: laboratory-created stones are less expensive then naturally mined stones. But because they look must like stones mined from the earth, they must be identified as lab-created. If you want a naturally mined stone, ask if it has been treated. Gemstone treatments– such as heating, dyeing or bleaching– can improve a stone’s appearance or durability. Some treatments are permanent; some may create special care requirements. Treatments also may affect the stone’s value.

4. Ask whether pearls are imitation or real. Real pearls are made by oysters or other mollusks; imitation pearls are man-made. Cultured pearls are made by mollusks with human intervention; and irritant introduced into their shells causes a pearl to grow. Real pearls that are not cultured are fairly rare and expensive. The cost depends on the size, usually stated in millimeters, and the coating or “nacre” on a real pearl, which gives it its iridescence.

5. When you’re buying a diamond, consider four criteria: cut, color, clarity and weight, usually stated as carats. Each factor affects the price. Color is sometimes “graded” on a scale. However, scales are not uniform: a “D” may be the best color for one scale, but not for another. Make sure you know how a particular scale and grade represent the color of the diamond you’re considering. A diamond can be described as “flawless” only if it has no visible surface cracks or other imperfections when viewed under 10-power magnification by a skilled diamond grader.

6. One final tip, Mom’s love longer (i.e. 24″) gold or sterling chains with gemstone pendants. And you can almost never go wrong with the very popular omega-style chains in various widths in sterling silver or gold.

by Cynthia Marcano

Here are a few great gift ideas for that special mother in your life on Mother’s Day.

10. Weekend Getaway. A weekend retreat to a ski lodge could be great for the mom who needs a weekend to unwind.

9. Digital Camera. For the new mom, this makes a great gift. Children grow up so fast, catching those fleeting moments are important. With scrap booking becoming so popular, digital cameras also make a great gift for the scrapbook lover.

8. Charitable Donation. For the mom who never stops giving, she would be honored to know that a donation was given to her favor charity in her name. This is truly a gift that keeps on giving.

7. Buy a Tree or Star. Have that special mom immortalized for years to come. Have a star named after her or buy a tree in her name. With God’s love that star and tree will be around even if we are not.

6. Night Out. New mothers would surely appreciate a night out of the house with some adult conversation and atmosphere. It’s a simple request, yet such a grand gesture for those moms who just want an evening as an adult. This works well with the morning and afternoon spent with the children. That is what Mother’s Day is about in the first place.

5. Spa Day. Most mothers I know could use a spa day. Whether her children are at home or have long since moved out, a spa day is great choice. Spa Days range from a whole package of all the goodies like mud baths and lunch or just a half hour of massage

4. Jewelry. A great idea would be give her a pendant with picture of her child/ren in it or a bracelet, ring or necklace with the birthstone/s of children or grandchildren.

3. Gift Baskets. You can find Gift baskets that contain any and everything. There are baskets that are specifically designed for Mother’s Day, but other choices include gourmet and fruit baskets, spa bsakets and candle baskets. Many places also make custom baskets.

2. Flowers and Plants. This is the most common of Mother’s Day gifts. It’s the obvious choice for that bouquet lover or for a very picky person.

1. The Star Treatment. Being a good mother is the hardest job in the world. Offering that special mom the star treatment for a day is a great gift. Start with allowing her to sleep in. As if that weren’t gift enough, breakfast in bed and cleaning the house is just what the mom ordered. Lunch and dinner preparation should be included along with bathing, feeding and dressing the children. Basically don’t allow her to left a finger. Supply a good book or time for her to do what she wants. What mother wouldn’t want a day to recuperate?