Mother’s Day Gift Guide

 

Mom and MIL

This year, more than any other year, both my mom and mother-in-law deserve lovely Mother’s Day gifts from Bo and I as a gesture of our appreciation. They have each provided us with such support as we started the path towards becoming a family of three. Since Mother’s Day is twelve, short days away, I thought it would be fun to put together a Mother’s Day gift guide, including products across different price points.  If you’re like me, holidays like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day always catch me off guard so I end up calling or sending flowers last minute. With a little bit of planning and preparation, it’s easy to show her you care, regardless your budget.

For those of you on a budget, a hand-written note and a phone call can be a very inexpensive but meaningful way to show her you care. Versus buying having a Hallmark card share the message, take a piece of paper or blank card and write a note that shares some of your thoughts on why she is so important to you and how she’s supported you this year or over the years. Make sure to mail the note early enough so it arrives before Mother’s Day. Then, on Sunday, take a minute to call or Facetime her to catch up in person.

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If you’re looking to spend money to show her your appreciation and gratitude, here are some of my favorite gifts ideas, a few of which include spend and save options. 

Candles –  Personally, I love how inviting a candle can make a home or room feel and therefore love receiving them as gifts. These luxurious candles, especially the Baies scent, are a perfect gift, whether you go with the votive size or the larger, longer lasting candle or room spray. If you really want to treat her, their boxed set features their three, top-selling scents!

Hand Cream –  I gave this luxurious hand cream to my baby shower hostesses and they loved it so much that I bought it for myself. If you want to get a bit more bang for your buck,  then The L’Occitane Hand Cream set is a good choice as it features three different scents in a cute gift box.

Books –  Whether your mom still reads physical books or downloads her latest novel on a Kindle or iPad, this is the perfect time to support her love of reading. My mom and I have a book club together which simply consists of reading at elast a few of the same books throughout the year. This can be a fun way to connect with your mom or you can give her a gift card or buy her a few o fhte latest books you know she’d love.

Wine – Especially if you live locally and can deliver your gift in person, a bottle or two of your mom’s favorite wines is a perfect way to help her celebrate. I mean, really, who doesn’t love opening a bottle of their favorite wine or bubbly? Also, make sure to buy the wine SHE likes versus the wine you like since it’s her day after all.

Pampering – Most moms tend to focus on taking care of others before themselves. Help your mom out by giving her a gift that will force her to pamper herself. If she’s a do it yourself type of lady, then a gorgeous Spring nail polish and bath salts could be a great idea or if she likes relaxing at the spa, a gift card for a manicure or facial can help her relax and release any tension.

Jewelry – If your mom likes jewelry, this Kate Spade initial necklace can go with any outfit or any of these Kendra Scott necklaces can add a fun touch of color.

Pajamas – My mom loves pajamas, the softer the better. These pink pajamas look soft and feminine while these dreamy cotton pajamas have been my favorite for the past few months.

Perfume – After years of working in the beauty industry, I firmly believe every woman should have a signature fragrance. If your mom has one, this is the perfect excuse to get her a fresh bottle or even a travel size such as an easy to use rollerball or fragrance pen. If she doesn’t have a signature but enjoys fragrances, either this deluxe Sephora sampler pack or the less expensive Sephora Favorites pack makes a great gift.

Workouts – Does your mom have a workout that she loves? If so, Mother’s Day is a great time to get her either a gift card to her favorite studio or the perfect accesory such as a fresh, new yoga mat or a vibrant top for Summer walks.

Your turn – What’s your favorite way to show your mom how much you appreciate her?

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April Reading List

 

ashley reading

I don’t know about you guys, but the cool, rainy weather in New York City has me wanting to curl up in bed with a warm cup of tea, cozy blanket and a good book.  While I can’t do that during the day, regardless how strong the temptation, I have found myself spending more time reading at night. As I mentioned a while back, I have found that I sleep better when I read for 30 minutes before bed instead of watching television, reading blogs or scrolling Instagram. In addition, the third trimester aches have me craving a warm, soothing bath almost nightly which provides another perfect time to read. 

Based on the feedback I received on Instagram and Facebook when I shared this list last night, I thought it would be fun to share it on the blog today and hopefully share it more regularly since I’m reading more frequently. I love getting book suggestions from friends and other bloggers, such as Grace, so why not share with you guys too?

If you’re looking for more inspiration or more frequent updates, you can follow me on Goodreads. My “to read” list is more than 100 books long as I find myself adding new books on a weekly basis; a far faster pace than I read a book these days.

  • Bringing Up Bebe – Bo and I are both reading this book that discusses the many ways French parenting differs from the common American parenting methods. Having lived in Geneva, Switzerland for two years we saw a great deal of this come to life as it is located in the French speaking region of Switzerland and therefore highly influenced by French culture.  I love that this isn’t a book that preaches to readers, instead it is a memoir of the author’s experience becoming pregnant and then subsequently raising children in Paris. 
  • Paris for One and Other Stories – Jojo Moyes is one of my favorite authors, especially when I’m in the mood for a lighter read. After numerous friends, and my mom, recommended this colection of novellas, I knew I needed to add my name to the library waiting list. I started this last night and can already tell that I’ll finish it before Friday as it is entertaining, engaging and I find myself curious of what the next story will hold.
  • A Man Called Ove –   I started this book earlier this year but never made it past the second chapter. I can’t remember why I put it down but after seeing this reappear on my Goodreads list multiple times as well as hearing about it from a few of my close friends, I finally decided to check it out this week. In fact, when I look on Goodreads, more than 50 of my friends gave this book five stars! WOW! I have a feeling this pregnant momma will be shedding a few tears as I read this book.
  • Happiest Baby on the Block –  Let me begin by saying that yes, after last night’s post, I know realize that we should watch the movie as it brings the methods and actions to life. But, before last night, this book was on my reading list as more than 20 different moms from all walks of life recommended this book and said that it was the most important book they read while they were pregnant or raising a newborn.  A lot of people say that the book is longer than it needs to be and that for this reason the DVD can meet the needs better, but I hope to garner at least a few tidbits of applicable advice from the book.

These are the books that I am currently reading or keeping on my nightstand. Once these are done, here are a few towards the top of my list.

Tell me: What book are you reading or did you recently read that you loved and would recommend?

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April Reading List

 

ashley reading

I don’t know about you guys, but the cool, rainy weather in New York City has me wanting to curl up in bed with a warm cup of tea, cozy blanket and a good book.  While I can’t do that during the day, regardless how strong the temptation, I have found myself spending more time reading at night. As I mentioned a while back, I have found that I sleep better when I read for 30 minutes before bed instead of watching television, reading blogs or scrolling Instagram. In addition, the third trimester aches have me craving a warm, soothing bath almost nightly which provides another perfect time to read.

Based on the feedback I received on Instagram and Facebook when I shared this list last night, I thought it would be fun to share it on the blog today and hopefully share it more regularly since I’m reading more frequently. I love getting book suggestions from friends and other bloggers, such as Grace, so why not share with you guys too?

If you’re looking for more inspiration or more frequent updates, you can follow me on Goodreads. My “to read” list is more than 100 books long as I find myself adding new books on a weekly basis; a far faster pace than I read a book these days.

  • Bringing Up Bebe – Bo and I are both reading this book that discusses the many ways French parenting differs from the common American parenting methods. Having lived in Geneva, Switzerland for two years we saw a great deal of this come to life as it is located in the French speaking region of Switzerland and therefore highly influenced by French culture.  I love that this isn’t a book that preaches to readers, instead it is a memoir of the author’s experience becoming pregnant and then subsequently raising children in Paris.
  • Paris for One and Other Stories – Jojo Moyes is one of my favorite authors, especially when I’m in the mood for a lighter read. After numerous friends, and my mom, recommended this colection of novellas, I knew I needed to add my name to the library waiting list. I started this last night and can already tell that I’ll finish it before Friday as it is entertaining, engaging and I find myself curious of what the next story will hold.
  • A Man Called Ove –   I started this book earlier this year but never made it past the second chapter. I can’t remember why I put it down but after seeing this reappear on my Goodreads list multiple times as well as hearing about it from a few of my close friends, I finally decided to check it out this week. In fact, when I look on Goodreads, more than 50 of my friends gave this book five stars! WOW! I have a feeling this pregnant momma will be shedding a few tears as I read this book.
  • Happiest Baby on the Block –  Let me begin by saying that yes, after last night’s post, I know realize that we should watch the movie as it brings the methods and actions to life. But, before last night, this book was on my reading list as more than 20 different moms from all walks of life recommended this book and said that it was the most important book they read while they were pregnant or raising a newborn.  A lot of people say that the book is longer than it needs to be and that for this reason the DVD can meet the needs better, but I hope to garner at least a few tidbits of applicable advice from the book.

These are the books that I am currently reading or keeping on my nightstand. Once these are done, here are a few towards the top of my list.

Tell me: What book are you reading or did you recently read that you loved and would recommend?

Thank you to Alexis Damen for the beautiful photo.

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