Mother's Day Gift Guide & Giveaway

While I was getting ready to write this, Eddie looked over at me and says, "Wait, so you're writing a list on what to get for Mother's Day for other moms to read it?" So I almost nixed the idea. But then I thought, "No - because I'm usually the mom that has no idea what to ask for, and I would love to have some ideas of what I could ask for this year." Plus, we have other moms we buy for don't we? So I decided to stick with it and publish this list anyway. Use it to buy for the other moms in your life, or send it to your significant other in an e-mail. Or not. I included things I've been pining over or things that have been a hit as gifts in the past. 

For every mom

I have been swooning over Taudrey's stuff for a LONG time now. Their pieces are all handmade and personalized. They are a local Miami company - I actually went to the same high school as Tiffany (and I taught her little brother, too!) the owner and designer. Their pieces are dainty and beautiful on their own, mixed with other pieces, dressed up, or for everyday.  I actually have this necklace, with Eddie & Caleb's initials. This is another beautiful option. As a matter of fact, you probably can't go wrong with a whole lot from this company, and there's a Taudrey goodie included in this week's giveaway! Read all the way to the bottom for details on how to enter and win!

For the mama to be

If you haven't heard of Lauren Arboleda at Food from the Heart, you should definitely go check out her blog. She has healthy and delicious recipes that you would never guess are so good for you. And she recently published her first book, Pregnancy from the Heart. She includes tips for pregnancy, healthy eating, including a fertility diet, recipes, tips for staying active, and what to do to get ready for baby. What I love about this book is that she isn't giving you tons of technical terms - it's like you're reading the words of one of your best friends! 

And guess what? We're giving away a copy! I've teamed up with Lauren and one of you lucky readers will get a copy this week! Follow the instructions at the end of this post to enter! Not expecting? So what? I'm sure you know someone who is - and even if you don't, the recipes in here are definitely usable for those of us who aren't pregnant!

For the practical mama

Photo courtesy Mark & Graham

One site I am always checking for new products is Mark & Graham. They do a lot of personalizing and their preppy modern take on items is so lovely. If I were to choose just one thing to add to my list is would be this super cool car organizer. 

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For the mom who needs a break

You can't go wrong with a day at the spa, a massage, or a mani/pedi. Just saying. 

For the mom who's always on the go

I've talked about how much I love my Vauva pack backpack before, and the more time passes, the more glad I am that I got it. I have used these bags for Disney trips and every local outing imaginable. Heck, sometimes I put my camera lenses in there even when I don't have Caleb with me. 

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For your own mom

How gorgeous is my momma? Photo by the always amazing Karla Garcia Costa

We actually gave my parents a family photo session for Christmas this year, and they absolutely loved it as a gift - I don't think we could ever top that. I know that as a mom, memories with my family are one thing I will always cherish. So why not gift mom a photo session? Check out local photographers in your area (oh, hi, Miami mommas - time for a shameless plug), and book a session for mom! I promise it will be a hit! 

For the mom who loves to cook

Anything from LeCreuset is always a hit for me. The quality is amazing and cast-iron is always a good idea! For our anniversary, I actually got a special edition Beauty & The Beast soup pot, and it is a permanent fixture on my stove because I love it so much. That one is no longer available, but look how beautiful these flower ones are! 

For the sentimental mom 

Make her something, or help your kids make her something. Any mom will love a handmade gift, more so when it comes from their children! I'm leaving a couple of pins below to give you a few ideas! 

For the shoe lover

Last year I got a pair of Soludos and I have not stopped wearing them. What better gift to kick off the summer season than an adorable pair of espadrilles? Soludos has all these cute designs and you can find a pair for everyone on your list! How cute are these flamingo ones? 

This won't cost a thing...

Give mom the day off. It can be on Mother's Day, or another day of your choosing. Let her sleep in. Don't let her wash dishes. Take care of bath time. Get the kids ready for brunch. Keep the house picked up. Sometimes as moms, that's all we need!

At the end of the day, know that whatever you get your Mom, she will be happy. It will be a gift, from you, from your heart. And you can only truly understand that when you become a mother yourself. It's not about the presents, it's about your presence. But something thoughtful and from the heart never hurts. 

xoxo, 

​Jenise

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Anniversary Giveaway #3

I'm a little late with this one, and I apologize, but I was stuck in bed with a stomach virus and it was not pretty! But this week's giveaway includes the beautiful Pregnancy from the Heart by Lauren Arboleda, and a Taudrey hair elastic/cuff that says "Mom Life." Perfect Mother's Day gifts for the moms in your life! Enter below for a chance to win! Giveaway will run through 12:00 am Friday and the winner will be announced Friday morning, as usual! 

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