Monday, January 24, 2011

Treat Mothers Day the Same As Birthdays Or Christmas

When children grow up, they as a rule leave their parents home and try to build their own nest. Worldly vanity absorbs everybody and it turns out that we can hardly find time even to call our parents. Mother's day is a special day when all mothers around the world are the objects of attention they wait for their children to visit them and this day the children have no excuses not to come. Such is the custom that people give each other gifts to express one's thanks and love and thinking that the best gift for your mother is you sounds a bit selfish. Chances are that she can live without your gift but it would be extremely nice if you gave your dear mother a lovely gift on this day.

So why not set aside half an hour one evening and think before you get something for mum this Mothers day. It would be nice if you know exactly what kind of gift is going to be the one your mother wants to receive from you. She might need a new hot water bottle or pair of slippers. If she enjoys needlework and likes making things then a sewing box or a craft kit will make a nice gift on such a day. But there situation when your mother does not need a new hot water bottle or pair of slippers. Moreover she has got a nice sewing box and a lovely craft kit and it seems you have no idea except a bouquet of flowers. Many a times we are at a loss while selecting a gift for the people that we love.

What about prints on canvas, it is lovely and unique.

If you really want to give an unusual but interesting gift, canvas photo would be a good idea. You can get abstract prints on canvas that would add a unique touch to your mothers`s home decor or you can opt for canvas prints that have floral prints. Some canvas print companies offer you a possibility to see the reproductions before you buy in the virtual room; you can even change the colour in real time or the size and view how your canvas print will look before you make a decision. What about giving your mother a real masterpiece on this day? To be more precise you can purchase an identical copy of the painting. Canvas photo gives complete life to the drawing or the image and moreover they give a lively effect to the art work. These are high-resolution and high-fidelity reproductions which are produced from digital scans of existing artworks. Outwardly there is almost no difference between the original work of art and the image of the painting printed on canvas.

Canvas Photo Prints are really exclusive and they give an impressive look to the photographs you take. As Photos on canvas look much livelier and attractive than your original photographs it can be a great idea for a gift, furthermore it can add a personal touch to the present. You can carefully choose a photo to be printed or even arrange several photos from a special event and get an extraordinary print on canvas.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Take the Mother's Day Gift Baskets Road This Year

Mother's Day is a wonderful time of year when all over the world people honor their mothers, it's also a time of year when people all over the world will stand in long lines outside flower shops to buy carnations that will wilt in a few days. To think that people who plan for days and are excited about surprising their moms on Mother's Day with something absolutely fantastic will give nothing but flowers doesn't make much sense. Many moms will have nothing but wilting carnations to show for Mother's Day.

I've always thought that if you're going to give a gift, it should be something that can be enjoyed and used instead of just put out on a shelf and flowers unfortunately are just such a gift. You put them in a vase and you keep the water fresh but in a few days they're going to die and that's that. A wilting bunch of carnations are not my idea of a good Mother's Day gift especially when there's more than an abundant choice in gifts available, some better than others.

One thing to always bear in mind is that just because your mom says she doesn't want anything for Mother's Day and that motherhood is a self fulfilling feeling, buying her a gift that would die still can't be justified; it's like getting your mom a sick dog that she should care for, get attached to only to learn later on that it has to be put to sleep.

There are plenty of other options available online for Mother's Day gift baskets and if you've ever done any kind of online browsing for gifts for your mom, you'll know that Mother's Day gift baskets are a very popular gift item. They hold a lot of appeal for the average mom because (if the right one is picked), it'll have everything that your mom loves. A little note of caution here though; a lot of people will tell you that making your own Mother's Day gift baskets is really cheap and it has the same effect as a store bought one, they're wrong. You're likely to be impressed with the cheap crafts and baskets that you can buy and think that your basket is going to cost something under $15 when actually you haven't anticipated the cost of everything that you're going to put in. you can't make every single item in the gift basket yourself, maybe a photo frame or two, but this needs to be a real gift with something that your mom can enjoy and it's precisely why buying gift baskets from stores or online is a better option. The cost is far less and your crafting abilities don't need to be put to the test nor does the sturdiness of a basket bought at Wal-Mart for $1.

Mother's Day gift baskets with a food theme go over really well, it can make for a nice snack that your mom can enjoy on and off or if you want to go to the spoil-my-mom side of food gift baskets, you can buy a fruit bouquet for your mom. Fruit bouquets are pretty much like fruit baskets only their presentation beats that of other fruit baskets by a mile, they come in creative designs, you get the flowers in it too (fruit bouquets are fruit cut to look like flowers), they come with chocolate sauce and they're the unique gift that you're looking for.

Monday, December 27, 2010

My Daughter's First Mother's Day

My daughter has had an incredible year. She has had many changes in her life. She has gotten married. She has moved into a new home. After a company down-sizing, she has found a new employer. But, most importantly, of all of the major changes in her life, she has become a mother. She has recently given birth to a beautiful, healthy daughter. We are delighted with how everything has worked out for our daughter. Life has not always been easy for her. In spite of some major obstacles, she has conquered her demons and adapted to a new life.

Being a new mother is a reward in itself, but I wanted to let my daughter know how proud I am of her and how delighted I am for her. I wanted to find a special Mother's Day gift for my daughter's first Mother's Day. The first time a woman gets to celebrate Mother's Day is a wonderful "rite of passage". It is a memorable time; one that is never forgotten. I wanted to be a part of this remarkable time in her life by giving her a token gift.

I could have given her a Day Spa package to the local Salon. She could have her hair cut and styled in a way that would be easy to care for in view of her lack of time to do so. She could have a one-hour relaxation massage to help ease the stress she has had with all of the changes in her life. She could also have a cleansing facial to help with her hormone-related blemishes often caused by pregnancy. A pedicure and manicure would also be included in this package that promises to cater to you from head to toe. Although my daughter would appreciate this gift package, she would not be able to fully enjoy all of the aspects of this, as she is still quite nervous leaving her infant for a couple of hours, let alone an entire day. This gift would be better for my daughter at a later stage and age in motherhood.

I also could have chosen a gift card for her to shop for a new outfit at her favorite clothing store. Like most new mothers, she needs a larger wardrobe after childbirth for about a year, until she loses the excess weight. She would be able to choose an outfit for work, for exercise, or for casual times spent at home. Even though she's a larger size, it is important for her to stay stylish and up-to-date on the newest trends. Her extra "baby weight" is a temporary setback, so this gift may not be as acceptable for her or appreciated. None of us wants to be reminded that we can't wear our favorite clothing because of weight gain, even if it is temporary.

The token gift I selected to give my daughter for her first Mother's Day is an Italian charm bracelet. I have chosen a few Italian charms to start this bracelet and she can add to it over the years, marking memorable times in her daughter's life. The Italian charms I have chosen to add to this bracelet are a "Mother and baby", "It's a Girl", "Greatest Mom", and an Aquamarine Italian charm, which is the birthstone for March, the month her daughter was born.

My daughter will enjoy wearing this Italian charm bracelet for years and years. I'm sure she will be reminded this is the gift I chose to celebrate her first Mother's Day and it will have as much meaning for her as it does for me. I also chose an Italian charm bracelet for myself; after all, this Mother's Day will be my first to celebrate being a grandmother!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Mother's Day Shopping Ideas

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 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 it!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Easter Crafts

Are you looking for easter crafts? Maybe you are looking for easter crafts for kids. Whatever it may be that you are looking for you are doing the right thing by doing research on it. With all of the holidays and mothers and fathers day, it is a good idea to get some crafts for the kids.

When kids are young you can teach them to be creative and arts and crafts is a good way to do this. Kids learn in a variety of ways and you will be able to see them express themselves with the crafts that they create. Kids always love arts and crafts time because they feel like they are playing.

Between the holidays and the seasons there are so many craft ideas available. There is Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, the list just goes on. Get into the spirit of the season or holiday and enjoy some quality time with your kids while doing crafts.

Everyone enjoys some kind of interesting thing that a kid made. The imagination of kids is so great and you should tap into their creativity the next holiday this season. Kids like to play and build things. Why not give them something to build for fathers day. Or, you could get them working on decorations for the house. There are so many ways to utilize their imagination it is great.

You will also get to spend some quality time with them as you are exploring their creativity. It probably saves money to build things at home too.

Friday, December 17, 2010

What to Get Your Wife For Mother's Day - What Moms Really Want For Mother's Day

What Mom really wants for mother's day.

Ok guys, if your wife has children what are you supposed to do for Mother's Day.  Well after listen to my wife and a whole ton of other wives from the PTA, the consensus is quite clear.  Believe it or not, it isn't a bunch of flowers, some nice chocolates, a nice bottle of wine, a fruit basket, a piece of jewelry, or a day at the spa.  While those things are appreciated, the thing she wants the most is peace and quiet----plain and simple.  From the interviews I conducted during that meeting and interviewing my wife, here is what I've come up with writing as I see things through her eyes.

Many moms (me included) really dread this holiday.  Why?  Because rather than being just celebrated and honored for all of your work as a mom year round, you have the added hassle of buying gifts for your own mother and mother in law, perhaps having to prepare dinner for the entire family (and of course have the house impeccably clean so as to avoid the unwelcome "suggestions" of your mother in law).  Rather than go through all of this, why not just do something mom would really love? 

All of your children and husbands are out there fretting about what to buy mom for mother's day.  Why not just ask her what she'd really like?  Suggest favors instead of gifts if you can.  Don't get arrogant here, likely she doesn't want you to wrap yourself in a bow, so get that out of your head.  While flowers and jewelry are nice, there are lots of other things mom would love to have.  One of my favorite mother's day gifts was when my husband took my children out to shoe shopping.  It gave me a wonderful break and took away a job that I dread doing.  I would also love it if my husband just took the children for the day to visit the grandmothers (who would really love to see the children) while I sit around and read a book at home.  It is the simple things that really mean the most.

There are lots of these stressful type chores that need to be done that mom would love to have completed by someone other than herself, for instance, take the kids and do the grocery shopping.  Or even just drop mom off for a manicure and make dinner while she's out.  Another mom I know asked her husband to take her children for the day to a craft shop where they made a fusible glass platter.  Obviously, the same thing can be done with pottery or the like, but the idea is to take away stress and make it so mom has less to do while creating a lasting memory of the event.

Yes, I do love jewelry and flowers.  And I love my children and husband.  But I also need time to remember why being a mom is so special, and sometimes that just takes a little bit of peace and quiet and some time away so that I can miss my family.   A glass of wine, vase of flowers and some bon-bons wouldn't hurt either, but you get the point!

So armed with this secret inside information, usually not divulged to mere mortal men, I'm going to finally listen and execute the game plan given to me by a flock of what I think are a pretty representative group of Moms.  I'm going to start off with a beautiful bouquet of her favorite flowers.  Breakfast in bed with the kids.  Then the kids and I are off for the day to visit the grandparents.  Upon our return, we shall bring home her favorite take-out as I know she won't want to venture out to a restaurant on the busiest day of the year for the restaurants.  Along with the dinner, her favorite bottle of wine.  The kids I'll get to bed.  She finishes off the night with hot bubble bath and a foot massage.  Then to send my message of how I feel about her, I'll find that perfect poem to go with flowers.  I can find Special Mothers Day Poems here and at other places on the web. 

I hope I don't get arrested with this inside information like using insider information and trading on Wall Street would.  It isn't often we (Men) are given clear instructions, instead of complex codes and encrypted messages that seem like misinformation leaked by enemy forces during war.  I got to peek at an actual female game plan that wasn't in code.  This time I'm acting on it --- won't you ?

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

The Meaning Of Mother's Day Flowers

Mother's day is the day when you let your mother know how much she means to you. A nice dinner out or a family get together at home are two ways that will show mom that you care. Flowers are meant to show whoever you give them to that you were thinking of them, including mom. In addition, the type of flower that you choose can say that you listened to your mom when she spoke of her favorite flower or what flower is the closest to her heart. The meaning of mother's day flowers is said best with pink carnations as these flowers say, "I will never forget you" and they represent a mother's love.

While carnations are a popular choice for mom on her special day, they are not the only choice. Think about your mom and what she likes. The meaning of mother's day flowers is to show mom that you took time out of your day to think about her so choose flower arrangements that suit her best. She not only changed your diapers when you were young, she also has been there to hold your hand through the tough times and hug you just because. Mother's day has no spiritual meaning behind it like so many other holidays do; it is simply a day to celebrate moms everywhere. The meaning of mother's day flowers is to give mom a gift with sentimental value that she knows is from your heart.

Moms everywhere feel privileged to have had their children and they look upon them as precious gifts from God. Mother's day should be spent with your children and remember to treat mom special each and every day, not just on the celebrated mother's day. It is an emotionally charged holiday when mom looks back at moments passed and looks at her children that are getting bigger almost every second it seems like. The meaning of mother's day flowers is love and appreciation and you do not have to find them at the local flower shop. Consider making flowers out of multi colored construction paper and glue them on paper. This is the one dimensional option; however, 3D flowers can be made if you are the creative type when it comes to arts and crafts.

The meaning of mother's day flowers is showing your mom that you appreciate all that she has done or put up with for you over the years. For the little ones, this holiday is a tradition that they can continue through the years. As for husbands, flowers are a great gift for your mom or wife at home. They are the gifts that say so much without saying a word.