As a mama, I can say that being a Mother is the most selfless, but at the end of the day, most rewarding job in the world. We have an attachment and love for our children that can't be measured. We carry them in our bodies, bring them forth into the world, sustain them with our breast milk, nurture and protect them with our instinct. We love them unconditionally from the moment they are with us.
Because it's so exhausting, especially in our current day and age where many of us work one or more jobs, own our own businesses, are single mothers, and ultimately become jugglers extraordinaire; I personally feel that we should work toward celebrating Mother's Day once a month instead of just once a year. But that's just my opinionated opinion...
So... Mother's Day should be a day of pampering, thanks, and respect. As most of us can't expect to be sent off to a Caribbean beach for the day (or month) to bask in the sun, napping at whim and being attended to by a stable of attractive young men, here are some ideas for reality that are both thoughtful and environmentally conscious.
Send this article on as a hint, use the ideas yourself for your own monthly Mother's Day, or treat the woman who gave you life.
Sleeping in with breakfast in bed. Is there a more precious commodity than sleep for most moms? I can't think of one personally, except maybe coffee (and the two seem to go hand in hand).
♦ So let's start with the bed itself. I have the most amazing bamboo sheet set that I absolutely love. They are cool like cotton but soft like silk. You can purchase them through an online store such as Organic Bamboo Sheets or locally at Natural Territory in North Scottsdale. Definitely a gift that keeps on giving!
♦ Ahhh yes - coffee! Women's Bean Project is a non profit organization that was founded in 1989 by Jossy Eyre, who after volunteering in a homeless woman's shelter, realized she wanted to make a positive shift in women's lives. Women's Bean Project began when Eyre bought $500 worth of coffee beans and put her idea and two homeless women from the shelter to work. The coffee is organic & fair trade and they also have some other yummy products available as well.
♦ What should you make to feed her? For every major holiday we usually have brunch and I always make Pain Perdu which has become a favorite tradition with my kids. It is a decadent affair made with croissants, eggs, cream and sugar. (Remember to use organic products where you can!) I always add slivered almonds and serve it with fresh mango slices, blackberries, and real maple syrup. If someone actually made this for ME and brought it to me in BED - I would be smitten for life! Top it off with a nice mimosa and I bet she'll be the happiest mom in town!
♦ And after eating breakfast, wouldn't it be nice to just stay in bed, sipping a mimosa and reading a magazine? A magazine subscription is a great gift that lasts all year, and with sites like Freecycle that allow you to keep passing them on, think of how many people could become more educated on green living. Depending on her style, a few ideas are Mother Earth News, Living Green Online Magazine, Natural Home and Yes! Magazine.
♦ All moms love sweets (because we're sweet)! Urban Cookies - located at 4711 N. 7th Street in Phoenix, AZ has the most tasty and amazing cookies made with organic ingredients. They've recently come out with a new cupcake line as well. Mmmmmmm - cupcakes... Everything is sold individually as well as by the baker's dozen.
♦ If you're looking to take your mom out for a healthy meal, think about taking her to Mandala Tearoom located at 7027 E. 5th Ave. in Scottsdale, AZ. Not only do they serve scrumptious organic vegetarian fare, but they have also "walked their talk" by using green building supplies such as soy based concrete stain, low VOC paint, waterless urinals and recycled resin tabletops.
♦ A mother doesn't exist who wouldn't want a break or an extra helping hand with the never-ending chore of housecleaning! A gift certificate from a green house cleaning service like Earth Maids would be a practical and extremely thoughtful gift.
♦ Because every mom deserves to look and feel beautiful, think about a gift certificate from one of our local businesses such as: puresalon, located at 7000 E. Shea Blvd. in Scottsdale, AZ who offer healthy, non-toxic hair services and Moss Wellness Spa, a leader in local "green" spas (and open by appointment only) which is located at 7135 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 240 in Scottsdale, AZ.
Whatever you choose to do for the Mothers in your life this Mother's Day, just remember a heartfelt "thank you" goes a long way (and a bit of chocolate never hurt)!
"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child." ~Sophia Loren
*If you know of a local green business or event in the Metro Phoenix area (or elsewhere in AZ) you would like to see an article written about, please feel free to pop me a note.
Love and laughter.
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