Put Mom First This Mother’s Day

It’s part of being a mother. Our husbands, our children, our jobs, our homes—even our pets—are placed first. Our needs always come last. But we don’t complain, we do it willingly—it’s part of being a mother.

While no gift can repay mom for all she has done, honoring her on Mother’s Day will make her feel special and appreciated.

Looking to take her out to eat? While brunch was already booked at as of Wednesday afternoon, there was still availability for dinner starting at 7:00, according to General Manager John Ansell. The restaurant is offering a prix-fix, three-course dinner for $65, said Ansell. The restaurant had 275 reservations booked by mid-week for brunch on Mother’s Day.

If you’re considering eating at , the tables were already filling up fast five days before Mother’s Day. Steve Bidgood, regional operating partner, said the restaurant had over 1,200 reservations. The restaurant is offering a special dinner menu, not brunch, from 12pm to 7pm, and also is offering the regular children’s menu. Bidgood said that the restaurant is booked up until 4:00 with some availability for smaller parties of four or less. After 4:00, tables for larger groups were still available.

Aside from dinner out, giving mom jewelry she can treasure for years to come is another way to honor her on Mother’s Day. on River Road will be opened until 5pm on Saturday, said Manager Tony Goltsch. He said that Goldtinker is a boutique type of store and has unique, hand-made original pieces you won’t be able to find elsewhere. Goltsch said that he finds earrings and spring-colored jewelry are always best sellers for Mother’s Day.

Pampering your mother is also a nice treat. A spa gift certificate can make your mother feel special, and she can book a special treat for herself. on River Road has numerous massage packages to choose from. Its website lists all their services and can give you an idea of the types of massages available. Many services meet budgets of all types, starting at $45 for a half-hour Swedish massage. Their website also has a “Queen for a Day” package for $295, which features a four-hour pampering session including a manicure, pedicure, facial, massage, spa lunch and makeup application. The name alone is something that may make your mom feel special.

Many mothers I contacted said they just want to be acknowledged and appreciated in some way on Mother’s Day. Whether it be brunch, dinner, jewelry or a spa certificate, all said a break from the everyday monotony would be a special treat. That would include no baseball games, no soccer games, and chores for the day done by anyone but them.

Being creative for gifts from the children always works, and it tugs at a mother’s heartstrings. Some of the most memorable gifts may not be those found in a box. Having the children make special “coupons” such as “good for setting the table”, “good for cleaning my room,” that she can redeem throughout the year will make Mother’s Day last and give mom a break.

Since rain is forecast for Sunday, outdoor activities to honor your mother may have to be planned for another day. Don’t let that put a damper on your plans. Just give mom a printed “IOU” and make sure it is paid in full in the near future. A picnic at the park or beach can be put on the calendar for another day.

An invitation, printed on nice parchment paper, can be presented to your mother and could read something like: “The honor of your presence is requested to celebrate you, as a wonderful mother, at Sea Bright Public Beach. An informal picnic will be served with an ocean view.” Once you all agree on a date, make sure all the details are planned out, menu is purchased or cooked and mom doesn’t have to lift a finger for that postponed celebration.

Whatever you do to honor your mom on Mother’s Day, making her feel special and appreciated is what it’s all about. And a hats off to all you moms out there from Patch. Enjoy your special day!