Remembering Mom
Mother’s Day is by far the most celebrated holiday of the year. Honoring love of country or an historic political figure never seems to match up to the attention of Mom. There is a sense of duty on Mother’s Day. From the moment we wake up, until we are ready to turn in, we work hard to make it special. A day to show our appreciation for the person who has the toughest job on earth…balancing family and for most, their careers.
What is it about Mom that war- rants such pampering and attention on this day? The answer is clear. She delivers life; the one that carries and nurtures from our birth till her death.
A life’s journey that has driven her to care for us; to encourage and devote her life’s work to us. It’s a big job to keep it all tied together. Mom is the iconic anchor with its deeply rooted foundation that keeps family values intact.
One of my earliest memories of Mom was her coming to open school day. It was a time when parents had the chance to observe our class, while it was being conducted. I was eight years old. As my mother entered the classroom, I remember saying to myself, how beautiful she looked! How blessed I was to have such a Mom. I’d say to my buds, “Yup, that’s my Mom,” as I proudly showed her off.
Though my mother worked a full time job, there was always a deliciously prepared home cooked meal on the table every single day. It was important back then, for the family to join at dinner time. Yes, we live in a different world today; It’s getting even harder today to be a Mom.
I also remember the times when I was unsure of myself. During moments when there was doubt about my ability. She helped me realize and understand that life has it’s obstacles. Mom always was reassuring that with a positive attitude, new doors of opportunity would open. For me, it was her belief in me and encouragement that has left an indelible mark on my character.
Mom was my best friend. She was my confidant, my support system. The one person above all, that would unselfishly sacrifice her time and love to nurture.
The maternal mission of Mom is to keep her family strong. It is why I raise my arm and proudly salute all Moms for their love, devotion and faith in keeping the sanctuary of family alive.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
Gift Guide: Mother’s Day Gifts
Flowers
www.1800flowers.com
You can never go wrong with flowers for mom, not just on Mother’s Day, but any day. 1-800 Flowers offers countless arrangements from roses, to tulips, to daises, in a wide variety of sizes and colors, delivered right to your doorstep.
Jewelry
www.amazon.com
Mom can keep the whole family close to her heart with this custom pendant. Add up to 7 birthstones and initial charms, available in gold, rose gold, and silver ($19.50 + $6 for each additional birthstone and initial).
“What I Love About Mom” book
www.amazon.com
Tell mom exactly what you love about her with this 4.5” x 3.25” fill-in-the-blank journal, available in 14 different colors.
Aura Frame
www.amazon.com
Load up this digital frame with mom’s favorite photos and videos of the whole family! With a 10.1” display and 1280 xx 800 resolution, the Aura frame is quick and easy to set up ($150).
Wine
www.harryanddavid.com
For the mom that loves to unwind with a glass of wine at the end of a long day, this sparkling set from Harry and David is perfect. The set includes two 750 ml bottles, one white and one rosé for $59.99.
Recipe Glass Cutting Board
www.personalizationmall.com
For the mom whose favorite place is her kitchen, spice up her décor with this glass cutting board, $13.99 – $19.99, engraved with the family’s favorite recipe. Available in 12 different colors suited to mom’s favorite.
Picture Frame Clock
www.personalizationmall.com
Engrave this personalized wall clock ($62.99, 23.5”W x 1.75”D) with mom’s favorite saying and add photos of her favorite moments with the family.
Massage
For the woman who does it all, treat mom to a day of rest and relaxation where she can unwind with a massage.
Family Photos Session
For the mom that fills the role of the family photographer, book a photo session so that mom gets time to shine in front of the camera along with the family.
Book of the Month membership
www.bookofthemonth.com/gift
For the mom that loves to have her nose in a book but doesn’t always have the time to browse her favorite bookstore, let the books come to her. Book of the Month offers subscription bundles for 3, 6, and 12 months and offers a wide variety of genres from today’s bestselling authors, shipped right to your door, saving mom the trip to Barnes & Noble.
Intelex Warmie
warmies.com/collections/warmies
Replace mom’s tired old heating pad with a furry friend! These microwavable plushies are lavender-scented to help mom relax and are so much fun to snuggle. Available in a wide variety of animals for $29.99.
Slippers
www.amazon.com
Treat mom to a new pair of slippers this Mother’s Day. Ugg’s top-rated Scuffette Slipper is available on Amazon in 11 different colors for $94.95.
Up Close: Amazing Lash Studio
After being with the same woman for over four decades, I have grown to have a greater appreciation for what it takes to look her best every single day before she steps out our front door. As important as it may be, it is a time consuming routine.
The Amazing Lash Studio has answered the call to those that want to enhance their beauty, while also saving time with their daily beauty routine. Owner Elyse Pedersen and General Manager Ashley Zakrzewski gave me some interesting insight about their revolutionary lash treatment.
Unlike the obvious fake clip-on lashes that look like miniature fans, Amazing Lash uses a patented process where trained stylists attach light-weight eyelash extensions to each individual lash that gives their clients a lash line that is both natural and thicker in appearance.
As manager Ashley explains it, “Our lightweight eyelash extensions feel so comfortable and natural, you’ll forget you have them on. It is our unique beauty treatment that will give you thicker, longer, darker and more glamorous lashes than your natural lashes could ever be. This means you can have lashes you love without spending hours at the mirror curling, applying mascara or gluing on false eyelashes.”
Owner Elyse continues, “What separates us most from our competitors is that we are a national brand that has created a positive experience for our clients before and after the process of applying our Amazing Lashes. In addition, by manufacturing our own lashes, we are able to keep our costs down and pass the savings onto our clients.
Once an appointment is set, a professional stylist escorts the customer back to a private suite where they choose the Lash look that’s best for their eye shape and personal style. At Amazing Lash Studio, you can choose any of their four lash styles – Gorgeous, Natural, Sexy and Cute⎯or create a completely custom look with Amazing Lash specialty eyelash extension options. Stylists will customize the look to suit your brow and face shape. Then it’s time to get comfortable and relax in your own private suite with cushioned massage table, draped under a cozy velour blanket, as the Stylist applies your lash extensions one by one. From what I’m told, it’s an amazing experience that you’ll fall in love with instantly!
Your first visit will take a little longer, up to two hours. Once you and your stylist have zeroed in on your perfect set of lashes, periodic visits will take under an hour. The big benefit of course is that you’ll save hours each week by ditching your mascara applications.
This is your time to wake up feeling confident make-up free with your beautiful and new Amazing Lashes.
The Amazing Lash Studio
6401 Jericho Turnpike #104, Commack, NY 11725
Pictured: Elyse Pedersen, owner flanked by manager Ashley with staff members Gisselle, Lindsay and Kristin
Companion Planting for a Successful Harvest
Rich soil, check. Water, check. Sufficient sunlight, check. Is there anything else to do to ensure a bountiful harvest from your garden? Consider companion planting. Companion planting is a strategy that involves planting compatible or symbiotic plants in adjoining areas of the garden. This can help with reducing pests, enhancing pollination, slowing weed growth, extending crop life, and moderating sunlight, which all results in increasing crop yield.
Companion planting is not a new concept. Evidence suggesting knowledge of companion planting dates back almost as long as plants have been domesticated. The classic combination is the “three sisters” of corn, climbing beans, and winter squash. The corn provides a pole for the beans, the beans “fix” nitrogen by making it more available in the soil for the corn, and the squash deters vine borers.
Here are some more classic pairings to get you started:
If you want to keep it simple, or if you don’t grow a wide variety of crops, you can take advantage of the concept in an easier way. Plant lettuce, radishes, spinach and other early, cool-weather crops in between plantings of tomatoes, squash, and other vined vegetables. This maximizes your garden space, keeps weeds at bay, and the early crops will cycle out before the vines take up all the space. More harvest, same space, a win-win!
20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000.