Mother's Day Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

All About My SuperMom Mother’s Day Booklet

Paula — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 13:22:00 +0000

With spring in full bloom and Mother’s Day hovering on the horizon, it is the perfect time to start thinking about what the kids can do for Mom. This All About My SuperMom Mother’s Day Booklet is easy and inexpensive way for kids to show love. If you are a friend or a family member, if you have a Mom or know a Mom, then try to remember Mom and plan ahead with this Mother’s Day Booklet. Mom does a lot for everyone, if she’s anything like my Mom was, so she deserves to be thanked and remembered as well as celebrated for just being your mom. That should be an every day affair but it often isn’t. So, with that said, print this cute 5-page Mother’s Day booklet out if you have a daycare, or if you are an aunt or uncle or Dad. May is one of my favourite months because the first real long weekend of the summer launches an amazing season typically. And right before that there’s Mother’s Day. May is full of joy and great weather. This year, of course we are all still home due to the pandemic. But, I am hoping for a nice day with my family. Mostly, I’d like no arguments to be honest. Everyone has been super testy here the last few months with third lockdown officially underway. If your Mom loves word searches then don’t miss my Mother’s Day word search. If kids need something to do to keep them busy on Mother’s Day, so mom gets a break then again, print out my Mother’s Day word search. But before that, make sure to print this adorable Mother’s Day booklet out so the kids can spend some time filling it out and reflecting on memories with Mom. Print This Activity Out Just click on the link below to print the booklet out and then fill it out together. If the kids are older they can do it themselves. Otherwise, have someone handy to help them fill in the blanks. If you liked this Mother’s Day booklet them you will also love this cute I Love Mom Mother’s Day Fill-in Page.

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I Love Mom Because Printable for Kids

Paula — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 14:18:00 +0000

It’s almost Mother’s Day again. This is not a day that I take lightly. I adore every moment of this day. If your kids are looking for a simple craft to share with you, have them fill this I Love Mom Because Printable out. Husbands and partners, your wife will love this so save it for later and give it to kids. If you know me, then you are aware that we adopted our girls after a lengthy infertility battle. Mother’s Day is important to me, as it is for many of us. It’s important to say I Love Mom Because as often as possible. Our Journey For us, parenthood was hard won. At times, it seemed like a battle but even so the journey was worth it. And then when my Mom passed away and when Jim’s Mom passed away also, the importance of Mother’s Day hit me hard again. Not that I mean to make anyone sad about that, and I am not looking for sympathy either, but I hope it reminds you to cherish the ones you love now and always. Moms are one of a kind and if you have a good one then you should appreciate her while you are able. I adore all of the cute gifts and treasures that kids come up with on Mother’s Day. In fact, over the years I have kept most of them in my nightstand and my dresser. All of the cards matter and each of the sweet handmade gifts that came from the heart. It’s true that it is the intention that matters most for Moms. Other Ways to Say I Love You Here are a few easy DIY Mother’s Day gifts to make this year, in the event that you are looking for crafts or ideas. This pretty homemade flowerbasket card is simple and memorable too. You might also like these cute little spring origami tulips. How to Access this Cute I Love You Mom Printable… Just click on the link below. It is clear and clean and easy as can be. Enjoy. As long as a little one can print, they can fill this out. There are numerous other spring printables and games for kids here on my Pinterest spring page and my Free Printables page. No matter the size and shape of your family, where you live or how you make a living, this is a simple way for someone to share some sweet sentiments with Mom.

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The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift for Entrepreneurs

Paula — Wed, 08 May 2019 12:54:19 +0000

I received the Epson 3 in 1 home office all-in-one printer for consideration here. Listen, when you spend as much time in your home office as I do the tools that you have MUST make life easier. I love my home office. It is one of the biggest reasons we bought this house. It was the feature that caught my eye first immediately on viewing our home. And yet…as much as I love my home office I’d rather not spend an extra second more than I have to in it. Because swimming, skiing and travel make me way happier than working inside an office and I’d rather be outdoors any time of year which is why I am loving my new Epson home office all-in-one printer. A Home Office all-in-one Printer That Works So, back to the tools. My computer, shine, camera, printer and scanner are all vital elements necessary for me running a business. The computer needs an upgrade soon. Because it’s old. I bought it in 2012 when I launched my writing, communications and social media consulting business. But it is now slowing me down and it’s time. And my printer, well I let that baby slide long enough. It was time to upgrade. So, thankfully now I have a new home office all-in-one printer saving me time and making me look good. Epson Premium XP-7100 is the perfect Mother’s Day gift for moms who are entrepreneurs. With the Epson Premium XP-7100 home office all-in-one printer (Small in one), I’m able to do everything I need to do for my business as well as my personal life. It was a welcome change for me because my old printer was a bit of a fail. It was small and wireless, however the wireless capability died long ago, and it was very unreliable in general. I was happy to be able to finally replace it with something that works well. Epson Premium XP-7100 Does It All Whatever I need to do for my business or home life, I can do it with this machine. It’s an all-in-one that works well, connects easily, and doesn’t take up a ton of space. In fact, Epson calls it a small-in-one, and it mostly is. This little powerhouse can print, copy, and scan without being big and bulky. It also boasts voice command capability which I am crazy stoked about trying. FUN!! Hey Google print my travel tickets. Thanks! Family Printing Emergency Test #1 Picture this: Literally this morning after a week of me being sick, my husband woke me up to say: Payton needs your help printing something. YAWNS. Unimpressed with either of these two family members at 6 a.m. Note – I only set up my printer/ scanner fully Sunday and Monday. It is Tuesday and I had not shown either of these two how to use the new Epson. Homework Drama Solved I have two high school students and everything they do is computer based obviously. They submit all assignments on line to teachers and they each have their own computers and smartphones. BUT still things have to be printed and submitted in person often too. So, when I woke up to a printing emergency this morning because daughter was up too late doing homework last night I showed her what to do with the Epson Premium XP-7100. For about ten minutes late last night she struggled trying to connect with my old outdated printer and then I demonstrated how simple her computer connects wirelessly with the new Epson home office all-in-one printer. Her computer located the printer quickly and printed wirelessly and efficiently. Homework printed and ready to submit in person. Happy Dances All Around It’s funny how happy that made her, because she worries over late assignments and things like that. And everyone knows that when kids are happy Mom is happy and vice versa. Frankly we had been so used to our old printer, which never really performed well, that this was a breath of fresh air. SO Happy Days ahead with this Epson XP-7100 simplifying the homework situation for the teens in my home and therefore taking a bit of work away from me. Epson Premium XP-7100 Specs I’ve told you why I was excited to get this home office all-in-one printer and a bit about why it’s a worthy new addition to my office. Here are a few of the specs. 5-color ink for superior photo quality 30-page ADF and auto 2-sided print/copy/scan Supports specialty paper, DVDs; borderless up to 8″x10″ 4.3″ touchscreen (you will love this. I do) Built-in USB/card slots Easy mobile printing using app Wireless with Wi-Fi Direct or Ethernet A Great Mother’s Day Gift If someone wanted to give me tech as a birthday present or a Mother’s Day gift I’d be ecstatic actually. Tech gifts are some of my favourites. Tech gifts like this Epson Premium XP-7100 series home office all-in-one printer make the perfect Mother’s Day gift for any entrepreneur. Technology Makes a Great Gift A printer/ scanner for Mother’s Day? Come on, Paula… I know you are still thinking who would give their Mom a printer or scanner/ copier all in one for Mother’s Day? Well, this gal would. Here’s why….. Family Printing/ Scanning Test #2 May is a month of chaos at high school because everything is adding up and assignments and exams and prom and a school year are all winding down. Plus we have graduation and prom and a martial arts grading coming up!! I can barely keep up. On Sunday morning, while out of the house at a martial arts tournament, we checked one daughter’s email. In fact an email had come in Friday night late that said she was hired for a summer camp job. HURRAY. But we read it Sunday and were away from home. Papers due back Monday morning. There were tax papers and more to fill out fast, then scan into my computer before sending. Problem, What Problem? SO, without a second to lose we printed the attachments, filled them out together (listen most kids still need help with tax forms), accepted the job offer and scanned filled out forms into my computer, before emailing them back. WHEW!! Saving Time and Gas Money As with any new technology, making this home office all-in-one printer work with existing computers meant that we needed to download new drivers and also add an app on my phone for remote printing and scanning. I have not mastered the remote scanning perfectly yet, but I will have it figured out by Mother’s Day. AND having a copier of my own is GOLD. GOLD. I am copying contracts right now as I write this post. Multi-tasking for the win! Just a week or two ago if I needed something copied I had to drive to Staples and pay 10 cents a sheet. Mother’s Day Gifts Should be Awesome Mother’s Day gifts should be awesome and thoughtful. I feel like that’s a given, right? This Epson Premium XP-7100 ticks both of those boxes for me. Perfect for the business mom. In fact, it’s perfect for any mom. We are OFTEN the ones who are responsible for printing calendars, homework, and business documents. Having a durable, easy to use home office all-in-one printer makes our job easier. If you’re looking for a great Mother’s Day gift this year, I highly recommend this Epson Premium XP-7100 home office all-in-one printer. It’s a time saver and a great printer, scanner and copier in one.

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Hallmark Mother’s Day Styles (Giveaway)

Paula — Wed, 01 May 2019 05:29:23 +0000

I’m a Hallmark ambassador and as such receive product for consideration here. My opinion is all my own and it is truthful. With spring in full bloom and Mother’s Day on the horizon, now is the perfect time to start thinking about gifts for mom to make it a Hallmark Mother’s Day. Hallmark delivers great style and gifts for Mother’s Day every year. This year I am loving the spring styles from Hallmark. They are perfect for the rainy dull weather. Hallmark has adorable scarves every year and their pretty umbrellas are both stylish and functional too. I have a couple here now and they are so useful and durable – nicest umbrellas I have ever owned actually. I Love a Hallmark Mother’s Day Hallmark and Mother’s Day go together so well. Their cards are perfect every time. Some of you know my Mom passed away a few years ago, so this time of year for us can be hard emotionally. WE all miss her, and that’s heightened in May every year, but my family also does their best to rally around our family and do something special just for me. My memories of all of our occasions growing up, are quietly bookended by Hallmark cards and gifts. Funnily enough I didn’t realize how much value we place on cards until the last few years. Now the card aisle has a strange sentimental value for me. Honestly can’t think of a year when I didn’t get a card or a gift (or both) from my husband and kids. Hallmark makes gift giving easy. For as long as I can remember, getting a card has always meant getting a Hallmark card. When I was a girl, it meant going to the Hallmark section of the card aisle in the grocery store. In the past few years, it’s meant going to our local Hallmark store or shopping online from their super cute selection of items for any occasion. Because I love Hallmark so much, I wanted to share some of their adorable spring and Mother’s Day offerings with you. I’m in love with these, and I think you will be, as well. Hallmark Mother’s Day Gifts for Every Mom As always, Hallmark has great ideas for Mother’s Day to fit any mom. From cute plush animals to scented candles and spring fashions, if you can’t find a gift for the mothers in your life here, you just can’t find it. Snug-a-Loves Plushies – $9.99 These super cute critters make a great cuddly gift for any lover of stuffed animals. Choose from a pig, sheep, bunny, squirrel, raccoon, bear, fox, dog, cat, or skunk. These super soft plushies bring the cute to Mother’s Day and you can’t beat the price! Scented Candles – $19.99 Hallmark’s spring-themed scented candles come in four scents perfect for the season, and they come in beautiful decorative glasses. They also feature a 35-hour burn time, so they last. Choose from Linen Fields, Morning Grove, Garden Terrace, or Vintage Bouquet. Mother is Born Frame – $16.95 This beautiful whitewashed wood frame holds a 4 x 6 photo and is laser engraved with the message “When a child is born, so is a mother”. It’s a wonderfully thoughtful gift for any mom. Mother’s Love Frame – $16.95 This whitewashed frame accommodates a 4 x 6 photo and is engraved with the message “There’s nothing more constant than a mother’s love”. Mom Mug – $12.95 If you love a mom who loves her coffee, this is the perfect gift. This white ceramic mug is embossed with the message “There are times when only Mom will do”. It’s dishwasher and microwave safe so it’s super versatile, too. Wrap Scarves – $19.99 These beautiful wrap scarves feature all the pretty colors of spring and come in three styles perfect for any mom. Choose from Boho-Chic, Spring, or Botanical. Patina Vie Umbrellas – $24.99 One of my favorites on the list, these umbrellas are absolutely overflowing with cute. Choose from the big floral print on Pink Blooms, the beautiful Purple and Green Floral, or the print-tacular (but not guady) Rain and Flowers. Beautiful Bags and Wrappings You’ll need Hallmark bags and tissue paper for your Hallmark Mother’s Day gifts. You’ll need them because they’er absolutely the sweetest colored and designed bags and papers you’ll find. Paper Wonder Mom Flower Large Bag – $5.49 This bag features the word “Mom” on the side with the “O” made from a flower and more flowers all around it. Floral Medium Bag – $2.99 This medium sized bag is overflowing with pink and purple blossoms on a white background. Paper Wonder Bouquet Small Bag – $3.99 This little bag is big on pretty. It features a large pink bloom with smaller purple blooms on each side and fun greenery with a cute banner at the bottom. Dark Pink and Light Pink Scallop Dual Tissue – $2.49 This two-tone scallop tissue has the perfect vibe for any Mother’s Day gift. Signature Gold Tissue – $3.99 This tissue features the classic gold on white polka dot design we all know and love. It makes a wonderful accent to go with all the pinks, blues, and purples of the spring theme from Hallmark this year. A Hallmark Mother’s Day Gift for Mom and for You Hallmark has a great selection of Mother’s Day gifts for that special mom in your life, so head over to any of their stores or go online to find the right one for your mom. Before you go, enter for a chance to win one Hallmark’s super cute Mother’s Day frames and an adorable umbrella for yourself, as well. It’s a Hallmark Mother’s Day for everyone! Entry-Form

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The Happiest Mother’s Day Gift Guide Yet

Paula — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 12:00:56 +0000

Mother’s Day is almost here which means it’s time for my Mother’s Day Gift Guide. This day can be a wonderful time to celebrate. But a lot of people have a terrible time trying to figure out what to gift their mom. You may know your mom very well, but the problem is she probably has a lot of things, so what’s a daughter (or son, as the case may be) to do? Don’t panic, I’ve got you covered with my Hallmark Mother’s Day Gift Guide this year. There’s a little something here for every kind of Mom and every taste. I am confident you will find the perfect Mother’s Day present in this guide. I mean you can always buy her a cruise with you, or a mother daughter trip. But if that’s not in the cards this year there are dozens of adorable suggestions she will love here. How about something adorable and heartfelt from Hallmark? This year I am really loving the spa flavour in the Mother’s Day Gift selections from Hallmark. You will too! And if Mom isn’t into spas or relaxing at home, well then I have some super gift ideas too in my Hallmark Mother’s Day Gift Guide. This Mother’s Day gift guide features some super cute picks from Hallmark that will make any mom happy. The 2018 Mother’s Day Gift Guide This guide has something in it for every mom, from newbie to veteran. Whether the mom in your life loves cute books, plushies, or a snazzy bag with just the right amount of whimsy, you’ll find something at Hallmark. As an ambassador for Hallmark Canada and a Mom, this is one of my favourite shipments yet. Everything in it made me happy. It’s a little gift of cheer. Marjolein Bastien has some of the prettiest designs. Most of the Moms I know will adore these pretty gifts. They are so sweet and unique too. The Snoopy plush makes a great little gift for anyone. You could gift to a girlfriend, or give to your wife from the kids. If it’s your daughter’s first Mother’s Day, then it works for that occasion too. This 2018 Mother’s Day Gift Guide is my favourite for so many reasons. When I opened this box of goodies to see what Hallmark had in store for the season every last item put a smile on my face. I don’t know about you but motherhood is stressful, so spa goodies like the JUST CHILL slippers for (MSRP $29.95) and and the Crafters & Co Comfort Wrap in Gift Box are just perfect. The lavender filled comfort wrap is soft and smells heavenly. (MSRP $34.95.) Hallmark is the place to find gifts and cards for any occasion. No surprise there. You really should just go look there first. I figure since I found some great picks I might as well share them with all of you! Marjolein Bastin Napkin Rings The perfect combination of style and whimsy, these napkin rings feature little birds on top. They have an antique brass kind of finish and are gorgeous. Worth it at $24.95. LOVE these so much. Marjolein Bastin Bird Tea Towel Any mom will love this tea towel featuring vibrant yellow florals and a little butterfly flitting from flower to flower. ($9.95 MSRP) Marjolein Bastin Bird, Butterfly, and Floral Accessory Bag If the mom in your life loves color and nature, get her this bag. It features colourful creatures on a crisp, white background. Marjolein Bastin Garden Bag This stylish bag has a touch of springtime whimsy. The bag has a large center bag with two side bags for lots of storage, and the main body features a beautiful print of colorful flowers on a white background. Floral Grey Scarf This scarf is full of springtime goodness with tons of colorful florals and fun blue tassels on each end. The scarf is a steal at $9.95!! Lots of Moms love a pretty scarf. Can’t go wrong with that in my opinion. Mom Love is Strong Love Gold Frame Print This sweet framed print just has all the feels. No more words are needed than the ones that are on this print. I love this at $19.95 and it is a treasure. Looking for a spot to put it right now. Floral Print Floppy Snoopy Stuffed Animal Snoopy gets a makeover with this stuffed cutie. His body is covered in a colorful springtime floral print that screams springtime. Stay tuned because I am giving one of these away this month too. Enter to win at end of this post. Or you can buy one for $12.95 in stores. Happy Go Luckys – Springtime These super cute toys are totally adorable and perfectly capture the joy of spring. they come in a three pack featuring a bunny, chick, and a flower with a little smiley face in the centre. They are cheery and at $12.95 a happy little present for someone. Crafters & CO. Comfort Wrap in Gift Box Give mom the gift of comfort with this cozy wrap that comes in a snazzy box! $34.95 and it smells like heaven. You can heat it up in the microwave when you have aches or pains, or for a cold winter night. If you pop it into a sealed Freezer bag you can freeze it too. Fierce Love: It’s a Mama Bear Thing One of my favorites. This book captures the ferocity of a mother for her kids with a super adorable cover. It’s the perfect gift for that mom who will go toe to toe with anyone when it comes to her kids. ($15.95 MSRP) Glamour Has No Age Limit Waterbottle This waterbottle is the perfect gift for the sassy mom in your life. Featuring gold lettering and black high heel icon, it’s sassy and fantastic. Just for me. ($24.95 MSRP) Slippers What Mother’s Day gift guide would be complete without slippers? These cozy slippers are luxuriously fluffy for cute and cozy comfort. See what I said above about those. Tote Colorblock Camel This bag is the perfect example of elegant simplicity, featuring a four-color block including whtie, a pale pink, navy, and camel. Also a steal at only $14.95 and it’s quite lovely. Classic Cards Whether your mom loves whimsy or sappy, Hallmark has an absolute truckload of wonderful Mother’s Day cards. I mean, come on… these are timeless and beautiful. Don’t scrimp on the card. MOM loves them. Wonderfolds Cards These are something I haven’t ever seen before but love – Wonderfolds Cards are the ultimate card. They pop up into beautiful three-dimensional shapes for those of us who want to be super extra for our moms. If you Can’t Find a Gift in This Mother’s Day Gift Guide, There is no Gift to Find This Mother’s Day gift guide has something for every mom. From adorable plushies to totes to cards, and more, if you can’t find a gift here, you won’t find one anywhere. =) I love all the Mother’s Day offerings this year from Hallmark, and since I’m a mom, I guess you could say they get the Mom Stamp of Approval. Head to Hallmark and find your mom the perfect Mother’s Day gift today. Don’t Miss this Hallmark Mother’s Day Giveaway! Follow the instructions below for a chance to win. Open to Canada only. I am a Hallmark Canada ambassador and as such I receive products for consideration here. My opinion is all my own. Entry-Form

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Get Mom All The Things This Mother’s Day #LoveHallmarkCA

Paula — Sun, 07 May 2017 10:38:45 +0000

Not a single day passes that I don’t miss my Mom. There are too few Mother’s Days. Trust me on this. Moms are one of a kind. This time of year in particular I wish I had taken every single Mother’s Day off work, or school. Don’t waste a moment of this precious day. Make Mother’s Day 2017 magical for your mom this year. If you still have your Mom near and dear do something special for her. And take her something meaningful and unique, especially a gift that is straight from the heart, to mark the occasion. It’s not a hard thing to do and trust me when I tell you it is appreciated. I have a few beautiful ideas for Mother’s Day 2017 gifts this year. If Mom loves tea, the Hallmark Blue Ceramic Tea Mug with infuser is perfect. Loose leaf tea is something a lot of Moms enjoy and I am one of those Moms. This pretty tea mug goes well with the gorgeous tea towel shown above. I really like the colours and the pattern on the cheery tea towel. The Catalina Estrada line of gifts from Hallmark this Mother’s Day is super colourful and fresh. There’s a pretty Catalina Estrada Springtime Petals Tote Bag, which retails for $34.95. Mom will take this bag with her everywhere. The Catalina Estrada Blue Rose Cosmetic Bag is also perfect for a traveling Mom. If your Mom likes costume jewelry the Flourishing Blooms Cuff Bracelet by Estrada is a fun piece for Mother’s Day and affordable at $14.95. This particular piece is inspired by Latin-American Folklore. The mosaic of colourful flowers piece also comes in a cotton muslin gift pouch. Catalina Estrada Hummingbird Haven Umbrella is just quite simply necessary and useful too. No matter how many umbrellas you have at the beginning of spring I can assure you they are never enough. So, pick this one up and keep her covered. The MSRP is $24.95 and the umbrella is super pretty and spring-like. It is inspired by nature, the umbrella comes in a sleeve for storage and is 38.5 inches in diameter. There’s also a Catalina Estrada Blue Rose Candle, a Mom picture frame and flourishing blooms scarf. Any, or all of these would be welcome gifts for Mother’s Day 2017. The picture frame fits a 6 by 4 print. One of my favourites this year is the Never Tell a Mom She Can’t Framed Print. I’d like to buy that one and give to every single Mom I know. Right now it is sitting on my fireplace mantel. Of course Hallmark’s lineup always includes the prettiest cards and accessories like gift bags in various prices. Hallmark has so many pretty gifts for Mom this year, don’t settle for just one, get all the things. I am a Hallmark ambassador and as such I receive some perks. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful. Entry-Form

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My Top Six Mother’s Day Gifts From Hallmark #Giveaways

Paula — Wed, 04 May 2016 02:41:12 +0000

Mother’s Day is a hard time of year when you are missing your Mom. Three years ago I lost my Mom. I miss her every day and this time of year I miss her so much my heart hurts. We did things together on Mother’s Day most years, but there are many moments now I wish I had hugged her tighter, and called her more frequently, and brought her flowers every time I saw her. That’s why I want to remind you that it’s a special time of year and you need to take time to spend it with your Mom. Buy all the Mother’s Day gifts or give her just one extremely special present. Send her some love, visit her, buy her flowers, take her on a picnic and maybe do all of those things. YOU ONLY GET one mom. (With a few exceptions of course.) Hallmark has all the best Mother’s Day gifts to help you celebrate Mother’s Day together! Here are my Top Six Hallmark Mother’s Day Gifts for 2016. Lights in Bloom Round Ceramic Lantern: I received one of these from Hallmark just this past month and I LOVE IT. It is going to look gorgeous on my deck this summer with a light inside it. These come in three different colours – creme, green and blue and they are so pretty. You can buy one of each at $15.95 special price which is totally affordable. In some stores they might be listed for $19.95. Tea Towels Assortment – My Mom would have loved these pretty tea towels. Especially the Grandma one. Pretty tea towels and sweet little sayings on each priced at $7.95. These are made of cotton. OUR Story Frame Collage – I would so love this myself. It’s a beautiful picture frame collage. Nothing sweeter for Mother’s Day. Special Value $19.95 regular $29.95 Mickey Mouse Journal (see below for a chance to win.) Who doesn’t love a pretty journal? And this would be perfect for the Disney loving Mom!! Any of the Garden Fair items – Whimsical and adorable, from a fairy door to fairy steps and a sign that says fairies live here. These items are available at a range of prices. There are also individual fairies. My favourites are – True Nature Fairy Door ($24.95 ) and Just Believe Fairy House (below) which is a bit more expensive at $38.95 but would look magical and sweet in anyone’s garden, inside or out. Love, Laughter and Hugs Insulated Travel Mug – $12.95 Dishwasher Safe. I’d love to tell you that I am cherishing this one but one of the girls has claimed it already. It is a pretty mug. There are also tea cups and tea pots and cute little picture frames that will be a huge hit with any MOM. This giveaway is open to Canada only. Good luck! Entry-Form I am a Hallmark ambassador and as such I receive special perks. My opinion is all my own.

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The History of Mother’s Day

Paula — Wed, 04 May 2016 01:51:25 +0000

The History of Mother’s Day The history of Mother’s Day is quite long. Most people think it began in the early 1900’s, and while the move towards an official holiday began around the time, the actual history of Mother’s Day dates back much, much further. It’s roots can be traced all the way back to ancient Greek and Roman culture. Ancient History of Mother’s Day The history of Mother’s Day has its beginnings in an ancient annual spring festival of the Greeks which was dedicated to their maternal goddesses. At that time, the day was used to honor Rhea, the wife of Cronus and the mother of many of the dieties of Greek mythology. Much like the Greeks, ancient Romans had a similar festival to honor Cybele, essentially their version of Rhea. This celebration, which lasted for three days, consisted of parades, games, and masquerades. The celebrations were so gregarious that followers of Cybele were actually banned from Rome. Even early Christians had a sort of a Mother’s Day. On the fourth Sunday of Lent, early Christians honored the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. That celebration was expanded in England to include all mothers and became known as Mothering Sunday. Medieval History of Mother’s Day Mothering Sunday can be traced back to England around the 1600s. Celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent to honor the Virgin Mary as well as all mothers, Mothering Day was a day of gifts to all mothers. After a prayer service honoring the Virgin Mary, children brought gifts and flowers to honor their own mothers. During this time in the history of Mother’s Day, servants, apprentices, and other employees where encouraged by their employers to visit their mothers while they were off for the day. Traditional Mothering Day gifts included special fruit cakes or fruit-filled pastries. Modern History of Mother’s Day Julia Ward Howe The modern history of Mother’s Day can be traced to Julia Ward Howe. While she did not have a role in founding the Mother’s Day we know now, she was the first person in modern times to suggest a day honoring mothers. She first suggested the idea in 1872. This activist, writer, and poet, known for her Civil War song, “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, suggested June 2nd as a day celebrating mothers and dedicated to peace. This earliest incarnation of Mother’s Day, known as Mother’s Peace Day was meant to be a simultaneous stand against war and an honoring of mothers. The idea spread, but it was later replaced by the modern Mother’s Day we now celebrate. Anna Jarvis In the history of Mother’s Day, Anna Jarvis can rightfully be called the mother of modern Mother’s Day. Although she was never married nor a mother, she worked tirelessly for a day to honor all mothers. Anna Jarvis’ inspiration for Mother’s Day came from her own mother, Anna Marie Reeves. Reeves was an activist and social worker who always said that all mothers, both living and dead, should be honored for their work raising upstanding children. After her mother’s death in 1905, Anna Jarvis began pushing the idea of Mother’s Day. She and her supporters wrote letters to people in positions of power and influence and lobbied for an official Mother’s Day holiday. By 1911, Mother’s Day was celebrated in almost every state in the nation. On May 8th, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a declaration making Mother’s Day the second Sunday in May. Present Day Mother’s Day Mother’s Day is now celebrated internationally. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Turkey, Italy, Australia, Mexico, China, Japan, Belgium, and more all have a national holiday honoring mothers. While I’m sure Anna Jarvis would have loved to know that her idea to honor mothers had gained international popularity, it’s important to note that she would have been greatly saddened at the extreme commercialism of the current holiday. She devoted her life to Mother’s Day, but even back in the 1900s, she was known to be deeply saddened by the commercialism that was put upon the holiday almost immediately. The History of Mother’s Day – A Long Time Coming The history of Mother’s Day is a long one, with many twists and turns along the way. From its beginnings in ancient Greece and Rome to the holiday we know today, the history of Mother’s Day has seen its share of incarnations. And while Anna Jarvis may not have agreed with the commercialism that now surrounds the holiday, I think she would have enjoyed knowing that mothers world-wide are honored for their part in a strong family unit.

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Three Brands That Got Social Media Right This Week

Paula — Sun, 17 May 2015 02:00:24 +0000

I haven’t done one of these in several months. But today I am all ideas and scattered creativity and I can’t seem to focus on what I need to get done, so I felt like reflecting instead. Sometimes getting these things out of my head helps me organize my brain. Anyhoo…I have seen a lot of great outreach this week and that makes me happy. But I wanted to take a minute reflecting on just a select few brands who hit the right note on Mother’s Day. These are my social media wins this week. Carter’s: Sometimes it’s the simplest things that make the biggest difference. Mother’s Day is a big deal in marketing world. Everyone and their uncle pitch something with a Mother’s Day angle. I get it. I am okay with that. In fact I play in that arena myself as a social media consultant. Carter’s did not have a gigantic flashy campaign. They had the usual marketing to Moms and they issued an appeal to share your mother’s day moments with us #cartersmoms. That’s all nice and sweet and hits the expected note. But I have to say their use of the DM actually was the one thing that knocked my socks off. Someone in their social media department thought hey how nice would it be if we sent each and every one of our Carter’s children’s clothing twitter followers a personal Direct Message? On Mother’s Day they sent out a simple and personalized DM to me and it made me happy and it made me feel good. “Wishing you all the love you can hold Paula. Happy Mother’s Day!” Simple and personal and WOW. Follow them @Carters. UNICEF: Anyone who knows me knows I have a heart for non profits and agencies that help children, or Moms, in any way, shape, or form. UNICEF is one of the biggest agencies out there globally fighting for better quality of life for children. I have huge respect for them. Emails come and go and there are many that we get on Mother’s Day. But the email I received from UNICEF was different and lovely. It was clear in tone and simply a Mother’s Day card that was personally addressed to me. There was no ask. Just a: “Hi Paula, Hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day with the kids. …Just wanted to say I’m thinking of you and to thank you for all that you’ve done to support mothers and children around the world……..and we’ll be in touch shortly.” Why did I like that? It’s a simple acknowledgement of Mother’s Day and there is no ask. You are now top of mind. This is how a brand relationship works. LOVE. World Vision Canada: This was one close to my heart, for obvious reasons. I travelled with World Vision Canada in 2014 and I loved that and it was hard and beautiful and sad and bigger than me. I enjoyed telling people how meaningful gifts from the World Vision gift catalogue make a difference for Moms in areas of the world where poverty is harsh reality. I enjoyed this one because it mattered and because it is my issue and my outreach program. These were my favourite social media wins this week…what were some of the great social media programs you noticed this week?

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5 Frugal Mother’s Day Gifts Your Mom Will Love

Paula — Sat, 02 May 2015 03:58:43 +0000

5 Frugal Mother’s Day Gift Ideas Mother’s Day is the day to show mom how much she means to you. Although your heart wishes you can give her anything she desires, your pockets may not agree. How can you give your mom something nice while being frugal? These 5 frugal Mother’s Day gifts are just perfect. A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words You can get an inexpensive picture frame from the dollar store, a thrift shop, or use one you already have. Put in one of mom’s favorite pics. If you live near a CVS, Shoppers Drug Mart, WalMart, or Walgreens, they usually have a photo department. What is makes this so easy is that you can usually go online and upload a picture from your camera or cell phone. Once it’s all done (usually the same day) you pick it up from the store. Simple and easy! Candles Stores like Walmart and dollar stores carry candles and candle holders. Put the two together for a thoughtful and frugal gift. If you’re crafty, you can find a way to decorate it to add that special touch. Wrap it with some cellophane and tie with a ribbon. You might consider using decoupage to make it really unique. Teens and tweens can easily do this and make it special. Voila! You have just created an inexpensive gift that will put a smile on mom’s face. Dollar Store Gardening Basket The dollar store will have what you need to make a cute basket for moms who love to garden. First, pick up a basket, or watering can. Then add things like seeds, gardening gloves, and tools. Put some lotion in there so mom can keep her hands soft from all that washing she’ll do to get her hands clean. Scrapbook Make a scrapbook. This frugal idea is awesome! Dig through old pictures and create a scrapbook that mom can cherish for years to come. Use things you have on hand like stickers and colored paper. You don’t even necessarily need to buy a scrapbook. (But what I have noticed in previous years is that you can buy beautiful simple scrapbooks at locations such as Winners.) You can make one by cutting out two pieces of cardboard for the front and back cover with regular paper in between. Use a hole punch to make holes and tie together with sturdy ribbon. If you have craft scissors these would be great to cut cute edges. You can also go online and print out clipart and scrapbook backgrounds to add to your masterpiece. One year I made my Mom a beautiful and really labor intensive scrapbook with many special photos and events in it. I enjoyed making it and she enjoyed looking through it and showing it off. Breakfast in bed Do you have a fridge full of food but are strapped for cash? You can still make her feel like a queen without actually getting her anything. How? Make her breakfast in bed! Let her sleep in and wake up to a wonderful breakfast made with love. Snip a little flower from outside and put in a little vase or small cup to add the perfect touch. If you want to get a little fancy, you can create a menu of the foods you made and print it out. There you have it! Five frugal gifts that will make both your mom and your wallet happy! What are you planning this Mother’s Day?

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