The ULTIMATE Mother's Day Gift..

Becoming a mother has been the best gift in the world. Teaching me so much about myself and even more about the world around me. Nothing can compare to the love a mother has for her child, so when approached with questions about what I'd like to do to celebrate this holiday, naturally I'd like to spend it with my family. Moms come in all different shapes, sizes and colors. Families all have different dynamics that work for them. There are plenty of ways to celebrate the different personalities of that special mom in your life. In my opinion, here are a few that top my list:

"Belly Love, Take Me Away..."

As a mom of two boys, I find myself devoting every ounce of sanity to the daily needs of my children. Sometimes, leaving my tank on empty. Part of being a mom is learning when to recharge your batteries. Taking some personal time to love on yourself will help you and fill up your tank. This allows you to return renewed and better than ever, ready to take on anything that may come your way. Belly Love Spa has created a special Mother's Day Spa selection that's perfect to accommodate all of the mama's in your life. 

I recently enjoyed one of the best Pumpkin Facials on the planet! Although Belly Love Spa is the leader in Prenatal Spa Treatments and Ultrasound Technology, they cater to ALL women. There are spa packages and (newly added) acupuncture treatments available for the New Moms, Veteran Moms or Moms-to-be in your life. Gift Certificates are available, as well as their new membership program! You can learn more or schedule an appointment by visiting Belly Love Spa online. If you hurry you can still snag one of the Mother's Day weekend appointments, there is still some availability!

"A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.."

Life with littles' can get pretty busy, sometimes we get so wrapped up in carpool and soccer practice. Before you know it the years just whizz on by. I'm a self-professed "Mamarazzi" and like a lot of moms, I don't want to miss a moment. Ironically, that's just what happens when your so obsessed with capturing the moment on camera that you don't really enjoy it.  Half of the reason I'm always snapping away is because I know no one else will. We have a million artsy / funky/ sweet and tender pictures of my husband with our boys. I, may have one, two if I'm lucky, and the second was a selfie that cuts off the better half of my face (I've been cursed with the arms of a T-Rex people). This holiday give the "TMZ Mommy" in your life a break and let the professionals handle business. Courtney Studios is an expert in capturing those unique moments with your children and the personality of every individual in your family. I simply cannot wait for my "Mommy Shoot" with my boys! This is a gift that will be treasured forever! You can schedule an appointment for your one-of-a-kind shoot by calling Courtney Studios at (954) 367-682, or visiting them online.

Fur-babies count too!

"Take A Hike!"

I have to say this may be one of my favorite gift ideas of all. For nothing more than it's simplistic and delightful nature. In a time when it feels as though everything is moving at the speed of light, where "social media" has created a nation of anti-social individuals, and talking has turned into texting. Taking a simple walk with the ones you love can be the best gift of all. Susan Caruso, founder of Sunflower Creative Arts, once told me she likes to take a long walk with both of her boys every Mother's Day. This is especially perfect for moms of older kids, life can get busy and taking the time to show up and get connected is a gift in itself. 

The Three Musketeers

“Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can't make more time. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time.
It is not enough to just say relationships are important; we must prove it by investing time in them. Words alone are worthless. "My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action." Relationships take time and effort, and the best way to spell love is "T-I-M-E.”

― Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?

A few of the places perfect for taking long walks with some of your favorite people are The Green Cay Nature Preserve, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center or The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens.

Whichever way you decide to go while shopping for the perfect gift for Mother's Day, just know that your presence is gift enough..

-- Said pretty much every Mom Ever!

Essentially Yours,

Erika

Disclosure: Essentially Erika was provided with complimentary services featured in this article in exchange for a product review. All opinions expressed in this blog post are my own and not influenced in any way by the sponsor.