Motherhood is no easy task. Aside from all the day to day responsibilities of raising a child there is one thing that makes this job the hardest in the world….the burden of love. I used to think of this phrase “burden of love” as a negative thing. How could they use a word like burden to refer to such an amazing gift, but then I had my own child and I quickly came to understand.
The burden itself is the sleepless nights that for me didn’t stop at that point where my baby began to sleep through the night. After 10 years, I still find myself resting my hand on my child’s chest while she sleeps to make sure there is a rise and fall of safe breathing. The burden is sending your child to school and accepting the fact that you can not have eyes on them at every waking moment. The burden is having a child with a tiny little cough and stuffy nose and feeling like it’s the end of the world, calling the nurses hotline at 4am, panicking over nothing, and maybe, just maybe, over doing it with warm blankies, teddy bears, checking temperatures every 20 minutes, and trying to concoct the perfect homemade remedies from random goods in your kitchen.
The list of “burdens” go on and on. The important thing to keep in mind here is that the burden itself is not your child, it’s the overwhelming amount of unnecessary stress that we as mothers put upon ourselves simply because the love that we have for our children is the most intensely consuming emotion we could ever experience. This is a burden I am grateful to have. This is why Mother’s Day is the most important day of the year for me and for so many millions of mothers across the globe.
When we think about all the sacrifices our mothers have made to ensure we have a happy healthy existence, it’s hard to imagine how we could possibly show our gratitude in just one day and with just one gift. That is why I would like to share with you a very special offer that will not only impress mom, but you can make her gift something that will serve as a daily reminder of just how much you appreciate her lovingly neurotic approach to giving you a memorably fulfilling life.
Right now ProFlowers, Red Envelope, Shari’s Berries and Cherry Moon Farms are offering a very exciting opportunity to our non-profit “shopanthropists”. With every transaction made when you purchase from these four sites, $10 dollars will be earmarked for your favorite non-profit. Isn’t that incredible? You could buy something for $5 or $50….no matter what….they will donate $10!!
Your mother would be so proud of you for making such a generous purchase. There are tons of great gifts for mom from all four retailers. I would love to share some of my favorite picks with you. Each item is a beautiful and thoughtful gift, perfect for reflecting your sentiments towards mom.
Mom will LOVE this digital brag book which sports a 3 ½” LCD screen and stores up to 2,000 photos! This item usually sells for $119.95 but if you hurry you can purchase it for $79.99
All women love jewelry but this stacking ring set is particularly special. It is beautifully crafted from sterling silver & set with cultured freshwater pearls to represent family. Price starts at $39.95. Buy the set of 3 rings for smaller families or the set of 5 rings for larger broods.
Your mother helped you blossom, so thank her with this elegant vase to display those grand bouquets that you love to randomly surprise her with. Delicately etched with the words “A Mothers Love Is Always In Bloom”. This vase goes for $49.95
Moms love to entertain, it’s just another excuse for us take care of the people we love. Here is a simply chic serving tray for a variety of appetizers that is sure to please any palette. This fancy entertaining accessory is only $69.95
Let’s not forget that mom works very hard to stay beautiful every day. It’s not easy having the weight of the world on your shoulders and still finding the time keep in good physical health. At the end of the day it would be such a blessing to have something truly luxurious to slip into, something that makes her feel like royalty when she finally rests her head at night. Made of silk and adorned with mother-of-pearl buttons, these fabulous pajamas come in their very own silk travel pouch that can be embroidered with a personal message up to 20 characters in length. Its $99.95 well spent.
Flowers are a basic and simple staple to make any woman smile, but this Azalea Bonsai plant is very special for two reasons. 1. Azaleas are gorgeously vibrant when in bloom. 2. Any potted plant, especially a bonsai will last for years, which is far better than a cut bouquet which will whither in a weeks time.
This beautiful spring colored bunch of mixed flowers comes with a copy of the book “Chicken Soup For The Soul: A Tribute To Moms”. Perfect? Yes!
The Heather plant is a very romantic and unique plant. A plant of Scottish origin, it boasts a pinkish purple hue. Both the plant and the colors are therapeutic. Again, a potted plant is a gift that keeps on giving. In its rustic wooden box it’s an aesthetically pleasing companion to a bubble bath.
ProFlowers has MUCH more than just flowers. Here is a truly unique gift that will have moms mouth watering for the whole year. Fruit is not only good for you, but it’s a deliciously guilt-free treat. Purchase this “Harvest Deluxe” fruit club for 12 months of free weekday delivery directly to your doorstep, and enjoy a variety of fresh seasonal fruits.
Every woman will love this Pink Ribbon chocolate collection. Not only is it filled with flawlessly handcrafted & delectable chocolate covered strawberries, but it supports a cause that every woman in the world stands behind. Mom will be very impressed with this one. Purchase this delicious dozen for $34.98 and 10% of your sale will be contributed to the Susan G. Komen for the cure foundation.
For those ladies who are trying to watch their weight or perhaps have special dietary needs there is no need to panic. Shari’s Berries has a great selection of sugar-free berries, like this one for only $49.97. They have all the flavor and none of the sugar!!
You will find a fabulous variety of gifts through Shari’s Berries that are not just limited to berries. This gift basket is chock full of goodies for a romantic night at home or creating the perfect girls night. The price is fabulous too – $59.99
You have got to be kidding me! Chocolate and peanut butter covered strawberries? These look so insanely tasty that I am finding it hard to continue typing at the moment. If somebody gave this to me as a gift I think I would go weak in the knees. You will have to spend $24.99 for this treat but something tells me the joy it will deliver is priceless.
The Reasons I love Mom Truffle Box. There are countless reasons to love mom but this mothers day start by telling her 10. Each box contains a heartwarming message on the outside and 2 delicious truffles on the inside, for only $29.99. This gift also comes in sugar-free!
Most moms really need the help of a pick me up to get their engines running each morning. For myself, I couldn’t possibly get through the day without at least 3 cups of coffee. Mom will love this gift box filled with delicious coffee, a variety of snacks and goodies, and a French press with coffee scoop for perfect measuring. A cup of coffee made through the French press method delivers the most satisfying flavor possible, the way a cup of coffee was intended to taste. This gift is neatly packaged in a keepsake faux suede photo box, so mom can have a place to safely store her precious memories. At $44.99 this gift is a steal.
The garden tote for mom. This is a neat little collection of tea, cookies, seeds and garden tools. At the end of a hard days work in the garden mom can relax with a soothing cup of English Breakfast black tea and butter toffee shortbread cookies. Each tote costs $44.99
One thing women love is a simple picnic on a beautiful spring day. This Wine Country Picnic set is perfect for a relaxing day at the park. Each set comes complete with: Kenwood red table wine, beef salami, toasted herbed almonds, camembert cheese, chocolate biscotti, toasted sesame crackers, Napa Valley mustard, wood cheese board, and cheese spreader in a complimentary wood box. This is a fantastic deal at $39.99!!
It’s hard to draw the line by showing you only a few of the amazing items from each retailer, but if this isn’t enough to tantalize you then I don’t know what is. However, I assure you that your mother will love any one of these indulgent gifts. Take a look for yourself and see what you can find. Most importantly keep in mind that with each transaction, no matter how big or small, you will help the non-profit you support by donating $10 dollars. Don’t be afraid to mention that contribution to mom when you hand her your gift. She will just glow with pride for having raised such a selfless and devoted child.
The Selous Film Camp in the southern part of Tanzania is TSC’s training ground for aspiring filmmakers. From there film crews go to the other national parks like Katavi, Ruaha, Mikumi and Saadani. Film courses are offered two times a year and scholarships are available.
