Celebrating Moms

I love Mother's Day. And not just because I am one and it's an excuse to be pampered (although, that's nice, too!). It's more about the opportunity to celebrate my mom. Okay, so I should be celebrating my mother all year long. But, unfortunately, life gets in the way and I just don't tell her how much she means to me as often as I should. Maybe you can relate.

Here is a list of ideas to make your mom feel special this Mother's Day (or any day!):

1. A DAY AT THE SPA. Facial...massage...manicure...pedicure...hair...the works! There's no better way to treat your mom to royalty than a full day of being treated like the queen she is. If you can't afford the entire Day Spa package, sweep her off her feet and opt for the pedicure. There's nothing quite like getting those piggies pampered!

2. BREAKFAST IN BED. I remember bringing my mom toast and coffee in bed on Mother's Day morning. It didn't matter if the toast was burned or the coffee too strong. She loved it! But just because you don't live with your mom anymore, doesn't mean breakfast in bed is no longer an option. Consider picking up her favorite restaurant breakfast and making an early morning delivery. Or, sneak into her kitchen with the kids and whip up a batch of pancakes. Guaranteed to fill not only her stomach, but her heart.

3. A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. Whisk her away for some fresh air. For the mom who loves the outdoors, a nature hike, a day at the beach or a scenic tour will be just the thing to make her feel special and revitalized.

4. A CLEAN SWEEP. What mom doesn't dream about lounging on the couch with her feet up while someone else mops the floors, scrubs the toilets and dusts the furniture? Give her the gift of a clean home by hiring a cleaning service to do it for her!

5. JUST THE TICKET. Is there a musical group or band she's been dying to see? A museum she's wanted to check out? Is she a sports fan? Does she love the theater? Present her with tickets to an event she would love to attend but maybe wouldn't buy for herself.

6. CRUISIN. Rent a convertible for the day and take your mom for a spin. Drive to the beach, or just cruise around the city for a while before stopping to treat her to dinner. She'll feel cool and invigorated. Another option: get the whole family together and rent a limo. Take Mom out for a night on the town!

7. REGIVE THE MEMORIES. Dig out all of those old home movies and have them professionally transferred onto a DVD so she can relive the memories any time she wishes. Or, go through those photographs and have them put into a slide show, complete with captions - both funny and sentimental. This is truly a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.

Mothers certainly are a gift from God. And while it's wonderful to honor your mom on Mother's Day, don't forget to remind her throughout the rest of the year what a treasure she truly is.