Now that Valentine’s Day is well and truly out of the way (sigh of relief), the card companies are set to put the pressure back on with the all-important Mother’s Day. For those of you who are not aware, this year Mothering Sunday is on the 18th of March.
Now I know that is a while away from now, but our mums are important right? In my opinion, with these things it’s best to nip them in the bud and sort yourself out early- and then you don’t even have to bat an eyelid when your dad cheekily reminds you that you have to get a card. Don’t be that person who has to pop down to the local corner-shop last minute and pick up the only card left which has a computerised dog with tacky love hearts around him on the front. Yep, we have all been there. What’s even worse is that your mum knows how much effort you put into everything and that’s why she has the authority to nag you.
On talking about this with my housemates, it is confirmed that we as students tend to take our parents for granted. For most of us, they pretty much did (in some cases still do) everything. Three weeks down the line, partied-out, in bed with fresher’s flu, all we wanted was our mum to be there to make us some chicken soup. Being at university makes us appreciate these wonderful women more than ever.
So, to make this Mother’s Day special, I asked my own mum what a daughter can do to make this year one to remember. Here are some tips on how to treat yo’ mama:
A Handmade Card: I know all mums are different, but according to my own, this is the best thing any mum can receive from her kids. It shows that you have put time and thought into the card rather than just buying one from the shop (plus it will save you some money!). The card doesn’t have to be A-level art material. A simple decorated heart will do, or even a picture of you two together; it is the words inside that count. Embrace the cringe of the day and get soppy. Let her know she is the best.
Breakfast in Bed: Making breakfast for your mum is similar to making her a card in the sense that you are taking time out of your hectic life and thinking about her. By now I assume you know what your mum likes to eat in the morning- if not, improvise. Gwyneth Paltrow recently suggested making berry compote for a quirky take on breakfast in bed (see recipe below). It’s a simple and pretty breakfast, not to mention delicious! Failing that, eggs on toast with a cup of English breakfast is always a winner.
Coffee and Cake: If your mum is like mine and wakes up when the birds come out to play (a.k.a. MUCH earlier than you), you will most likely miss the opportunity to spoil her with breakfast in bed. Instead, why not take her out for coffee? Having a natter with your mum is one of her favourite past times… and so is eating coffee and cake.
Presents: When it comes to presents, according to my mum they are not necessary (I’m still not sure whether to believe this). To go with the cliché, “it’s the thought that counts!” However, if you still want to spoil your mum with something other than your time and effort, a scented candle never fails to satisfy. We all know that she’d love a Jo Malone or The White Company candle (wouldn’t we all), but our typical student budget most likely won’t cover that one. Take a look at Laura Ashley’s more reasonably priced range.
Whatever you do (even if you dismiss this article completely and forget to do anything for your mum on Mother’s Day), your mum is going to love you just the same- including if you burn her toast and spill her tea on the bed sheets!
Good luck!
Berry Yogurt Parfait
Makes 2
The presentation of this parfait fools your loved one into thinking you’ve toiled for her/his pleasure when it fact the preparation is about as simple as pouring a bowl of cereal.
· 14oz (2 small containers) of thick Greek yogurt
· 1 pint of fresh berries (we used blueberries, but whatever berry you can find is perfect)
· 1 cup of raw oats or granola
· honey or maple syrup to drizzle
Add half the yogurt to the bottom of two pretty glasses. Sprinkle on a layer of raw oats or granola. Add a layer of blueberries. Repeat. Top with as much honey or maple syrup as you desire.
Source: GOOP.com