CELEBRATING MUM | NORTHLANDS

Mark it in your calendar:  Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday 12 May.  So, it’s time to plan a day to acknowledge and appreciate the remarkable women who have shaped our lives, listened to our dreams and been our biggest cheerleaders. Whether it’s your biological mother, a stepmother, grandmother, aunt or other influential figure, Mother’s Day is a chance to make them feel a bit special.

Mother’s Day isn’t just about showering our loved ones with gifts, but even more about showing them how much they mean to us with quality time, thoughtful gestures and acts of service that will let them put their feet up for the day (or at least a few minutes!) and enjoy your presence (see what I did there?!).  For those of us with older mothers, it’s also a beautiful time to sit and reminisce, and perhaps uncover a few stories you haven’t heard before. Last year, I brought my own mother a guided journal with memory prompts – she has loved writing in it, and I can see it becoming a treasure in my own home for years to come.

Before you hit the shops, do a little homework to extend your thoughtfulness to her gift – think about her interests, the little luxuries she loves but won’t buy for herself and the colours, fragrances and designs she loves. Think new variants of her favourite fragrance, the latest release from her favourite author, fitness tech and accessories if she loves to work out or cozy winter accessories in her favourite colours. Treat those hard-working hands with luxury hand cream for her bag or desk, or relaxing homewares including fragrant candles, soft throw rugs, and framed photos and art.

On the big day, treat Mum to brunch. You’re spoilt for choice at Northlands – check out The Coffee Club, Lone Star or Robert Harris for great coffee, sweet treats and breakfast options for the whole family.

If you’re staying in for breakfast, surprise her with fresh hot coffee and pancakes – or up the ante (and take pride of place on her Insta feed) with a simple but impressive smoothie bowl. Start with 1 cup of frozen mixed berries and a banana. Add half a cup of yoghurt and a tablespoon of honey and blend, adding a little milk to thin if needed. You’re aiming for a thicker texture that can be eaten with a spoon. Now the fun starts! Pour out your smoothie and gently top with fresh and dried fruit, nuts, seeds or cereals. As well as aesthetics, choose a range of textures, balancing the freshness of fruit with the crunch of granola or even cornflakes and chewy dried cranberries, topped off with a drizzle of yoghurt or honey. Looking for the wow factor? Sprinkle over crunchy and indulgent cacao nibs and finish with edible flowers such as pansies, violets or nasturtiums for #favouritechild bragging rights.

Every day our mothers do so much for us. So, this Mother’s Day, enjoy doing a little for them.