Take Five: Mum's the Word
Before I even begin brainstorming about my Mother’s Day gift, I first break down what my mother needs, wants and her mood/personality.
Perhaps it is because women’s tastes and even personalities change over time, that is why men find it so difficult to find us gifts! It’s like when my mother went through her baking phase, it was pretty easy to find gifts along those lines. But if I gave the same gifts this year, it probably wouldn’t be as meaningful to her. This is very unlike my dad who I pretty much know what he would like i.e. a card and a meal -- ta-dah!
If I had to pick my all-time-best Mothers’ Day gift, it would have to be my "flowers in a jar" present. It was super simple and to be honest, I had actually forgotten about Mothers’ Day, so the idea came to me in a panic.
My mum always uses the same mason jars for all our pantry storage so I basically got her the exact same jar, and put her favourite flowers into it. That way, she has pretty flower and can reuse the jar! Even better, she doesn’t need to rearrange them into one of her vases. Minimal effort for maximum satisfaction.
This year, I’m actually considering DOING something rather than just preparing a gift and since this is subject to my mum and sister's schedules, I will probably head over to The Beauty Candy Apothecary for a fail-proof hamper making session as a backup!
However, if you’re short on time and need a present ASAP, The Beauty Candy Apothecary is THE BEST place to go! The only potential downside is that you’ll find it so easy to find gifts for all occasions that you be in serious danger of gift repeating.
Here is the link to their site: http://www.beautycandy.com.sg/
[Pic credit] The Beauty Candy Apothecary at Mandarin Gallery
So going along with the theme of DOING, I’m juggling between a couple of ideas.
I’ve put in the brief description of each activity which is available on their respective websites (links provided too!) Now, the hard part is deciding which to go for. Because my sister and I have never arranged activities for Mothers’ Day, I’m pretty confident it will be one of those unexpected gifts that my mum would really enjoy - whichever one we decide to go for in the end!
Devil is in the details
Porcelain Painting for Charity
http://fullertonporcelainworkshop.peatix.com/
This Mother's Day, take the opportunity to bond with Mum over a therapeutic 3-hour Porcelain Painting Workshop and learn basic painting techniques on porcelain plates.
The porcelain plate will serve as a meaningful ornament for the home, as 40% of proceeds from the sale of workshop tickets will be donated to Breast Cancer Foundation.
Dates: Every Saturday and Sunday (30 April 2016 - 29 May 2016)
Time: 2.30pm - 5.30pm
Venue: The Fullerton Heritage Gallery, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Workshop tickets are inclusive of a slice of Cake and Coffee/Tea/Juice at The Courtyard.All painting materials are provided and the finished porcelain plates will be fired and ready for collection the day after the workshop.
The Letter J Supply Workshop
Date: Sat 7 May, 10am
BYND ARTISAN
Venue: 44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-54 Singapore 278116
To register: http://www.byndartisan.com/workshop/modern-calligraphy-workshop.html
Contact: commune@byndartisan.com
Natalie Studio Workshop
http://ilovenataliestudio.com/product/mothers-day-floral-watercolor-workshop-7-may
This watercolor class will introduce you to the world of floral watercolours, simple and uncomplicated steps to achieve beautiful illustrations you'll be proud of! Great for beginners with little or no experience in watercolors.
Stationary and colours will be provided but you're welcome to bring your own. Light refreshments will be served during the workshop. Participants will go home with practice sheets, floral illustration samples, their handmade Mother's day card, pastel envelopes and a box of cupcakes!
Date: Saturday, 7th May 2016 (3 hours)
Morning Session - 10 am to 1 pm
Afternoon Session - 3 pm to 6 pm
Venue: THE ART FACULTY
20, Lengkok Bahru, #01-07, Singapore 159053
(5 mins from Redhill MRT )
I’m really torn between point 2 and 3. They’re pretty similar but one is for modern calligraphy and the other for floral watercolours. Perhaps, I'll go for both?
THE HUNTING LIST
Now, for those of you who are looking for something really unique and one-of-a-kind, here are some gift suggestions to celebrate the women who have given us so much.
Personally, I feel that each piece is more than just a fashion accessory, it’s a gift that says (without getting too corny) “you’re beautiful and irreplaceable, and because of that, I searched very hard for something that almost no one else would have”.
Because mum deserves the best that my paycheque / savings will allow (beyond that, I will be borrowing from Dad!)
Oh and I almost forgot, “I hope you don’t mind sharing, Mum!”
1. LOUIS VUITTON
ADJUSTABLE SHOULDER STRAP
SGD 286
“This may seem like an odd gift but my mum has been searching high and low for a quality shoulder strap to attach to her handbags (let’s just say our heights both don’t hit that 160cm mark). This shoulder strap from Louis Vuitton is most importantly, adjustable, and is in a very easy to match colour!”
2. CHRISTIAN DIOR
PLAYING CARDS
SGD 214
“My mum isn’t one to play with cards but she definitely knows how to appreciate something beautifully made and I’m certain she would find some creative way of displaying this at home. I’m guessing somewhere on the coffee table.”
3. KENNETH JAY LANE
CRYSTAL AND ENAMEL EARRINGS
SGD 160
“Besides the fact that these are GORGEOUS, my mum is a huge fan of Audrey Hepburn and her style (think My Fair Lady and Roman Holiday), so these earrings are perfect given that Audrey Hepburn was a huge fan of this designer’s creations.”
4. BEN AMUN
TEAR DROP CLIP EARRINGS
SGD 250
“I’m going to be completely honest and say, I just REALLY, really love these and if I get these for my mum then we can share!
Firstly, they’re clip-ons, which is great because I generally dislike wearing earrings. Also, something about the proportions of these earrings just appeal to me. Add to the fact that I have never come across anything like it in stores, it makes me want them even more. (To be honest, I don’t know if writing this is a good idea — someone else might buy it first. But, oh well, #sharingiscaring.)”
I hope you guys find that perfect gift for the woman who deserves it all, and I hope this post has helped narrow down the prospects.
Now you better hurry!!
P.S. Hi mum, please don’t leave me a post-it telling me which
suggestion you like best. It’s meant to be a surprise!! Love ya.