Mother's Day Brunch

I feel like I have exhausted Mother's Day, but I have only one more post that I thought you'd be interested in: my Mother's Day brunch. I thought you might find some ideas for something you might be planning in the future (since it's certainly something that could work for multiple occasions).

My menu was inspired by none other than Mom. I knew I wanted to do a brunch that would be 1) homemade, 2) really tasty and 3) not terribly difficult (that detail was for me). I used two different resources to come up with my final menu: fresh squeezed orange/grapefruit juice, eggs in ham cups (from Gale Gund's Brunch), steamed asparagus, fresh watermelon chunks and two variations of sweet rolls (orange marmalade and cinnamon, both from the extremely talented The Pioneer Woman).

On Day One, I set the table. I got out my formal china, crystal and silver - all of which rarely gets used (unfortunately). I used my grandmother's monogrammed linen napkins which were the perfect contrast to the large, green leaves I used for the placemats.

Then, I made a beautiful centerpiece from hydrangeas, ranunculus, carnations (yes, I used carnations) and stock. The flower arrangement I made last week (of hydrangea, ranunculus, peonies and stock) still looked pretty good - I changed the water and replaced a hydrangea - so I left that in the kitchen. I put tulips on my mantel. My precious GrayBear sent me red roses which I placed in the living room.

I also made the dough for the rolls which sat covered in the fridge overnight.

Day Two started promptly at 7:00 am. I rolled out the dough and made the rolls. The first batch was made with sugar and cinnamon and topped with plain sugar frosting (not maple as the recipe called for). The second batch was made with orange marmalade and brown sugar and made with orange sugar frosting.

[Pictures via The Pioneer Woman]

While the rolls were baking, I prepared the ham and poached egg cups. These delicacies were prepared with ham, eggs, pesto, mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes and they are yummy. My Mom steamed the asparagus while my Dad nibbled on the watermelon.


The meal, itself, was very tasty. The sweet rolls were the big hit, but the eggs came in a close second. Overall, everyone was very pleased with the results. This in and of itself makes for a most happy hostess!

All in all, it was a great way to spend Mother's Day. Now it's time for a nap...

Happy Mother's Day

My Mom found this in the New York Times several years ago. (I don't remember the exact year or source, but it may have been part of an ad.) She had me transcribe it onto a piece of paper so that she could make copies and distribute it to friends and family members. Ever since, my brother, sister and I have received a copy - without fail - on Mother's Day.

Here's another version that I created. As you will note, the perspective has been altered a bit. I wonder... have you ever heard anything similar to the sentiments below?

I am, indeed, lucky to have a Mom that says all of these things... and more.

NOTE: I don't want my Mom to come across as some aloof airhead. She is anything but. I should have mentioned that my Mom is a very bright, intelligent and well-read woman. Some of her sayings above aren't always serious.

More Mother's Day, Final

It is Thursday today, so you've only got a couple more days before Mother's Day is here. I've already purchased my Mom and Godmother their gifts, but they are coming from across the Big Pond (the UK) and they haven't arrived yet. I'm not exactly thrilled about their delayed arrival, but I can't do too much about it either. I thought I'd share this simply because perhaps my anxiety might motivate all of you who wait until the last minute to go ahead and get something together.

As you continue to ponder the perfect gift, my final category of gift suggestions are inspired by the "Queen Bees." While I believe that there are many mothers out there who deserve to be treated like Queens - especially on Mother's Day - let's not confuse these suggestions with that notion. In this instance, the term "queen" is used to describe those mothers who love luxurious goods. "Luxury" can be defined in a few different ways, but this list is for the Mother's that have - well - slightly more expensive taste. (It's always nice to dream...)

Enjoy!

[Click image for larger view]

1. Pineda Covalin@sloan/hall; 2. VSA necklace@Galeana;
3. original artwork by Waddy Armstrong;
4. lipstick@vivre; 5. paper tiara@A+R; 6. DVR blouse@net-a-porter;
7. chocolates@shopping.com; 8. wallet@Louis Vuitton; 9. bracelet@eluxury;
10. throw@Leontine Linens; 11. heels@Neiman-Marcus

More Mother's Day, Part 2

The Craftster

I love to create. My mind is constantly aflutter with new ideas of what I could make or manufacture. It's easy for me to imagine myself as a modern day superhero-type craftster. "Faster than a sewing machine! Handier than a glue gun! Able to create beautiful ball gowns with a single stitch!" (I'd definitely have a pink cape.)

To all the creative, crafty Moms out there, these are great gift suggestions of projects she can do, things you can make for her, or adventures you can both partake in together!

[Click image for larger view]

And because many of them won't be immediately recognizable, I thought I'd explain each entry with a few more details than the earlier posts:

1. A homemade paper bouquet is cute and kitschy. Besides never wilting, one of the best things about this arrangement is that it comes in a kit. All of the materials are packaged together and there are specific directions for how to assemble it.
2. A picture book is a great thing for everyone to enjoy. I'm a diehard Mac user, so I'd use iPhoto to create one, but there are plenty of other services out there that can do it as well. (Try Snapfish, Shutterfly or Kodak.)
3. The craft revolution is upon us and this is, perhaps, most evident in the rise in popularity in activities such as knitting and crocheting. Why not knit your mom a scarf? Or have her knit one for you? Again, this neck warmer project from Wool and the Gang comes in a kit so it's all there for you to do or to give.
   
4. Amy Butler is an artist who lives in Granville, Ohio (also home to my alma mater, Denison University, by the way). She's created a hugely successful business with her sewing and textiles. Why not toss Mom a pillow or two from Amy Butler? Perfectly posh for the front porch swing.
5. Sublime Stiching was started by (almost local) Austinite, Jenny Hart. Inspired by her mother's creations, she began making easy to follow embroidery patterns - perfect for even the beginner stitcher. Embroid a cute scene on a handerchief or pillowcase and Mom is sure to cherish it forever.
6. For the novice sewer, Singer has created a darling purple sewing machine. It's a beginner's dream as it's loaded only with the essentials. A Mother's Day arrival will ensure enough time for a go at this year's Halloween costumes.
7. Why not give Mom a craft class? There are lots of local shops that offer a number of classes in different mediums. If you are in San Antonio, try the Southwest School of Art and Craft or Tres Rebecas (call 210.224. 5733 for more information).
8. "Handmade Hellos" is a fun book. Written by the two sisters and designers who own Hello! Lucky letterpress, they've compiled 25 craft ideas from various paper artists. Why not try your hand at creating a card for your Mom?

The Sugar Mama

Sugar usually gets such a bad rap, but an indulgent treat every once in a while isn't bad. There are so many sugary delights to chose from out there, so why not marry them with an fun gadget or accessory? It makes me want to have an old-fashioned tea party. "Coffee or tea? One lump or two?"

Check out my fun selections for the Sugar Mama:

[Click image for larger view]

1. sugar roses; 2. double-thermal cups; 3. cookies@Lily's Cookies;
4. cupcakes@Kate's Frosting; 5. French macarons@Paulette;
5. Kusmi tea; 6. kisses handkerchief@avrilloreti.etsy.com;
7. Nespresso milk frother; 8. heart-shaped sugar cubes; 9. French honey

For all the latte lovers out there (or for those of you who have Moms who drink lattes), I MUST mention the Nespresso milk frother. Pour in the milk and push the button and all your work is done for you. It creates a friendly, frothy accompaniment to your morning espresso (be it iced OR hot)! Yes, it does hot and cold.

After my friend Elizabeth introduced it to me in her kitchen, I couldn't stop talking about it. My sweet godmother gave one to me and it's like nothing I've ever seen before. Plus, it has certainly saved me a few bucks at the coffee shop.

More Mother's Day

Yesterday I began to post gift suggestions for Moms. I started out with what I thought a more "Classic" mother might like.

Following are suggestions for the "New" or "Expecting" Moms. (My sister just had a beautiful baby girl so we've been very focused on this very special segment of mothers this year.) There's nothing like the excitement of a new baby and this Mother's Day category deserves LOTS of attention.

[click image for larger view]

1. Flip video camera; 2. pillowcases@UncommonGoods.com;
3. door hanger@etsy.com; 4. child portrait@Langmore;
5. silk robe@Saks.com; 6. pedicure from any local salon; 7. onesie@zazzle.com;
8. Kate Spade custom stationary@You're Invited; 9. necklace@Bloom Maternity

I think most of the things I've listed here are self-explanatory, but in case you don't recognize the Flip camera, this is one worth mentioning. The Flip is a video camera that is the size of an iPhone, so it fits in any purse. It's easy to use (we're talking one button to record) so even the most - ahem - technologically-challenged Mom can figure this one out. And it plugs directly into any computer (thankfully it's PC and Mac friendly) so video clips are ultra easy to share with grandparents, other family members and friends. Simply record, upload to YouTube and voila - you're done.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is upon us so I've been on the search for the perfect Mother's Day gift. I thought I'd share some of my picks in case you need a little assistance.

I've rounded up a selection of really great things and have categorized them according to how I might categorize Moms. That's a hard task because if your Mom is anything like mine, it's way too difficult to put her under only one heading. That's why I was careful to select cool things that would work for all types... regardless of how I've put them together.

Throughout the next few days, I'll be posting different suggestions. You'll note that I've included things from all over, but have marked those that can be purchased in good ole San Anton.' (It's always nice to support your local shops, after all.)

Check out what I might choose for the "classic" Mom.

1. Hermes scarf; 2. Jo Malone perfume; 3. Flare candle@Galeana;
4. P.Jamas nightie@Lin Marche; 5. tulips from Martha Stewart;
6. Reed & Barton picture frame; 7. spa treatment@The Watermark Hotel;
8. monogrammed heart locket@Target; 9. bronzed baby shoes;
10. soap and 11. handwash/lotion@sloan/hall