Just how do we thank those who bore us, raised us or just plain put up with our antics? Basically make them feel special, do something to show you care. And speaking for those of us whose mom’s aren’t around anymore, do it now – before it’s too late.
Kick off the planting season with Private Gardener’s second annual Dirt Ball event. Just show up with pots or the dimensions of your planters – they’ve got the rest covered with truckloads of blooming plants, flowering trees, graces, vines and edible plants, refreshments and everything else you need – including expert advice – for figuring out the perfect combination for truly impressive container gardening! (May 19, 190 N Broadway, (414) 223-4747,www.privategardener.com)
Like love & marriage, taking mom to a special Mother’s Day Springtime Tea at the historic Watts Tea Shop just makes sense. Book reservations now for one of the two tea times offered and acknowledge her place in your heart with finger sandwiches, freshly baked deserts and scones, a choice of individually brewed teas or coffee, wine purchased a la carte and a special gift. ($24.95 per person, May 12 & 19 at 2:30 pm, 761 N. Jefferson, 414-290-5720 www.georgewatts.com)
Not hungry? Getting generous with mom really pays off at J. Bird Boutique’s Mother of all Mother’s Day Sale. The deal is you buy her a gift certificate and J. Bird will give you one for the exact same amount. Hey, what goes around comes around. (Through May 12, 415 E. Menomonee, 727-6553, www.jbirdboutique.blogspot.com)
The wonderful, expressive, hand printed, hand dyed silk charmeuse pillows, scarves, table linens, ties and throws created at Grotta & Co. find favor in exclusive boutiques across the country. At their annual Mother’s Day Sale, city shoppers will find all sorts of stuff including fabric remnants priced $10 and up. (May 12, 10am to 4pm, 207 E. Buffalo St., 273-8066, www.grotta.com).
It’s always about indulgence at Blush Beauty but as a special treat in honor of mom’s, they’ve set aside Sunday May 13th for lots of relaxing beauty services perfect for the lady of your life, Book an appointment now, believe me she’ll appreciate it. (249 N Water St, (414) 272-1718)
The power of relaxation is something the Neroli Spa knows a bit about. Along with the idea of treating yourself or someone you love. Buy a $100 (or more) gift card for mom and they’ll treat you to a $10 gift card you can apply to any service or Aveda product for yourself. (325 E Chicago St., (414) 227-2888,www.nerolispa.com)
Only got a minute to shop? Not to worry, there’s a 20% off sale on regularly priced handbags, scarves, shawls, belts and jewelry now through Mother’s Day at Vieux et Nouveau. In addition, women frustrated with poorly fitting fashions or simply feeling too curvy might want check out fashions by Renuar and Insight, specifically designed to fit and flatter gals of substance. (1688 N. Franklin Place 287-9049, www.boutiquemilwaukee.com)
Listen it’s not all about sex at A Woman’s Touch. Just in time for mother’s day, they’re running a 20% off sale on all Holly Yashi jewelry. Incorporating a unique process, various colors of metal highlight glass, crystal and gemstones with a full spectrum of finishes ranging from bright and shiny to sand blasted matte. And for the hot mama’s out there, StockinGirl Stockings will be on sale at 30% off.(Through the month of May (200 N. Jefferson, 221-0400, www.awomanstouchonline.com)
Most women love shoes and some of the sweetest are at The Cooking Store. Made entirely of milk, dark or white chocolate, the 7-inch high heels (sporting stripes, polka dots and decorative trim), come filled with a selection of crème-filled wrapped chocolates and they’re on sale for Mother’s Day for only $24.99 (normally $39.95) – until they’re gone, that is. (17115 West Bluemound Road, 272-785-9800, www.thecookingstore.us)
Since it only happens once a year, don’t miss the Classic Sale at Design Within Reach. you’ll find furnishings, recognized for their ability to inspire and endure, from designers like Breuer, Mies van der Rohe, Risom and Saarinen, all perfect for expressing timeless style. (167N Broadway. (414) 224-5353,www.dwr.com)
Check out Faye’s Kalibre trunk show for beautiful sterling silver jewelry ($79 -$800). It’s a great opportunity to start a collection. (May 13-15, 18900 W. Bluemound Road, 262-432-0070 and 1505 W. Mequon Rd, 262-241-8386)
Knowing the knitting trend isn’t about to cool down anytime soon, Loop offers classes like First Sweater Class Knitting 101 (May 7 – 14) and p First Sweater Class II (May 21-28) to encourage expertise of the craft.(2900 S. Delaware Ave, 481-4843 loopyarnshop.com)
Fastenis just as dedicated to creative crafts. Their t class, Swiping Pattern Making for Beginners (May 12 10 – 1 pm) teaches how to adjust and make your own clothing patterns. Don’t know the basics? Sign up for Sewing 101 (May 16 6-8 pm) and get introduced to garment making and repair, operating a sewing machine and constructing garments. Ready to get creative? Duct Tape Bags for Ladies & Gents (May 17 6 – 8 pm) introduces some cool ways to fashion the toolbox staple into purses, wallets, cell phone holders and ipod cozies.(2224 S Kinnickinnic Ave, (414) 747-9229)
Continuing on…
Each spring and summer, a historic barn in Cedarburg morphs into Cedar Chic, a temporary boutique loaded with new and vintage fashion home and gift giving finds. Artfully arranged by theme, this season’s products highlight the appeal of lazy lake cottages, outdoor entertaining and feminine style. All in all it’s a great excuse for a gal pal shopping excursion especially if you wrap it up with lunch or dinner at an area restaurant. Through May 20 – Thursdays 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays noon-4 p.m. N50 W5050 Portland [Lakefield] Road, Cedarburg, 414-708-1470 or visit www.cedarchic.com)
BUY IT NOW…
Head to Beans & Barley for one of the best selections in the city for cool, creative cards, great for marking any life occasion or sending along just for the heck of it. Known for its focus on healthy food products, a great deli and deliciously wholesome restaurant, the popular specialty market does an equally good job of gathering up a mix of fresh, fun modern home and gift items. In short, stop in to shop soon. (1901 E. North Ave., (414) 278-7878, www.beansandbarley.com)
Available at Relax the Back, it’s said that performing two simple 5 minutes stretches a day on The Lumbar Extender – a lightweight portable arch will “improve posture, increase range of motion and relieve back pain do to tight muscles, excessive flexion and poor spinal alignment.” Guess what? I’ve tried it and it does! Developed for pro golfers and made in Wisconsin, the device has been endorsed by physicians, chiropractors, physical trainers, yoga instructors and professional athletes. (410 W Silver Spring Dr., (414) 967-2225,www.relaxtheback.com)
