Happy Mother’s Day!
A mother is not a easy thing to define. She is complex and goes by many names: Ma, Mama, Mommy, Mom, Mother, Mum… Any way you look at it, a good mother is characterized by her unconditional love for her children. They are our role models and teach us important lessons like, to chew with your mouth closed and to always say “please” and “thank you.” The celebration of Mother’s Day can be traced back to ancient festivals and today it is celebrated around the world in countries from Brazil to Bangladesh.
In 1936, Florence Owen Thompson’s face became an iconic American image – “The Migrant Mother.” Heading west in search of work, Florence and her family set up a temporary camp in the Imperial Valley, where photographer Dorothea Lange snapped these famous photos. The Migrant Mother represents the backbone of the family – doing everything in her power to keep her family afloat. Florence worked in a kitchen washing dishes for fifty cents a day so she could feed her children. For many of us, mothers are the epitome of strength.
While it’s true that our mother’s might enjoy the conventional bouquet and a card on this celebrated day, we complied a list of our alternative Mother’s Day recommendations:
Brunch: Cora’s Coffee Shoppe in Santa Monica – Cora’s is located on Ocean Ave and has been serving breakfast and hot coffee since the 1920s. While it’s small, they have a gorgeous ivy-enclosed patio and offer a wide range of food from pancakes to frittatas to steak.
Hike/Horseback Ride: Sunset Ranch Hollywood Stables – Established in 1929, the ranch has been offering guided rides of the best view of Hollywood for over 50 years. They also do evening rides – including a ride to Viva Fresh Mexican Restaurant in Burbank!
Sunset Ranch Stables
Groundview at the stables
The view from the trail at night
View of the Hollywood Sign on the way to the Stables
Clearly that last photo isn’t at the Sunset Ranch Stables… but it is a Mother/Daughter horseback ride nonetheless… From left to right – My mother Diane, Me, Krysta, and Krysta’s mother Bianca. This was taken during a family camping trip to Capitol Reef National Park in Utah.
A Gift Certificate to One Kings Lane - perfect for a last minute gift! One Kings Lane partners with designers and manufacturers to give you access to great deals and amazing finds – all curated by today’s top tastemakers. Shop for timeless gifts or little luxuries for Mom!
Red Door Spa: Treat her to a Red Door Spa Day! For over 100 years, Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spas have been built on the idea that every guest who visits should leave refreshed and rejuvenated. With 31 locations across the United States, you don’t have to be in the same city as your mother for her to take her spa day.
A Vintage Brown Alligator Handbag — Available at the Salon Laissez Faire store here
In honor of our own mothers, we proudly share:
Three Generations: Me, my step-grandmother Norma, my momma Diane
Another 3 Generations: Cranston Granny Fellman, Babs Fellman, Baby Sarah & her mom Nancy Hoyle-Fellman
While I may not actually know what it is to be a mother, I know that my momma raised me well and I am grateful for that. Although not all of us can be physically with our mother’s on this day, her spirit is always present. Gift giving can be humble, it can be decadent , or it could be as personal and as innocent as just a phone call.
