SHE.HER.

Mother's Day is Sunday, so if you haven't gotten anything yet I suggest you (quickly) pick something from the list below...

10. Dooney & Bourke Doodle Phone Case - Okay, so your mom may not dress like a fashionista, but that doesn't mean her sense of style is anything less. Still, she could probably use some helpful fashion tips from you. For starters, there's the stylish Doodle Phone Case from Dooney & Bourke (Normally $34.99 NOW ON SALE $17.99). It fits most slim phones and has a detachable wrist strap.

9. Eco-Friendly Tote Bag - Help your mom go green with an enviro-sack. These are portable little bags that she can carry in her handbag or car because they roll up really small. When she's out shopping at the grocery store or the drug store, instead of using plastic bags, she can throw her items in these bags. They're cute, small and inexpensive.

8. Customized Playlist - By creating a customized playlist with an iPod or laptop, you can give mom the soundtrack to her life. Even if she doesn't have an iPod or mp3 player, she still can download the music to her computer. It's a great way to combine all of her favorite tunes and can be a romantic gesture for husbands looking for the perfect present. It's also financially flexible. You can spend as little or as much money as you want on it. It can be 5 songs or 50 songs.

7. Spa Treatment Gift Certificate - For moms who are juggling a screaming boss at work and a crying baby at home, a regular spa trip will provide a welcome break from the stress. Redbook's Kramer Kaye says a number of spa franchises with inexpensive introductory rates and reasonable memberships are popping up throughout the country. Moms who travel a lot also can enjoy the benefits at various locations. A gift card or a membership for regular visits will be a "gift that keeps on giving" beyond Mother's Day. For facials and skin treatments, Kramer Kaye recommends Facelogic Spas, which offer $49 facials with locations in more than 20 states. For massages, check out Massage Envy, where one-hour massage sessions can start at $39, with 758 locations throughout the nation.

6. Workout Regime - For a new mom who wants to shed her baby weight but doesn't want to to sweat it out surrounded by beautiful gym bunnies, the Reebok Total Body Toning Kit is a perfect compromise. The $30 set comes with a stability ball, two soft weights, training DVD, exercise chart, three resistance bands and a Pilates ring that works for women across all fitness levels.

5. Clean Home - Give mom a much deserved break from her daily grind and treat her to a sparkling clean house, courtesy of Maid Brigade. These cleaning professionals will take great pride in scrubbing mom's house from top to bottom and I guarantee she will appreciate the break!

4. Breakfast In Bed - Give the magical gift of a lazy Mother’s Day morning with a specially prepared breakfast-in-bed. Pick up a tray at a drugstore, then hit the market to stock up on some non-perishable breakfast essentials, like: biscuit, muffin, or pancake mix, oatmeal, coffee, and tea. To add a little flair, include some authentic maple syrup, a jar of gourmet jam, or a bottle of champagne for mimosas. Also, don't forget the single rose in a vase!

3. Organic Garden Seeds - If that special mom in your life has a green thumb, then these would be the perfect addition to her already fabulous garden. Starting at just $17, Seeds of Change are certified organic, and make a very thoughtful gift. If this is the gift for you, try visiting your local nursery for some options.

2. Surprise Visit - Surprise your mom with a visit. Nothing says “I love you” quite like taking a train, plane, or automobile for the sole purpose of telling your mom how special she is. Pick up some "mom friendly" movies on the way, such as: 'Stepmom', 'Mermaids', 'Cheaper By The Dozen', 'Juno' or something that equally relates to your relationship, and your all set for a good time!

1. Jewelry - Jewelry is ALWAYS good, no matter the occasion. One great idea is this sterling silver family bracelet from Things Remembered. The bracelet is $65 and you can have you and your siblings names engraved as shown in the picture. If your working with a slightly higher budget, diamonds rock (literally)...

Ok... so those are my suggestions. Leave a comment with any other suggestions you may have!

Labels: budget, gifts, mother's day, top 10

Any parent knows that having a child drastically changes the dynamics of you and your partners relationship. Time once spent lovingly gazing into each others eyes is now being spent on endless round the clock feedings and catching up on sleep, among (many) other things. It's not a theory, or assumption... These are facts! Most couples are not prepared for the hit their relationship will take as a result of having kids. Raging hormones (not the good ones either), no sleep and body image issues kinda have a way of changing the way you view a person. The purpose of this entry is to offer tips on how to reconnect as friends first and reestablish yourselves as a couple in a romantic relationship.

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First things first - TAKE A BREAK!!! (with each other) Everyone knows that this is your baby and that you know what is best for him or her. Now that that's understood, get a babysitter. If your parents live close, they probably are dying to look after your little one for a little while. Take advantage of this so you can change out of your sweats, play dress up and go on a much needed date with your significant other... And while I'm on the subject, why are you still wearing those same old sweats anyway? Try to shower and dress presentably everyday. I say try because showering never seemed so far at the bottom of my to do list until I was caring for a newborn. And I promise I wore the same 3 sets of sweats / T shirts until TJ was 3 months old... but I digress... The sight of a nice and clean wife / girlfriend at the door tells your man that you care enough to be pleasing to him. It also reminds him of what attracted him to you even before your new baby came along.

So we have covered "date night", but you can have "date night" every night... After you put your baby down to sleep, try to put off passing out for at least 1 hour. Use this hour to bond with your significant other in a sort of post work ritual. DO NOT talk about the baby during this time. Instead, watch a movie, play board games or just talk about the highlights of your day.

Next - TAKE A BREAK!!! (by yourself) Let your SO watch the baby and go get a pedicure or facial. Watch the baby while he goes to the gym or plays golf. The point is get away from each other for a bit so you can miss each other a little and tend to your own needs. This will also make the time you spend together more special. You will also get a chance to connect with yourself during your "me time".

Next (this actually should have been first) - COMMUNICATE YOUR FEELINGS! You may feel like the whole burden of keeping house, caring for the baby and your SO needs falls solely on your shoulders. He may be feeling overwhelmed by the thought of having to provide for someone forever. Talk to each other about these feelings. Unexpressed emotions just turn to resent in these situations. A good conversation without fault finding and finger pointing can lead to positive resolutions for both of you.

Remember that everything doesn't have to change just because you are parents now. Turn old traditions into new traditions as an entire family. If you used to enjoy going for walks in the park, you can still enjoy these with baby in tow. Being parents should not get in the way of your relationship with each other. After all, your new baby is a beautiful reminder of the relationship you once had.

Labels: Baby, Marraige, Parents, Relationship

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