While Mother's Day celebrations may be slightly quieter this year, it's still so important to champion all the amazing mums out there - and this year more than ever, I would urge you to shop local when gifting.
It's no secret that we're blessed with incredibly talented creative industries in every corner of Ireland - and right now they need our support. So let's work together and put some thought into doing things differently - shop within walking distance of your home if you can, or purchase vouchers online. Not only will you be supporting local business, your mum will love it too! Especially if she is older and self-isolating for now, as it gives her something to look forward to.
I've listed a few ideas below, but please share others that you think of by reposting this and tagging (us and them) on social media - it could really make a tangible difference to someone's livelihood.
FLOWERS - Pick up a bunch of flowers or a plant from your local florist - from a pretty bunch of wild flowers to cheery tulips or a posy or hand tied bouquet, there are options for every budget. Seek & Gather, Belfast, Floralicious or The Flower Room in Holywood are all gorgeous independent florists - but there are so many, so choose one close to you. I also like Armagh-based Jasmine Lily Floral Wreaths – these hand made (faux) flower wreaths will add some colour to your mum’s door at a time when some feel there should be Bubonic Plague-style black crosses on doors! Let’s stay positive.
Seek & Gather florist
LOCAL CRAFTS - Choose a piece from a local craftsperson - from jewellery makers to potters, we are literally surrounded by them. St George's Market is now closed for the foreseeable future, but Born n Bred is still open, and has a great website for online orders too. CRAFT NI is wonderful too… Again, a gift voucher will allow your mum to browse and choose something for herself in her own time, but if you like a gift in hand, I’m sure most have retained their usual returns policies. Most craftspeople can help you decide if you give some personal info - off the top of my head, some that already do this are Lines and Current, Eadach by Sara O'Neill and Aly Harte.
Edach by Sara O’Neill
FOOD - Pick up a hamper of mum's favourites from your local farm shop, baker or deli or buy a voucher for afternoon tea or dinner at a local cafe, restaurant or hotel. We love everywhere from the 5* Merchant hotel to little cafes dotted across the country. For those that remain open selling take away foods, I am sure they'll appreciate the business of your Mother’s Day meal, however simple or succulent!
DRINK - Do I really need to elaborate here?! From a bottle of local gin (we love Jawbox, Copeland and Shortcross) to a case of wine or vouchers for a wine or gin tasting course, this is one that many of my mummy friends will thank you for!
PAMPERING - Every mum deserves a little TLC and, trust me, she will thank you for some me-time wherever she enjoys being pampered - or somewhere new if it's not something she's tried before. From a manicure or blow dry to full on spa treatment, choose a voucher that she can spend on herself when the time is right. Personally, I'm a fan of Sistine in Holywood... (if you're reading this in a few years Valentina! ) and I also love Skin Medi Spa (Lisburn Road, Belfast) plus Zest (Andersonstown) and Zen (Newry). You can also by my fave IMAGE Skincare products online at www.imageskincare.ie and use my code CATHY10 at the checkout for discounts. [#BrandAmbassador] and you can also shop at my Tropic Skincare page here: https://tropicskincare.com/pages/cathymartin [#AFFILIATE link]
Sistine Beauty in Holywood
BOUTIQUES - I'm discovering more and more super independent boutiques stocking labels that you won't see everyone wear and with possible shop closures looming, the time to support them is now. If you're unable to get in-store, most can send a voucher online so your mum can choose a new item for her wardrobe at her leisure. Blush Belfast, Jude Law & Spoilt Belle in Magherafelt, My Sister’s Closet in Belfast, The RoseHanger Boutique in Dungannon, Moi in Bangor and Excel in Newtownards are just a few that spring to mind.
MEMORIES - For those of us without our mums on Mother's Day, my best advice is be kind to yourself (and stay off gorging on social media). I definitely find comfort in keeping my mum's memories alive, whether through sharing stories and looking at old photos or visiting her grave. This is such a personal thing, so do whatever is right for you - just know that you're not alone.
ALL THE SINGLE MAMMAS - I'm in this boat too and looking forward to some special mummy-daughter time with my Valentina this Sunday. We'll probably do some creating or crafting together, go for a big beach walk and watch a girly movie, with the odd Tik Tok thrown in for the LOLs! I suspect there will be many days like this over the coming months as we readjust to the new normal, but I’m trying to be positive and see it as a good thing.
For those of us with younger kids, I believe self gifting is most definitely in order! I also think it's a lovely gesture to show appreciation for other great mother figures and maternal influences in our lives, even a quick text message can mean so much. I’ll certainly be texting my Godmother, my single mother friends, my Mother-in-Law (even though I’m no longer married to her son, she is still wonderful :-) and my Father-in-Law’s partner. We have a very modern family and i embrace all those in it! Happy Mother’s Day. And may we never have another one in as difficult and strange times.
Stay safe everyone x