Photo by graletta – fotolia
Mother’s Day is a time for appreciating the women who brought us into this world— the women who laughed at our horrible five-year-old attempts at jokes (“Knock knock. Who’s there? KETCHUP!”), who let us keep all the profits from our lemonade stand even though she bought the Kool-Aid and baked the cookies, who told us not to cut our own bangs and didn’t say “I told you so” when you inevitably did. Now that we’ve grown up a little, we can fully appreciate everything a mother does for her family and friends. Spend some time celebrating your mom’s awesomeness this weekend.
Namaste, Mama!
This Mother’s Day weekend, CorePower Yoga is offering a free class to a mama in your life. Drop by anytime on May 7 or 8. Plus, get 20 percent off retail (full-price merchandise only). Give your mother the one thing she’s always asking for but doesn’t have a price tag: Om Shanti Shanti Shanti, peace in body, speech, and mind.
A Day at the Zoo
For me, the zoo brings back nostalgic childhood feelings. For my mom, I’m sure the zoo brings back memories of trying to wrangle three kids, lather them with sunscreen, and keep them from climbing into the alligator exhibit. This Mother’s Day, the Minnesota Zoo is letting moms in for free on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend. The gift shop and the Penguin Café will have special offers for moms, and the IMAX Theater is also free for moms (with one paying ticket).
MOA
Mall of America is putting on its Beautiful May Soiree on Saturday from 1-3 p.m., a one-day beauty celebration focused on all things luxury and pampering. The soiree offers a live DJ, yoga demonstrations, lip + lash bars, product samples, makeup tough-ups, hand massages, and more. Plus, you’ll find special beauty offers, courtesy of Nordstrom, Macy’s Lancome, Fabletics, Intelligent Nutrients, L’OCCITANE, Progressions Salon, Lush, and Soma Intimates.
Wear Pink
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is a Mother’s Day tradition for many—and for good reason. Not only are you celebrating moms, you are also celebrating and supporting the women who have fought or are still battling breast cancer. Run, walk, or skip hand-in-hand with mom as you shower her with words of appreciation and gratitude. This year’s race is held at Southdale Center in Edina.
Send Flowers
Not all of us can be with our mothers this Mother’s Day, but a great way to show that you’re thinking about her is to send flowers. Arts & Flowers located in St. Louis Park ensures their arrangements to be fresh, fragrant, and worth every penny. If you’re looking to send flowers and chocolate, I suggest ordering from Bloom & Buttercup, a flower, gift, and candy shop in Minneapolis. They carry local and fair trade gifts, ranging from earrings, to salad tongs, to adorable owl mugs, and everything in between.
Brunch Baby
There’s nothing that says, “Thanks for all you do,” better than a free mimosa for mom. 8th Street Grill in Minneapolis is offering a Mother’s Day brunch buffet from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday. Reservations are required. Enjoy the off-the-street patio, downtown vibe, and the splendid service with mom.
French Meadows, both locations in Uptown and Grand Ave. in St. Paul, offers a cute, affordable Mother’s Day destination. With its consistently helpful and friendly service, I can’t think of a better place to take my mom. My go-to meal is the Zone Omelet with an almond milk latte. My mom will surely order her usual—the black and bean chicken quesadilla from the lunch menu. Request patio seating for optimal brunch ambiance.
Barbette located off Lake Street in Minneapolis is hands-down one of the cutest French restaurants I’ve ever been to. With its eclectic décor and savory menu, you’re sure to find something delicious for you and your mama. Their daily quiche is never a miss—add in a frothy vanilla latte and you’ve got yourself a winning Mother’s Day brunch.
Black Coffee and Waffle Bar is one of my regular brunch spots. As the title suggests, Black sells only coffee and waffles. You can build your own waffle from an assortment of toppings, or you can order one of their pre-constructed ones. I’m a sucker for the Naughty Waffle, which includes strawberries, bananas, blueberries, almond butter, granola, and whipped cream. My friends usually go for the Strawberry Cheesecake waffle or the Fat Andrew.
Ok, maybe you’ve done brunch one too many times with mom in the past. Our food critics Jason DeRusha and Joy Summers picked a few alternative Mother Day eateries that make for a memorable meal with mom—and she can sleep in for once.
One day a year to celebrate these courageous, loving women doesn’t seem to be nearly enough for all they do, but it’s a good chance to do something extra special for the mom in your life. (And don’t forget the card!)
