It's Mother's Day tomorrow, and Phyl Clarkehas some suggestions about how to show her your appreciation
Ahh, there's me Mammy with her favourite daughter on her lap. As you can see, I was a very well fed child, with perfectly groomed hair and dodgy slippers. My mother made those curtains, and my dress, and when I had my daughters, I did the same, running up matching dresses, bonnets and booties for them while they were still too young to object. Well, they do say that we turn into our mothers.
Tomorrow is the day those of us lucky enough to still have our mothers can show her a little appreciation. If you are reading this with your morning cuppa before hitting the shops for a Mother's Day gift, may I offer some suggestions?
First and foremost, cut your cloth according to your width. Never was the phrase "it's the thought that counts" more appropriate. Your mother will be delighted simply to see you tomorrow, and even the smallest gift will bring a gleam to her eye.
Most women love a new face cream, and you can afford to splash out a bit with the new Wise Woman range from The Body Shop, as prices start at just €16.95 for cleanser and go up to €37.50 for the super moisturising serum. Formulated for the 50+ age group, this ultra-rich range made with natural ingredients will give her skin a treat. You can also make up a gift basket with your choice of products.
Intervene is the new range from Elizabeth Arden aimed at the 30-45 age group, and the ad with Catherine Zeta Jones would make you run straight out to buy it. There is SPF15 in the lotion and cream. Prices are from €25 for the clever three-in-one cleanser/toner/primer.
Many older women need to lighten up on the foundation to get a fresher, more modern look, and a lovely way to achieve this is with Retin-Ox Illuminator. Roc is celebrating 50 years in skincare, and this beautiful formulation combines their highly effective anti-ageing cream with a subtle tint. It's available in two colours and costs €29.95. If your mum is a reader, she might enjoy Living Beauty by Bobbi Brown (€30). As she turns 50 this year, Brown's book is a refreshing take on ageing gracefully, and to show your mother how it's done, the BB counters are offering a complimentary make-up lesson.
Many mums love a floral scent and I'm giving mine Éclat d'Arpège from . She will love it as it contains the delicate fragrance of lilac that reminds me of the giant lilac tree in our garden during my growing-up years. Ask for the limited edition sold with a lilac-coloured brooch for €49.50.
A scented candle will always be well received, and none more so than the new Blue Agava and Cacao one from Jo Malone (€61.50). Yes, it is a lot of money for a candle, but the quality means that it will last, and scent the room even when not lighting. L'Occitane Verbena is a more reasonable €20 and is my favourite scent in the range. And don't overlook Marks & Spencer whose Grapefruit and Ginger is perfect for a kitchen, as the scent is subtle and fresh (€18).
Hearts go a flutter when the double C logo of Chanel appears. With summer coming up, your mum might appreciate their fabulous new body products. It took the company a long time to come up with a body care range, but it is worth the wait. With its cellulite-busting ingredients, this will get her ready for that holiday in luxurious style. It costs from €38.
Finally, you could go all out and send her for a spa break. Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa has a Mother's Day package that includes an ocean view room plus dinner and treatments, from €200. There are some great deals out there in spa land, especially mid-week, and sure, you might need to go with her to make sure she doesn't get up to too much mischief.