Geeeeeez it is bloody cold! Storm Emma is literally kicking my bum, (no jokes, I fell over early this morning straight on my backside - luckily the only witness this time was my cat and she was having her own problems slipping around on the ice). But as I sit here writing this, I can here the screams of joy from people outside playing in the snow (and the sudden thuds and yelps of pain when they fall over, but that's not my problem).
Don't get me wrong, I love the snow! Aside from the fact it's pretty, it also means a day off work, which for a country bumpkin like me, means trekking to the local pub and then realising the that last glass of wine was probably bad idea because snow and alcohol just don't mix!
Anyway, whilst I was drinking responsibly down the local, the conversation turned to Mothers Day, after which the panic set in and I realised it's not actually that far away and I am the most unorganized person ever. I also realised, like I do every year, that my mother (love her as I do) is a complete nightmare to buy for. For example, chocolate is a no go (diabetic), she has enough candles to put Yankee out of business, enough smellies to open up her own perfume shop, alcohol is a not an option because she doesn't drink and she has the worlds biggest teddy bear on her bed from my stepfather and I can't compete with that. Basically I'm left with flowers and not a lot else, until now.....
But before I get into showing you all some wonderful Mother's Day gift ideas, I was looking around at the history of Mother's Day and stumbled across some pretty interesting facts, which I thought I'd share with you all:
10 Interesting facts about Mothers Day
1) In the vast majority of the world’s languages, the word for “mother” begins with the letter M.
2) Ancient Egyptians believed cats were sacred animals and revered ‘Bast’ as the mother of all cats on Earth.
3) In the United States alone, around 122 million phone calls are made to mums on Mother’s Day.
4) Approximately $14 billion dollars is spent on Mother’s Day.
5) In what was formerly Yugoslavia, children would tie up their mothers on Mother’s Day. The only way she could get free would be to pay her children with treats.
6) In 1939 in Lima, Peru, the youngest mother on record delivered a baby boy by C-section. She was only 5 years-old and the baby was raised as her brother.
7) On the flip-side, the oldest woman to deliver a baby was recorded on April 9, 2003. Her name is, Satyabhama Mahapatra, and is a 65-year-old retired schoolteacher in India. She gave birth to a baby boy, which was her first child after 50 years of marriage. However, the eggs were donated by her 26 year-old niece.
8) Before Octomom (Nadya Suleman) Bobbie McCaughey had septuplets – four boys and three girls – on November 19, 1997. The babies were born via C-section after 31 weeks.
9) The shortest span between two babies is by mom, Jayne Bleackley. She gave birth to her son on September 3, 1999. Then only 208 days later gave birth to her daughter (on March 30, 2000).
10) Elizabeth Ann Buttle gives a whole new meaning to second family. She gave birth to her first child (a girl) May 19,1956. Then when she was 60 years-old, she gave birth to her son on November 20, 1997, making the babies 41 years and 185 days apart.
Now, I'm not a mother, but the idea of having ocuplets frightens the life out of me. Hats off to her for that!
It's a Pyjama Party!
Pyjamas for me will always be a good present, I practically live in mine. They're comfy, cosy, relaxing, I could go on but I think you get my point. With that in mind, let me introduce you to Mish London - Their pyjama sets are made from 100% woven Cotton for great comfort and style, as well as providing natural softness against the skin. They are not only made for sleeping in, but they are also perfect for lounging around the house in. Each range is made up of 3 types of bottoms and 4 types of tops to give you the chance to mix and match however you please!
Bottoms Up
The Leafy Print Cotton Short is modern and fashionable with a classic turn-up style and (praise the lord!) handy side pockets. It features a front tie and elastic waistband for great comfort. The Leafy Print Cotton Trousers are a classic straight leg cut for a flattering shape and features an elastic waistband and front tie. The trousers also feature side pockets and turn-up hems for a fashionable look. Team up with the matching co-ordinates for the perfect lounging outfit.
Tops Down
The Leafy Print Cotton Shirt features river shell buttons and a curved hemline for a cosy and luxurious feel. It is designed to be slightly oversized for extra comfort, whilst still keeping the stylish fit. The White T-Shirt is also part of the Leafy Print collection and is designed to co-ordinate with the trousers and shorts for the perfect lounging outfit. It is longer in the length for great comfort and style.
The Leafy Print Camisole Top features a beautiful lace neckline and crossover strap design for an ultra-feminine look. It is designed with side slits for added comfort. Team up with the matching trousers or shorts for the perfect look.
Check out our Mother's Day feature on the Good Web Guide here and use the code: MUM18 to receive 20% Mish London Pyjamas at www.knickerlocker.com just in time for Mothers Day!
Offer ends on the 10th March.
Top 5 Places to Take Your Mum This Mothers Day
1. Take a stroll in Trentham Gardens, Staffordshire
Treat mum to a day out at Trentham Gardens in Staffordshire this Mother’s Day, as mums get in free when joined by a paying guest or an annual ticket holder. You can walk around the beautiful Italian Gardens, revived by the Chelsea Flower Show or take a stroll around Trentham Lake. There’s plenty to keep the little ones busy too, with an adventure playground, Hornbeam hedge maze and fairy trail.
2. See the first spring colours at Kew Botanical Gardens, London
If you fancy a weekend in the capital, pay a visit to the tranquil Kew Botanical Gardens in south-west London. Spring has sprung in Kew, the gardens are brimming with vibrant flowers and wildlife is returning. If your mum has a head for heights, you can also take a stroll along the tree-tops and as an added bonus, you could also treat your mum to a special three-course Mother's Day lunch in the dining room of Wakehurst Mansion. There's a free glass of pink proscecco for mum - woohoo!
3. Take tea at Kilworth House
On 11th March you can enjoy a Mother’s Day lunch in the Orangery Restaurant or Wordsworth Restaurant, at Kilworth House in Leicestershire. Private dining rooms are also available, and every mum will be given a gift of chocolates. Or for another indulgent treat you can treat your mum to a champagne afternoon tea on the afternoons of Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th March.
4. Lunch on a luxury steam train
Take your mother on a trip through beautiful British countryside from the comfort of a classic steam train. Along with First Class Silver Service, on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, you'll be served finger sandwiches, tea or coffee, and a delightful cream tea on your return journey.
5. Solve a mystery in Tyntesfield, Somerset
You may recognise Tyntesfield House from the BBC drama Sherlock Holmes, which was filmed in this spectacular Victorian Gothic Revival house with gardens and parkland. Go back in time and explore the house, before taking a stroll around the beautiful gardens and estate, which has stunning views across the North Somerset countryside. There's also a decent garden centre, second-hand bookshop, and a nice cafe, which serves light lunches and scrummy cakes.
Still stumped for ideas? Check out our handy Mothers Day Gift Guide here.
ONE FINAL WORD...
Mothers day is a chance for us to show our mums how much they mean to us, which is why we at Knicker Locker thought we'd share some ideas with you all to make the day extra special, or, if your like me and totally unorganized - take a bit of the brain ache away! Even if you just fancy treating yourself because as I always like to say, why not?!
LOVE JESS X