HOT 5 - 4/29/21
Photo by Kateryna Tyshkul on Unsplash
Hello HOT Friends!
I recently learned a new term thanks to an article in the New York Times. And I've since seen reference to it in a few blog posts so I guess I'm not the only person it resonated with. The term is languishing and the article called it the dominant emotion of 2021, a direct result of the terrible year we've just been through. It explains that languishing is a sense of stagnation and emptiness -- not depression, just a state of aimlessness. I've had many conversations with people who have described their current feelings in exactly those terms. And I'll admit I've had those feelings too. Just how do we reclaim our joie de vivre? I think it will be with baby steps. As we tip-toe back into our old lives and start doing things like getting that long overdue haircut or pedicure and finally having a social life we'll begin to start feeling like our old selves again. That's my fervent wish for all of us. Let's turn languishing into flourishing!
The HOT 5 this week is dedicated to...you guessed it … Mother's Day! Coming up in just 10 days, I thought I'd share some helpful ideas for gifts for mom, and of course, I've included a stylish and unique one from House of Terrance that you can be sure will get there in time if you order today.
Here we go...
1. Not Just Any Flowers For Mom
2. Make Every Day Feel Like a Spa Day
3. Fragrance Can Make it All Better
4. A Unique Gift For Mom From HOT
5. April Is National Poetry Month
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1. Not Just Any Flowers For Mom
Have you heard of the website The Sill? Founded on the joyful premise that plants make people happy, it's a fantastic resource for everything you need to know about plants. It was launched in 2012 by Eliza Blank, with the mission of helping city-dwelling millennials and Gen Z enjoy the benefits of indoor houseplants. And those cohorts have become completely plant-obsessed! But plants and flowers are good for all of us and IMO make the perfect gift for any occasion. The Sill will deliver flowers and plants for the special mother in your life if you make sure and order here by this Friday and they've also provided this link if you'd like to support Black-owned florists. Lastly, I really like this entertaining list from The Strategist for flowers you can order online for absolutely every type of mom.
Photo by Engin Akyurt on Unsplash
2. Make Every Day Feel Like a Spa Day
Nothing sounds better to me at this moment in life than a stay at a fabulous spa! I imagine everyone is thinking that way right about now. Why not treat mom (or yourself) to a Mother's Day Gift that makes you feel like you're already there? I found this list published by The Skimm to be full of excellent spa-inspired goodies. In fact, I recently bought the first item on the list and it's my favorite article of clothing purchased this year! It's making me extremely happy and I definitely feel like I'm at Canyon Ranch every time I put it on. You're bound to find the perfect gift on this list.
3. Fragrance Can Make it All Better
I enjoyed reading this article about the power of fragrance in the latest issue of Town and Country Magazine. Entitled "Scents of Survival", it provides us with a historical perspective on how fragrance has been used to help people get through challenging times. During this past year, I chose to forgo a lot of my usual trappings but the one thing I applied daily no matter if I dressed or not was fragrance. Nothing makes me feel more like myself than a spritz of my favorite scent. Why not gift mom one of the new fabulous-sounding fragrances listed at the end of the article? I plan on dropping a big hint about the new Byredo one for myself. Love the name too ... Mixed Emotions!
4. A Unique Gift For Mom From HOT
I'm sure dear readers that by now you know all about Maskeraides from HOT. And you probably have also heard the new guidance from the CDC on mask-wearing outside. It's welcome news that we no longer have to wear masks outside if we've been vaccinated and as long as we're with people we know personally in small groups. Of course, most businesses will still require you to wear a mask inside their establishments and this is where Maskeraides come in really handy. You won't have to dig around in your bag for it or wonder what pocket it's in, you'll have it around your neck on a stylish chain. Won't mom just love that?
5. April Is National Poetry Month
And before the month gets out of here, I want to honor National Poetry Month by sharing a special poem. This one by Nikita Gill, the young modern feminist poet who has blown up Instagram with her poetry, is especially apropos for Mother's Day.
"Your Soul Is a River," Nikita Gill
The water of her womb, your first home.
The body she pulled apart to welcome you to the world.
The spirit in you she helped grow with all she knew.
The heart that she gave you when yours fell apart.
You are her soft miracle.
So she gave you her eyes to see the best in the worst.
You carry your mother in your eyes.
Make her proud of all she watches you do.
Happy Mother's Day to all you beautiful mamas!
Terry xoxo
