Here’s an idea. Make it easy on yourselves and skip the usual flowers, cards, chocolates and lunch this Mother’s Day. Instead, pick the perfect present from the list of ideas below. From a real bathroom break to not cleaning a single thing all day, we’ve got what moms really want for Mother’s Day. Scroll down for the goods (and a laugh or two).
No one is allowed in the potty when mom is going. Even if she’s in there for a long, long time. No cheating by yelling through the door to ask what she’s doing in there. That’s just bad manners, and your mother taught you better than that. Anyway, it’s Mother’s Day, so she doesn’t have to answer.
2. A full day of clothing compliance.
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Mom picks the outfit, the children wear it. No questions asked. No temper tantrums. No complaints about itchy sweaters, tight sleeves, uncomfortable waistbands, hating jeans/dresses/socks/boots/fill-in-the-blank. The kids just wear the clothes with a smile. Ahhh…a gal can dream, right?!
3. Every child grooms him or herself all day.
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Imagine a 24-hour period of time where mommy doesn’t have to help blow noses, wipe one tush, or brush one head of hair. It could happen!
4. A one-day pass from cleaning the house (Yes, that includes the kitchen.).
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She will not be making beds, picking up clothes off of the floor, and no, honey, she doesn’t think it would be a great idea to have your whole family over for a Mother’s Day brunch unless you’re planning to cook and clean up the whole thing by yourself. OK? Love ya!!
Say so long to Paw Patrol and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. Mama’s playing couch commando today, and she’s headed over to BRAVO to see her friends the Real Housewives. Back-to-back hours of catty bickering between grown women. Sounds marvelous!
There will be no arguing, fighting, bickering, nagging or whining for one whole afternoon (we'd settle for one hour...or even five minutes!). The only noise will be the sound of mom sipping her wine while watching Netflix on the device of her choice, turning pages of an actual book, or taking a long, uninterrupted nap.
7. To hear two simple words.
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Thank. You. That's it. Letting mom know she's appreciated goes a long, long way. Psst! A hug makes it feel even more special.
What do moms really want on Mother’s Day? In addition to spending time with family, kicking up her feet and avoiding the kitchen is probably high on that list! Celebrate mom by giving her day off with these local restaurants that are offering dining, delivery and special take out options for Mother’s Day brunch. Support our local restaurants and mom at the same time!
Bluestem Restaurant & Market has introduced a new make-at-home mix version of their legendary Brown Butter Cornbread with Honey Butter providing a fun-activity for budding new chefs to make with Mom for brunch on her special day.
$15 for mix online order or pick-up in market Tues-Sat 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Popular family-owned Eastern Mediterranean restaurant in South San Francisco will be open for Mother’s Day brunch to celebrate with mezze, kebabs and their entire a la carte menu. A number of Mother’s Day specials will also be on offer including: classic Eggs Benedict, Salmon & Prawns with Garlic Lemon Sauce or Grilled Lamb Chops.
Michael Mina & Ayesha Curry turn Mother’s Day into a weekend-long celebration, featuring two holiday specials alongside its a la carte dinner menu from May 6 – May 8. Specials include a Chicken & Waffle dish with crispy croquette, buttermilk waffle, pea tendrils and Sambal-maple syrup ($24) and an indulgent Maine Lobster Udon Carbonara with smoked pork belly, hen egg and parmesan ($42).
Both decadent and delectable, afternoon tea at the Westin St. Francis is an experience Mom won't forget any time soon! Artisan teas, sandwiches and scones are on the menu and she also takes home a beautiful bouquet of flowers. May 7 & 8, 12-2 p.m.
Enjoy seasonal appetizers, a choice of entrees, and delicious desserts for the table with options like Bay Shrimp Salad, Soft Scrambled Eggs & Caviar Company Trout Roe, Pineapple Cupcake, and, for the kids, a “Mini” Vault Burger.
Canela is offering moms the choice of being spoiled at home with offerings like its Savory Raclette Kit ($74) to delight mom throughout her special day and even a Mom's Night Off Dinner Meal kit ($195). Lunch and dinner are available for indoor and outdoor dining. Reservations can be made here.
La Mar Cebichería Peruana is a tribute to one of the cornerstones of Peruvian cuisine, cebiche, and the environment created to enjoy it in, the cebichería. Mother’s Day buffet this year ($109 per person) includes shared plates of Bandeja La Mar and Bandeja Caliente; main courses such as Camarones Picantes: jumbo shrimp and squid ink spaghetti stewed in turmeric-aji Amarillo sauce. For dessert, there's Bandeja de Postres: dulce de leche, chocolate mousse with caramelized quinoa and a purple corn pudding. The kid's menu is $29 and includes a panko crusted chicken with fried potatoes and Peruvian Chocolate Cake stuffed with dulce de leche, and vanilla ice cream.
Or purchase a La Mar at Home kit to cook at home! For $249, you can spoil mom with Cebiche Clasico, Empanada de Pollo, and Asado de Tira (bone-in short ribs slowly cooked in purple corn juice, aji panca and pineapple juice, accompanied with quinoa polenta, sautéed cabbage in olive oil and fried garlic).
Pier 1 1/2, The Embarcadero
East Bay
Lydia Daniller
Pomella | Oakland Pomella is creating special a la carte brunch dishes for Mother’s Day, including Babka French Toast, Beef Hash, Granola parfait, and zucchini pancakes. Babka & a Bouquet will also be available for preorder, featuring Mica’s homemade Chocolate Babka and festive bouquets from a local florist.
Alley & Vine | Alameda For Mother’s Day brunch (11:00am-2:30pm) on Sunday, May 8th, Alley & vine will offer a three-course menu with multiple options including a special kids menu to satisfy all the young ones in tow. Look for celebratory standouts like Dungeness Crab Cake served with a caper remoulade and frisee salad and Manjari Chocolate Pot de Creme. You can find the Mother’s Day brunch menu here ($55 per person) and kids Mother’s Day menu here ($25 per child).
Sobre Mesa | Oakland Indoor dining & outdoor dining
Chef Nelson German is cooking up unique dishes for mom, including a Braised Game Bird (similar to the dish he prepared on the first episode Top Chef Season 18), a specialty cocktail, and Mother’s Day macarons.
East meets West in this new opulent, Great Gatsby-like restaurant (be sure to check out the one-of-a-kind downstairs bathroom) and there are plenty of ways here to celebrate the special mom in your life! Moms can enjoy a time honored luxurious tea ceremony, relax in Juiba for a craft cocktail, take in a decadent prix fixe meal or, for the ultimate experience, be immersed in Silicon Valley's only virtual reality dining room where all the senses are indulged. A special lunch service offered only on Mother's Day by talented executive chef Eddie Lam includes iChina Sheng Jian Bao, Sizzled Hamachi Crudo, Dungeness Crab Benedict, Seared Dayboat Scallops, Taiwanese Braised Beef Short Rib Pappardelle, Wagyu steak and Eggs and more.
Aurum | Los Altos Executive Chef Manish Tyagihas created a delicious four-course meal for Mother’s Day, which includes a Dahi Poor Mousse amuse bouche, Tandoori Duck Seekh Kebab, Fish Pollichathu, Roasted Lamb Loin, and Apple Jalebi Rabdi Parfait. The menu will be available at the restaurant for safe, onsite dining as well as for pickup and delivery. Moms dining at the restaurant will be welcomed with their choice of a mimosa or glass of bubbles. Reservations can be made here.
Celebrate mom over Wild Onion’s new brunch menu, featuring all of her favorite dishes like Fresh Berry Pancakes, Challah French Toast with Bailey Irish Creme Anglaise and Wild Onion’s Eggs Benedict.All of Chef Ray Garrow’s brunch entrees include a choice of Mimosas or Michelada - a treat not just for mom!
Christine Lai
Napa
Napa Valley Wine Train Treat mom to a scenic train ride filled with all the delights of a traditional tea service but with a wine country twist. Savor fine sips, delicious bites and glorious vineyard views on this elegant experience. Check out our review here.
h2hotel's signature restaurant is offering a special Mother's Day brunch menu complete with Dungeness crab benedict, wild Alaskan halibut, herb roasted scallops and more. Be sure to check out the whimsical water sculpture "Spoonfall" featuring 3,500 spoons!
Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to shower Mom with love, appreciation and gifts. This year, why not celebrate the mother figure in your life with a gift that’s good for mom and the world? Our list of eco-friendly gifts are guaranteed to make mom smile, plus they’re good for the community. Show the mom, grandma, aunt or other special person in your life how much she means to you with a sustainable product from a local Seattle shop this Mother’s Day.
A beautiful scented candle signals a serene moment even on the busiest of days. Seattle born and raised, Sukie turned her candle-making passion into a business in 2018. Today, Sukie’s Candle Co. produces non-toxic, vegan, eco-friendly candles with 40-plus hour burn times in exotic fragrance collections including citrus, fruity, floral and spice/woody. Sukie’s uses 100% pure soy wax, derived domestically from American farmers. Plus, all of her candles are infused with natural essential oils (phthalate-free!) and individually hand-poured in reusable glass containers. Shop online or visit a local retailer to purchase a little serenity for Mom.
For over 20 years, woman-owned bumble B design has curated themed gift baskets, bags and boxes. Surprise Mom with a basket full of her favorite goodies collected by bumble B design. It will include high quality, eco-friendly products that are creatively packaged into gifts suited for every taste and interest. Choose from a variety of themes including Champagne Cheers, Seattle Snacker Basket or Chocolate Gratitude Box (featuring organic, Fair Trade certified, Fran’s Chocolates). Eco-friendly features include reusable drinkware and bags, locally-sourced products and recycled packaging whenever possible. bumble B design hand delivers to most Seattle locations, or you can pick up from its local gift studio. Shipping is available for gifts that don’t contain alcohol.
It’s always a good time for pampering! Eco Collective offers an extensive selection of sustainable self-care products that make the perfect gift for Mother's Day. This Seattle-based online shop offers skin care, bath and body, hair care and wellness products including sun care, facial masks and more. Eco Collective’s products are responsibly sourced, plastic-free and kind to people, animals and the planet. All packaging is recyclable, compostable or reusable to help reduce the company's carbon footprint. Take care of a special mom in your life while taking care of the planet.
Not sure what to get Mom, but want to find a special Mother's Day gift with a purpose? Look no further than Fair Trade Winds. From felt flowers to bird houses, jewelry to food products, you’ll find the perfect gift. Bonus: Fair Trade Winds has put together a Mother’s Day Gift Guide if you need some inspiration. Purchasing fair trade products supports positive change by emphasizing equality and sustainability, helping artisans, families and communities become self-sustaining. At Fair Trade Winds, a significant percentage of your purchase goes directly to the creators, all over the world. Check out their extensive online catalog or stop by their Ballard gift shop to find that just-right gift.
5329 Ballard Ave. N.W. Seattle, WA 98107 206-743-8500 Online: fairtradewinds.net
Take a tasty treat up a notch with an eco-friendly glass drinking straw from a Granite Falls-based glass studio. This local Etsy shop handcrafts glass straws and carrying cases that aim to reduce plastic straw pollution and add a touch of fun to your iced coffee or seltzer. Choose from a plain straw or add a one-of-a-kind custom accent (coffee mug, animal, music note) to personalize it. Carrying cases are created from organic cotton and come in a wide variety of colors. Straws are dishwasher and microwave safe, and each purchase includes a cleaning brush. We'll drink to that.
Comfortable activewear can also be earth-friendly. Who knew? Seattle-based online retailer Girlfriend Collective’s clothing offers a high-end fit using sustainable, recycled materials. Vibrant colors, chic designs and ultimate comfort make Girlfriend Collective’s pieces a go-to part of any wardrobe. Tees, tanks, rompers, leggings and bras are made with cutting edge products like recycled polyester, recycled post-consumer bottles, ECONYL yarn (made from recycled fishing nets and other waste) and more. All packaging is 100-percent recycled and recyclable. From the raw materials sourced to create the pieces to the facilities producing the clothing, Girlfriend Collective values sustainability, fair trade and ethical labor practices, making it easy for you to do the same.
Nothing says “I love you, Mom” like a classic, colorful bouquet of flowers. Select a distinctive floral arrangement from Seattle’s Terra Bella Flowers. This local florist specializes in custom floral designs, houseplants and botanicals and supports local and global growers who celebrate organic, sustainable growing methods and human equality. Terra Bella Flowers can create something beautiful to suit anyone’s preferences. Add on a little extra something (like a candle or chocolates) and include a gift with delivery. Located in the heart of the Greenwood/Phinney Ridge neighborhood, Terra Bella Flowers offers daily delivery throughout Greater Seattle and some Eastside neighborhoods to make it easy for busy families.
For the outdoor enthusiast, consider one of Metamorphic Gear’s rugged, yet stylish totes, crafted with recycled sailing materials as a Mother's Day gift. Founder Lindsay Lawrence is a sailor and outdoorsman who wanted to design stylish and reliable eco-friendly products. Using his sailing experience, he recognized the durability of sail material and upcycled it into tote bags. Metamorphic Gear’s best-selling totes contain more than 90 percent upcycled materials with a truck tarp base, sailcloth top and climbing rope handles. One percent of every sale goes to support clean oceans. Retailers around the Puget Sound carry Metamorphic Gear totes so you can pick one up for Mom’s next outdoor adventure.
Ecologically and ethically-conscious fashionistas love to fill their closet with Prairie Underground’s functional, contemporary designs. Since 2005, Prairie Underground has made sustainability a top priority, honoring social, environmental and economic resources and respecting human rights and the natural world. Hemp and organic cotton is incorporated in every collection of tops, pants, hoodies and outerwear. Limited production reduces waste and shifts the focus to uniqueness. All clothing is manufactured here in Seattle, supporting local garment production in an ethical manner. Shop online or make an appointment to shop at their local boutique. If you're not sure what mom wants, why not get a gift card?
Moms wipe our noses and tie our shoes. Once a year, we like to thank them with a grand gesture (or maybe a series of small acts of love). If you’re looking for a bouquet of flowers, we have a Mom-owned local shop on this list along with other traditional treats, like spa products and beautifully scented candles. We also have fun picks, like Mommy & me matching swimsuits and therapeutic socks because, let’s face it, we’re always keeping Mom on her toes! Get ready to shop for Mom while supporting some of our favorite DC businesses (bonus: they’re mostly Mom-owned, too).
Treat mom to a proper manicure (or pedicure) with polishes from Black-owned nail polish company Janet & Jo. Named as one of the top nail lacquers on the market by beauty magazines like Allure, Nylon and Cosmopolitan, this DC-based business boasts bright, vivid colors perfect for the pool or beach. You can purchase Janet & Jo at The Wharf’s Shop Made in DC shop or online.
Mother’s Day is for moms-to-be, too! Toast to her first Mother’s Day with a tasty mocktail from DC-based Mocktail Club. Bonus: kids can upgrade from juice for a celebratory toast! Mocktail Club is sold at local Whole Foods and served in some restaurants so look for it in the wild.
If mom has a couple of mini mes running around, celebrate by twinning up. You can suit up for summer fun in mommy & me matching swimwear from Tea Collection. Tea’s Family Swim collection offers something for everyone in the family, from baby rash guards to trunks to one-piece swim suits featuring bold, vibrant patterns and 40+ UPF fabrics. Mom-and-Pop shops Wee Chic in Fairfax VA and Kinder Haus Toys in Alexandria, VA carry the line.
There’s a reason a flower bouquet is a traditional Mother’s Day gift: they’re beautiful, smell amazing, and have the unique ability to make the receiver feel pretty special. J. Morris is a Leesburg, VA mom-owned flower shop with insta-worthy arrangements. For $59, get a European-styled market bouquet (an exceptional value). J Morris offers local delivery in Loudoun County.
Trey + Glo Apothocary is an artisan candle company offering delicious, unique fragrances like the “Manoja” scent which smells like a five star hotel or a fancy spa—two things not kosher with social distancing. These soy candles come in different sizes and also wax melts; ranging from $12-25, they offer a high-end experience while being inexpensive enough to pamper your favorite mom with several. Trey + Glo was founded by Arlington mom and former beauty editor, Ayren Jackson-Cannady.
Moms deserve a long, luxurious soak in the bubbliest bubble bath ever, but most don’t have time for it. A shower can still be a quick pick-me-up. Entrepreneurial mom Anusha Moodly has whipped up the perfect shower steamers for her Falls Church company, Thulisa Naturals. Anusha offers four rich fragrances for a relaxing, energizing, or refreshing shower. For $15, Shower Steamers are the perfect way to make any mom feel like she’s indulging in a spa day while standing in a tub full of kiddie toys.
Like Mary Poppins’ mythical carpet bag, a mom purse (or diaper bag) is an endless source of anything anyone could ever want. That’s probably why they weight a ton. Lighten her load this Mother’s Day with a hoodie that does it all. This unisex hoodie ($98) has room for all of the essentials (and more) for those long walk around the ‘hood. With six inside pockets and two outside, this hoodie has room for diapers, wipes, bottles, snacks and possibly even the kitchen sink.
The Aviary Girls have a ton of cool crafts your favorite mom can do with or without the kids. Our pick: this adorable DIY flower caddy that is both practical and playful. Order your kit online and let them know if you want to pick it up in Stone Ridge, VA or have it dropped off at your front door for a $5 delivery fee. They also ship (shipping fees vary). If you need a little hand-holding when completing your craft, there is a library of online tutorials. Or sign up for a live class on Facebook.
They sound like something out of a fairy tale, right? We’re living in socks these days, so why not wear a pair that’s therapeutic? Silver Spun socks are made with yarn that contains pure silver. These socks have natural antibacterial properties, are super warm and soft, and conduct energy to keep your feet nice and toasty no matter the temperatures. Silver Spun socks was founded by DC resident and mom of two, Laurie Gonyea, who sources all of the cotton and silver in the United States. Made entirely in America, socks come in three different styles – boot, crew, and footie – so you can find a sock to meet your needs perfectly.
Created and curated by two Ashburn, VA moms, Brooke King and Julie Powers, the Mom Things subscription box offers all the creature comforts a mom could ever want. From the practical to fun, you can build your own box to make moms feel pampered, special, and appreciated. Or take the guess work out of this gift by choosing an already curated box, like the One Time Reset Box because, honestly, what mom couldn’t use a reset?!
Moms. They are the absolute glue of a family, they raise you, look after you, and love you all while balancing the rest of their life. This can oftentimes be thankless work, so it’s our job to make sure they feel the gratitude they deserve, at least once a year! This Mother’s Day, take care of mom like she’s taken care of you. Need a little inspiration? We’ve got you: below are just a handful of some of the wonderful gift ideas to surprise her with this May!
Loyly Sauna has two Portland locations to choose from. The larger Northeast facility features two cedar saunas, a cold shower cooling room, and therapeutic massage and holistic skincare services. The Southeast location is slightly smaller and features a cedar sauna, steam room, showers, locker rooms, along with their signature therapeutic massages and holistic skincare services. Purchase your special mama a gift card for a massage and sauna experience and we guarantee she’ll be feeling like a million bucks! The whole family will be feeling her afterglow.
This northeast Portland flower shop is exactly where you want to go for your Mother’s Day bouquet. With flexible pricing options, same-day delivery, and an endless amount of customization options, these master florists are guaranteed to piece together something thoughtful and beautiful. Beaumont Florist targets a certain temperament with each of its bouquets and offers additional gift items like chocolates or balloons to pair with your arrangement! Truly a one-stop-shop. Check out their sister shop in the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Portland, too!
4201 NE Fremont St., Portland, OR 97213 (503) 281-5501 Online: beaumontflorist.net
Sammy's Flowers Personalized Arrangments
Open seven days a week, this adorable, Parisian gem builds beautiful arrangements that are sure to leave you satisfied and your mother’s dining room table looking great. Want to depart from a standard bouquet and give her something that she can cherish for longer? Sammy’s Flowers sell beautiful orchids in several dazzling shades, as well as cards and chocolates for the ultimate flower-gifting experience! Want to build mom an arrangement made especially by you? At Sammy’s Flowers, that’s no problem! Just pick out some of their individually priced flowers and they’ll arrange and wrap them for you. Make sure to jump online or give them a ring soon, Sammy’s gets especially busy during the Mother’s Day week.
1710 W Burnside St., Portland OR 97209 (503) 222-9759 Online: sammysflowers.com
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Moonstruck Chocolates & Cacoao Sweets
Mom's love is oh so sweet, so why not get her some luxury sweets for her special day? Grab a box of the classic truffle collection at Moonstruck Chocolates. If she likes bars, there's a delectable variety to choose from. And don't forget to scope out the bundles that let you mix and match her treats.
Need a few things to help mom feel like she’s pampered? Good news: Tender Loving Empire has everything under the sun for helping mom feel adored and appreciated! From incredible-smelling candles and adorably-designed tote bags to jewelry and spa-night kits, they’ve got you covered! Come with a plan or come without! You’ll be sure to leave with something special for that extra-special woman who you call mom.
If you frequent NW 23rd, it is more than likely that you’ve found yourself in Lush Cosmetics dazzled by their soap collection. This Mother’s Day, Lush is pulling out all the stops so you can be in awe even more. From scents like earth and herbal to citrusy and floral, and need-levels like soothing or deeply cleansing, Lush has the gifts that mom needs to let those shoulders down and enjoy a bit of an at-home spa night. Whether it’s a bath-bomb, a shower scrub, a face mask or a vegan body wash, Lush will help you help mom take a load off and enjoy herself. Head online to see their full list of options, or head in to the store today!
Gifting a living plant is a long lasting present that will forever remind your loved one of your thoughtful gesture. Pop by one of Portland Nursery’s two locations and find the perfect house plant. Pick from aloes or bonsai to cacti and succulents.
Love our city? So does With Love From PDX! Maybe mom doesn’t live here in town (but she should!) and you want to treat her to a little bit of the place you call home. That’s where With Love From PDX comes in. They’ve got curated gift boxes that will fit exactly what you need, whether that’s the ultimate charcuterie set or a gardening box for the green-thumbed lady in your life. Have a friend with a newborn? Send her With Love From PDX’s “Mama + Baby” gift set, so they’ll both feel a bit of your love. Can’t find all the right things in one box? No worries, you can create your own custom box, so both gifter and gift-ee can rest satisfied! All the goods in each of these bundles of love are filled with locally-made goods from Portland, so you can give gifts and support small businesses! Head online to check things out today!
Some days we wish we could escape on a shiny red trolley to the Neighborhood of Make-believe, where a kind-hearted man in a zip-up sweater explains away all the scary things happening in the world. It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood when you remember these important words of wisdom. Read on for some of our favorite Fred Rogers quotes about kindness, compassion and empathy.
"Most of us, I believe, admire strength. It's something we tend to respect in others, desire for ourselves, and wish for our children. Sometimes, though, I wonder if we confuse strength and other words--like aggression and even violence. Real strength is neither male nor female; but is, quite simply, one of the finest characteristics that any human being can possess."
"A high school student wrote to ask, 'What was the greatest event in American history?' I can't say. However, I suspect that like so many 'great' events, it was something very simple and very quiet with little or no fanfare (such as someone forgiving someone else for a deep hurt that eventually changed the course of history). The really important 'great' things are never center stage of life's dramas; they're always 'in the wings.' That's why it's so essential for us to be mindful of the humble and the deep rather than the flashy and the superficial."
3. Fred Rogers on Humankind
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation."
4. Fred Rogers on Forgiveness
"Forgiveness is a strange thing. It can sometimes be easier to forgive our enemies than our friends. It can be hardest of all to forgive people we love. Like all of life's important coping skills, the ability to forgive and the capacity to let go of resentments most likely take root very early in our lives."
5. Fred Rogers on Sharing Responsibility
"We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It's easy to say, 'It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.' Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes."
6. Fred Rogers on Seeing Scary Things on the News
"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers--so many caring people in this world."
7. Fred Rogers on Saying "Yes"
"I hope you're proud of yourself for the times you've said 'yes,' when all it meant was extra work for you and was seemingly helpful only to somebody else."
8. Fred Rogers on Embracing Our Feelings
"There's no 'should' or 'should not' when it comes to having feelings. They're part of who we are and their origins are beyond our control. When we can believe that, we may find it easier to make constructive choices about what to do with those feelings."
9. Fred Rogers on Facing Sadness & Anger
"Confronting our feelings and giving them appropriate expression always takes strength, not weakness. It takes strength to acknowledge our anger, and sometimes more strength yet to curb the aggressive urges anger may bring and to channel them into nonviolent outlets. It takes strength to face our sadness and to grieve and to let our grief and our anger flow in tears when they need to. It takes strength to talk about our feelings and to reach out for help and comfort when we need it."
10. Fred Rogers on What Makes Us Special
"As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has—or ever will have—something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression."
11. Fred Rogers on Love
"Love isn’t a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like struggle. To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now."
12. Fred Rogers on Being True to Yourself
"One of the greatest gifts you can give anybody is the gift of your honest self. I also believe that kids can spot a phony a mile away."
13. Fred Rogers on What Matters Most
"What matters isn't how a person's inner life finally puts together the alphabet and numbers of his outer life. What really matters is whether he uses the alphabet for the declaration of a war or the description of a sunrise--his numbers for the final count at Buchenwald or the specifics of a brand-new bridge."
Now head out into the world and make a snappy new day for yourself.
I recently met with another female CEO. Like me, she’s 32 years old. She wanted to meet with me because she wasn’t sure if it was possible for her to continue to run her successful business and also start a family. She felt she had to choose. She especially felt pressure from her investors, some of whom directly told her not to have a child while running her business or raising capital. They advised her that if she was thinking about a family, she should first think about an exit. Apparently there’s some well known phrase that circulates in VC land: “Exits before babies”. Well, I missed that memo!
This was just one woman in the tech industry in a string of many lately who have been reaching out to me about starting a family. Women in tech, especially founders and aspiring founders, are apprehensive about starting families because they don’t think it’s compatible with a successful career. Egg freezing is more popular than ever and many large tech companies now offer it as a standard benefit to their employees. I don’t know how I fell into this role but some combination of having a baby, starting a company, and dealing with my husband having cancer have made me the poster mom for a twisted version of “having it all”. Women have started looking to me to tell them whether it’s all possible. Can you start a company and also start a family?
Before I share the answer, let me share my story. Six weeks after giving birth to my daughter, I went back to work at the tech startup where I had been working. I liked my job running the product team for a growing company. The job was close to home and didn’t require travel. The company I worked for had even created a mother’s room for me to pump in. It wasn’t a bad gig.
But at the same time, my job wasn’t great either. The company I worked for strongly encouraged long hours in the office and attending Friday night drinks after work each week. There were very few other parents and I felt like my desire to get my work done and go home for the night was frowned upon. People couldn’t understand why I didn’t want to take long lunches and instead wanted to grab a quick bite at my desk so I could leave work earlier to see my daughter. Some co-workers complained that my mother’s room for pumping had taken away their valuable meeting space.
I left my tech company job and started Winnie because I saw an opportunity to build a product for parents that didn’t exist in the world. I also left because I saw an opportunity to build a company that would allow me—and the people working for me—to “have it all”. My cofounder Anne Halsall and I, both moms, decided that we’d build Winnie in a way that didn’t consume our entire lives. We’d have reasonable office hours, a flexible environment so we could work from home when we needed to, and the ability to spend time with our families at night and on the weekends. We decided that instead of seeing those things as a disadvantage, we’d use them as our secret weapon. We’d use our flexible environment to recruit world-class engineering talent who didn’t want to burn out at a traditional tech startup. We’d use that fact that we don’t spend 24/7 in the office to force ourselves to prioritize and focus on what is really important to our business. We’d use time with our families to relax and reset.
This secret weapon of a family-friendly work culture has served us well. Fast forward one year and now Winnie is a rapidly growing platform that over 25,000 moms and dads across the United States depend on regularly. We’ve grown to become a place to find unique insights on everything from keeping the spark alive with your partner to the best daycares & preschools near you. Winnie exists because as parents, we saw an opportunity that all the techbro founders had never seen. We truly get this market that so many have failed to tap into because we are parents ourselves.
So to all the women out there wondering if they can really start a company and a family, the answer is YES! Not only will being a mother make you a more productive worker, it will make your company better. It will help you see opportunities because you will have a new perspective on the world. It will help you have more empathy for your employees because you now will know what it’s like to have things going on outside of the office that matter too. It will help you ruthlessly prioritize to focus in on what’s most important for your business.
Stop waiting until the timing is perfect. Stop worrying about what other people think. Stop wondering if you can manage it all. The answer is yes.
Short mom to tall kids. CEO and co-founder of Winnie, a leading marketplace for daycare and preschool helping millions of parents across the United States. Still getting the gist of this whole parenting thing.
February 13th is National Cheddar Day. Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is celebrating this very special day with a limited-edition Cheddar Capsule collection—and it includes the 40-pound Tillamook Sharp Yellow Cheddar Mother Loaf.
Tillamook cheddar cheese products all start as 40-pound blocks. The cheese-makers than age the cheddar anywhere from 60 days to a full 10 years. After the cheddar reaches pure cheesy magnificence, it’s turned into a block, slices, shreds, or other Tillamook snacking products. Now you can buy the big block before it gets paired down into tinier bricks and other cheddar creations!
Along with the 40-pound Mother Loaf ($150), the Cheddar Capsule collection includes cheese-inspired thick cut crewneck ($25), party pants ($35), slices bag ($15), snacky koozy ($5), lucky cheddar playing cards ($10), fine cut hat ($35) and varsity t-shirts ($26-$28).
Nab your fave cheddar products from the capsule collection on the Tillamook website, starting Feb. 1 at 8 a.m. PST.
Sure, they know you as the star of breakfast and master chauffeur, but do your kids know about your family heritage? These 15 starter questions are aimed at kids interviewing their parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles or anyone they’d like. For older kids, you can play it as a guessing game: what did you name your first pet? Read on for more ideas.
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1. Where were you born?
2. What year did our first family member come to this country?
3. What was your favorite candy as a child?
4. Tell us one story about your father.
5. Who cooked the most in your house?
6. What is the name of the street you grew up on?
7. What is your favorite color?
8. Did you have a childhood pet?
9. What’s your favorite memory of your mother?
10. What does our family last name (or last names) mean?
11. What is your favorite childhood memory?
12. What was your favorite toy as a child?
13. Tell us your favorite traditions you grew up with.
I share a lot online. I have an active Twitter account and tweet about my day-to-day shenanigans as a mom, wife, and startup CEO. I blogged through my husband’s battle with cancer last year, sharing the raw emotions from his diagnosis all the way through his treatment. But of all the things I’ve shared online, there’s been one thing I haven’t.
Around five weeks after my pregnancy, I was officially diagnosed with severe postpartum depression. I’ve told some people about it before, but I haven’t ever gone into detail about what happened to me. Like many moms, I was ashamed.
Depending on the person, the manifestation of the disease can be different. I never had thoughts of harming my daughter, but I had frequent thoughts of harming myself. I had convinced myself that I was absolutely unfit to be a mother and that the only way to make the situation “right” for my daughter would be if I took my own life so that others who were more fit to raise her would step up. I knew that no one would believe I was unfit to be a mother if I was living, so therefore, I had to be dead. I firmly believed that it was the only way out.
In retrospect, it was the perfect storm of events that led to my depression spiraling out of control. A day after my daughter was sent home with us, we found ourselves back in the NICU because of an episode where she lost consciousness. While she was in the NICU, I also moved back into the hospital so I could be close to her. I stayed in a tiny hospital room where I was on call to breastfeed her. I couldn’t leave to even get food or shower, because as soon as one breastfeeding session finished, I would pump to increase my supply, and then it was time to breastfeed her again.
When we finally took her home, she was healthy, but I was mentally and physically depleted. I was still recovering from giving birth, but I hadn’t really slept, eaten, or given my body any time to heal.
The suicidal thoughts that started forming in the hospital really came to a head once we all got home for good. I remember late one night I was cleaning my breast pump parts and I thought that I should kill myself at that moment because everyone was asleep. But I was too tired. Honestly, the sheer exhaustion was the only thing that saved my life those first few weeks.
For each person, how you get better is different. Serious postpartum depression is almost always best treated with professional help, but sometimes getting the help you need is the hardest and most daunting part.
For me, there were two things that were really vital to my recovery. First, I talked to other parents and heard what I was experiencing was normal. This helped me admit to my doctor that I had a problem and put me on the road to recovery. Second, I forced myself to get out of the house, with and without my daughter. This helped me feel like a human again and just the sheer physical activity of going places with my daughter helped me return to health.
If you would have told me 1.5 years ago that today I’d be happier than I’ve ever been, I wouldn’t have believed you. I want other mothers who are struggling with postpartum depression to know that it does get better. Today I have a healthy, beautiful, happy toddler and I wake up every day thankful that she’s in my life. While I still find parenting challenging at times, I no longer feel that challenge is insurmountable. I also now run my own company, Winnie, with the express goal of making parents’ lives easier. I would have never had the idea for this company had I not become a parent.
I never thought I’d say this, but I love being a mom. Moms, you are not alone. Postpartum depression is a real disease, but the good news is it can be cured. I’m living proof.
Short mom to tall kids. CEO and co-founder of Winnie, a leading marketplace for daycare and preschool helping millions of parents across the United States. Still getting the gist of this whole parenting thing.
