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The best gifts are always those that keep on giving. Through Cook for the Cure, a 15-year partnership between KitchenAid and Susan G. Komen, more than $10.7 million has been raised for the fight against breast cancer. In 2016, KitchenAid will donate at least $450,000 to Komen through the program, regardless of sales. The Cook for the Cure product collection, ranging from pink stand mixers and polka dot bowls to pink food choppers, painted plates and hand mixers, is an easy way to give thanks to mom and raise awareness for a cause that benefits so many women.

For other gift ideas that help support the cause, visit www.KitchenAid.com and http://CookfortheCure.KitchenAid.com.

An Essential, Everyday Tool

If some of her best culinary creations include savory sauces, delightful dressings and delicious dips, Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to treat mom to an upgrade. This 3.5-cup Food Chopper in Pink is convenient for everyday use and takes up minimal space in the kitchen. With two one-touch speed settings for chop and puree, this chopper ($49.99) is ideal for creating a spicy salsa, creamy hummus or garden-fresh pesto.

Blending Style with Power

With its roomy, 60-ounce patented diamond pitcher design and stainless steel blades, the 5-Speed Diamond Blender in Cranberry creates a powerful vortex to thoroughly blend everything from soups to smoothies. Automatic Soft Start(r) technology pulls ingredients into the blade rather than splattering them outward, keeping them together for controlled blending. This colorful blender ($159.99) offers stir, chop, mix, puree, liquefy and pulse options – everything mom needs to create her favorite dishes.

Handy Little Helper

Whether you need to blend up a milkshake or puree cooked vegetables directly in the pot, this 2-Speed Hand Blender in Pink gets the job done with ease. Two speeds provide blending control for more delicate foods, such as smoothies and baby food. The blending arm twists off for quick and easy cleanup. This hand blender ($59.99) comes with a 3-cup BPA-free jar with lid, so mom can blend away, safely.

Plated Perfection

Featuring artwork by PBS cooking show host Jacques Pepin, the Pass the Plate serving platter generates a $5 donation each time one of these individually numbered platters is passed and registered online. With its fresh and cheery design, this unique serving piece makes sharing even more fun. A great gift for mom, the platter ($24.95) is available at Villeroy & Boch stores or by calling 1-888-886-8318.

Mix in Some Style

Turn Mom’s stand mixer into a standalone work of art this Mother’s Day with the new Pink Polka Dot ceramic bowl. This delightfully dappled 5-quart bowl ($99.99) is microwave, oven, freezer and dishwasher safe, and features a comfortable handle and easy pour spout – a perfect pick for all of mom’s mixing tasks.

Timeless Kitchen Addition

Add a pop of pink to mom’s kitchen with a classic gift that will endure for years. With an elegant 5-quart capacity glass bowl, the Artisan Design(r) Series’ premium metallic Raspberry Ice finish adds radiance to any kitchen countertop. It can handle multiple batches of dough while its 10 speed settings allow cooks to knead, mix and whip a variety of foods and ingredients. With additional attachments that can make everything from pasta to ice cream to spiralized fruits and vegetables, this mixer ($459.99) helps mom take her culinary creativity to a whole new level.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (women exchanging gifts)
#13181
Source: KitchenAid

*FF

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There is no way to be a perfect mother but a million ways to be a good one ~Jill Churchill

According to Merriam Webster’s Dictionary the definition of mother is “a female parent, a woman in authority, maternal tenderness or affection.”

There are many different names a mom is given. Whether you are a mom yourself or have a mom we all know each name has a special meaning.

The point of making Mother’s Day special is to show how much you appreciate the mom in your life. Without our moms most of us would not be the people we are today. If you are a mom yourself then you know that you carry your children for longer than nine months. So, think about your mom, what she did and is still doing for you.

Spending time with family on Mother’s Day is one of the best gifts a mom can get. Whether your children plan something for you or they are too little to understand, as long as everyone is together that’s all that matters. Do something with them, make breakfast or go on a walk. If you live too far away and are unable to spend time with your mom, take the time to send a card, call or somehow show her affection.

Now, let’s talk about Mother’s Day food! As always any holiday, birthday or special day offers up the opportunity for fabulously delicious food. Of course moms don’t want to think about cooking on their day but they can get the whole family cooking making it fun for everyone! Plus it’s your day, so no one can really say no to you. (wink)

Brunch is one of the best ways to go on Mother’s Day. Create a spread that is diverse, easy to make and colorful. From fruit salad to pancakes, bacon and eggs, there are numerous options and ideas. Not a huge fan of breakfast? No worries, its brunch so one of the best parts about is that it does not necessarily have to be breakfast foods! Potatoes, vegetables, flatbread, chocolate covered strawberries, the list goes on.

One great option for brunch is French Toast with a twist; instead of using regular bread try using cinnamon bread or another variation!

Here is a simple brunch recipe to get you started.

Summery Scramble

Ingredients

• 4-8 eggs (depending on how many people are eating)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (use any melting cheese you like)
• 1 avocado
• Sliced cherry tomatoes (as many as you want)
• A splash of milk
• Garlic salt
• Pepper
• A few leaves of fresh chopped basil

Directions

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and add the splash of milk and whisk together
2. Add ½ cup cheese, garlic salt and pepper
3. Pour a small amount of olive oil into a sauté pan
4. Add the egg mix to the pan and scramble
5. Halfway through cooking add the rest of the cheese and the tomatoes
6. Finish cooking
7. Add avocado and basil to the top
8. Enjoy!

Happy Mother’s Day!

The post Mom, Momma, Mother, Mommy… appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Keep mom looking young, beautiful and fresh with our favorite gifts for her this May.  From makeup applicators to unique jewelry designs, give your mom the very best by shopping our list of must-haves this season.

One-of-a-kind decorative pieces from artisan home furnishings by India and Purry will make your mom’s home even sweeter! A vision by artist Jessica Hollander, India and Purry offers distinctive designs from room ornaments, decorate throw pillows, customized note cards, festive coasters and more. Find the right theme for her, and your mom is sure to be wowed by your gift from India and Purry.  The soft pastels and tranquil blossom imagery found only in nature will bring warmth to her home all year around.

Searching for luxury fashion gifts for mom that won’t break the bank? Curations Caravan has you covered. Designed by global style expert and world traveler Stefani Greenfield, the Curations Caravan collection featured on the Home Shopping Network (HSN) is a one-stop shop for all things fashion. With patterned scarves, colorful jumpsuits, stunning dresses and tote-worthy handbags all inspired by exotic destinations like Greece’s Santorini,   Curations Caravan is truly an inspired collection for a globetrotting mom.  Shopping is made easy at HSN.com, and their payment plans are a serious deal.  Be sure to check out Curations Caravan entire collection of affordable gifts for the fashionista in your family.

It’s hard enough for moms to multi-task, and the designers behind Itzy Ritzy Nursing Happens Infinity Nursing Covers have come to the rescue! These trendy and functional oversized, hands-free breast-feeding scarves offer full coverage for moms on the go with baby in tow. With an assortment of colors and patterns, choosing one for the new mom in your life will be a cinch!

Give mom the ultimate gift – a flawless face in a flash! Color Me, a sonic makeup application device, provides women with a simple and effective tool with outstanding results.  No need for expensive trips to the makeup artist, instead give Color Me a go.  Here’s how it works: the proven and patented technology in the Color Me applicator includes a battery-operated automatic sponge that applies foundation with nearly 15,000 pulses per minute.  It effortless buffs, blends and balances the look and feel of skin, minimizing fine lines to enhance her youthful glow. It even cuts application time in half! Regardless of whichever foundation your mom uses, the small but mighty Color Me applicator is up to the task of providing lasting coverage throughout her hectic day. Shop online at ColorMeBeauty.com and have one shipped in time for Mother’s Day!

Looking for a symbol that shows the unbreakable bond you have with your mother? Look no further than the distinctive jewelry collection, Miracle Links. Launched just in time for Mother’s Day, Miracle Links features interlinking circles to create a necklace epitomizing love, togetherness and the miracle of motherhood. Utilizing the circle shape as a symbol of unity and harmony, Miracle Links allows moms to celebrate the birth and everlasting bond between her and her child along with the growth of her family. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, Miracle Links makes it easy for you to show mom the miracle of family this Mother’s Day. To view the Miracle Links collection and select a design, visit Kay Jewelers.

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To The World’s Most Incredible Mom!

From the day I met you, you have never ceased to amaze me. You’re not only beautiful on the outside, you’re unbelievably beautiful on the inside, too. You’ve gone from a wonderful, loving wife to an amazing, remarkable mother—for this I love you even more than the day we got married. Your dedication and love to our family means the world to me. I could not have asked for a more suitable partner in life, mother to our children and stepchildren. 

Even before we became parents, I knew you would be an amazing mother. Have I ever told you how much I appreciate all the sacrifices you’ve made for our family?  I’m sure I do not tell you enough. I know it must feel like your hard work goes unnoticed, but it doesn’t—all the doctor’s appointments, planning of birthday parties, endless loads of laundry, organizing playdates, carpools, and so much more; always putting all the pieces of the puzzle of our life together.  I see how you give to our family endlessly and tirelessly.  No words could express my gratitude for all the love, kindness, courage and patience you’ve shown us over the years.  Your selflessness and beauty remain undiminished. I wouldn’t want anyone else in the world as the mother of my children. You’re perfect and I’m so blessed we get to share the best moments in life together.
 
On this Mother’s Day, I want to make sure you know that you are the heartbeat of this family, the glue that connects us all.  Because of you, and who you are as a person, everything is just better in our life.  Over and over again, I would always choose you to travel this very special journey of parenthood.
 
Happy Mother’s Day!
 
Daddy Nickell

Parenting Expert and father of 7, Robert Nickell (aka Daddy Nickell) offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddy & Co., delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel for every stage of fatherhood, and the Daily Daddy Blog.  He is also the creator and producer of “My Life as a Dad,” the groundbreaking new web series that showcases celebrity fathers offering their personal experiences and parenting tips.

The post AN OPEN LETTER TO THE MOST AMAZING MOM ON MOTHER’S DAY appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Personalization is a leading gifting trend, meaning more people are skipping generic gift options and creating sentimental presents that instantly become cherished keepsakes. Gifts that convey meaning and embrace special memories are sure to make a lasting impression. Even for the most time-starved among us, the following quick and easy ideas are guaranteed to make your loved one smile:

One-of-a-kind card:

Make her blush or brighten his day with a customized card that features fun photos and a touching message. Creating a wonderful, one-of-a-kind creation takes just a few minutes when you take your camera or photo card to the nearest KODAK Picture Kiosk. In various formats and sizes for less than $2.00, photo cards are very affordable and have loads of sentimental value. Choose from tons of exclusive modern, creative layouts from designers like Bonnie Marcus to delight every parent, grad or bride-to-be in your life.

Personalized flowerpot:

Beautiful blooms and warm weather are the perfect pairing, and giving flowers is always a classic gift. But why not take it one step further and make a personalized flowerpot that can be used season after season? Perfect for Mom, Grandma or anyone with a green thumb, flowerpots can be decorated with a favorite photo and then painted for a one-of-a-kind homemade design. Finish by adorning with a colorful bow that matches the beautiful blooms held within the pot.

Photo collages:

A carefully crafted photo collage of special images can make a stunning gift that tugs at the heartstrings and only takes minutes to make. Thanks to advanced printing technology, you can skip the scissors and paste and create a professional-looking collage for less at your local photo printer. For mothers, add photos of special family moments from a recent vacation, or for grads, add photos from different grades as way to reflect on how quickly time flies. Place the collage in a frame and pair it with a card for a gift that will be cherished long after the party is over.

Creative handprints:

Every person’s hand and fingerprints are unique – use them to create crafty gifts that convey the special love your family shares for each other. Hand impressions in clay stepping stones make unique presents that can be placed in a garden or displayed on a shelf. Or, adorn a family picture with a matte featuring the kids’ handprints. Use paint or ink and carefully press hands to the matte so it doesn’t smudge. You might want to try a few times on a practice piece of paper first before adding handprints to the matte. Choose one color or let kids each pick their own favorite hue to represent their unique personalities.

Photo blocks:

Impress loved ones young and old by creating special photo blocks that display favorite images from the past year. Start by buying wood blocks at your local craft store. Usually four or five is a good amount. Then order prints – any time, anywhere by downloading the free My KODAK Moments App, which makes it easy to access images from your phone or social media sites like Facebook or Instagram. Once materials are collected, cut each photo to the block size and attach with spray adhesive. Add a special message on the corner of each block with a marker or stamp. Some people write out “mama,” “love” or another special word to add a personalized touch to this easy-to-make project.

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VP Senior Care, Care.com

When my mother was a young child, her mother died unexpectedly. “There were so many things I wished I could have asked, but I will never have the chance,” my mother laments. So, when Mom turned 85, she encouraged me to ask away.

For a moment, I was speechless. What did I want to know?

We spend so much of our development pushing away from our mothers, separating and individuating, casting off motherly advice with a roll of the eyes and an audible harrumph. I gingerly approach my 20-year-old daughter, testing the waters with the bare hint of motherly guidance, and then awkwardly throwing out advice as if it were an afterthought. Typically, my daughter turns to me with raised eyebrows and pursed lips, uttering the oft-repeated words: “Mom, you just don’t get it!”

At what point do we begin to think our mothers do get it? When we have our own children? When our mothers grow old and need our help? When we ourselves mature and realize we are a lot like our mothers, and that is not all bad? So, when I recently asked Mom what it was like to be 85 – the good and the bad – and here are some of the highlights of what she said:

“The tough stuff is real and staring you in the face. I lost my beloved husband of over sixty years. I lost close friends and family members. I suffered a bad fall and have been in a wheelchair for six months. I am scared of getting sick, not being able to drive and being alone. And I am afraid of dying, even more than of death itself.

But there are many positives that I never would have anticipated. While I live alone, I have never felt less alone. My life is rich with friends, children and grandchildren who are loving and caring. For the past few months, I’ve needed caregivers to tend to most of my personal needs. As a result, I am less self-conscious than I ever have been.

While I still experience my down times, I have also learned to simplify things, to care less about small annoyances and focus on silver linings. My time spent confined to a wheelchair, while enormously limiting, has also been a gift. It has allowed me to spend time with people I love and to deepen our relationships. I am unencumbered by the day-to-day struggles of building a life, like choosing a career, finding the right guy or raising children. In some ways I am more content than I have ever been. I embrace the beauty of my life and accept its limitations. That is the secret of life that takes a lifetime to learn.”

As I listened to my mother, I know that her story is part of my story. No longer do I discount my mother’s perspective, but instead, try to learn from her remarkable ability to cope with adversity and come out triumphant. And, I hope that one day my daughter will realize that I do get it, that I understand her pain, that I appreciate her strength and that she has much to learn from her mother, as I have learned from mine.

So if you have an aging family member, I hope you’ll take time today, this week or this month and ask them some questions. Here are some you could start with:

• What have you enjoyed about aging?
• What are the biggest challenges of growing old?
• What has surprised you the most in your years?
• What has brought you the most joy?
• What would you do differently?
• What words of advice do you have for my generation, as we try to grow closer to – and guide –our children?

The post Ask Questions This Mother’s Day appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Dove research finds that one in three women hardly ever smile at themselves because they don’t like what they see in the mirror.

Building a positive relationship with beauty helps women to feel more confident, and every encounter with the mirror can be a positive affirmation for a woman of her beauty. Research has shown that girls replicate their mother’s behaviors about beauty, confidence, and self-esteem; so this Mother’s Day, Dove encourages all women to smile when they look in the mirror. 

Jess Weiner, the Dove Global Self-Esteem Ambassador, offers five reasons to keep beaming this Mother’s Day:

Sets a positive example

It’s important that mothers recognize the beauty in themselves in order to set positive examples for their daughters. All women can recapture the elation they felt when they looked at their reflection as a young girl and pass that feeling on to the next generation.

Improves levels of happiness

Studies show that smiling is effortless and immediate. It has been proven that smiling can actually make you happier. In the UK, a British study found that one smile can even provide the same level of stimulation as up to 2,000 chocolate bars.

Improves health

Smiling can also provide therapeutic effects. An Empirical Reflection on the Smile documented positive effects such as reduced stress hormone levels, increased health and mood enhancing hormone levels, and lowered blood pressure.

It’s contagious

A Swedish study included in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior proved that humans are wired to smile back. It is an unconscious, automatic response. So, when you wear a smile, you can help to lift the moods of the people around you.

Today is your day

Mother’s Day is a great day to be celebrated by those who love you, but it is also important for you to celebrate yourself. Whether it’s your first or your 50th, smile and enjoy having a much-deserved day that is all about you.

*BPT

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A busy lifestyle can make it tough to find the time to make meals you can feel good about feeding to your hungry family. To help ensure loved ones are eating fresh and wholesome meals and getting to spend quality time together, Zoës Kitchen, a fast-casual Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, is servingup fresh and convenient dining solutions. With delicious menu items like Chicken Kabobs and Dinner for Four, busy moms can step out of the kitchen and enjoy some extra time with the family! Families can even create recipes with Zoës Fresh Take Tubs, a simple solution for grab and go goodness you can make together.

The post Give yourself a gift for Mother’s Day with Zoes Kitchen appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner.  It’s the time of year we can show mom just how much we love and appreciate her. I’ve put together some creative ways to show Mom just how much she is loved on her special day:

Breakfast in Bed:  As kids get older, they love to make things for Mom.  Nothing is more special than making a memory!  Mother’s Day morning, surprise Mom in bed with her favorite breakfast foods. Bring up family photos to share and talk about special moments of family times spent together.

Plant a Garden:  What Mom doesn’t love to use fresh ingredients in her meals?  Even if you have a small space, you can plant a special garden for Mom to enjoy.  Consider using a beautiful planter with ingredients to make her own special salsa.  Include items like sweet peppers, jalapenos, onions, Chile peppers, cilantro, and tomatoes. Not only will planting the garden together be memorable, but every time she gathers ingredients from the garden she will be reminded of the time spent tighter as a family.

Spa Day: Set the mood for a nice relaxing day for Mom.  Let her know how much you appreciate her by creating a family spa experience.  Light candles in her favorite scent to set the mood.  Play some of her favorite songs in the back ground.  Start the experience with stretching or yoga to loosen up her muscles.  Have a fruit smoothie ready for her when she is done.  Fill a basin with warm water to soak her feet, give her a hand massage then paint her nails.  While her polish is drying slip some cucumbers on her eyes while her egg white/yogurt (2 egg whites combined with 2 T plain Greek yogurt) facial refreshes her skin.  After a nice hot shower, have lunch on the patio.

Create at Blessings Book:  Cover a composition book with patterned paper.  Inside, use special writing pens to jot down special memories shared with Mom or words of wisdom she has shared.  Include family photos of favorite times shared together.  Leave space at the back of the book for her to write down the things he is most grateful for in her life.  This will be a gift she will cherish forever.

Make a Family Video – Pretend you’re a journalist writing a story about Mom.  Interview all of the kids in the family and have them share what makes their Mom so special.  Be sure to include things special memories like stories she read to you, family traditions, and favorite recipes.  You can also include interviews with her parents and siblings to document her success as a Mom.  This will also make a sentimental family heirloom to be passed down through generations.

Don’t forget how much mom loves a homemade card from the kids or a framed picture.  You can also pitch in around the house and give mom a break. Whatever you decide to do for mom, it will be appreciated!

Happy Mother’s Day

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the DaddyScrubs blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

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