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Lifestyle Writer

It’s Mom Time once again.

A perfume, flowers, cake, dinner at favourite restaurant or beautiful dress – what can you gift your mother on Mother’s Day tomorrow?

“When I grow up, I want to be just like my mom . . . beautiful,” you always here young girls say as they aspire to be like their inspiration.

In fact, this is every child’s statement, especially when asked who their role model is.

Vice versa — a mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. it knows no law, no pity, it dates all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.

Tomorrow, Zimbabwe joins the world in celebrating Mother’s Day.

This is a day set aside to celebrate the woman that shaped you into who you are today.

It is a beautiful opportunity to say a big “Thank You” to that incredible mom of yours and all of the mom figures in your life.

Mothers come in all designs and capacities throughout our lives, and should be respected for their crucial roles in shaping characters and destinations.

The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle was on the streets, asking people about the day, finding out how some intent to celebrate it and how mothers view themselves.

We then shared some of the best gifts that can make mothers happy on such a day.

Although the day is set aside for mothers, loving a mother should be a daily bread.

A mother might not only mean a biological woman who gave birth to you, but someone respected, older than you whom you can look up to.

In fact, it can be a sister, grandmother or aunt, or anyone for that matter, even someone you are not related to.

Any woman that has ever done something for you that resembles the classic arm reach across the road to save you during a quick hault, or holds you and wipes back your tears as life throws you another punch, should be celebrated this Mother’s Day.

Popular local entrepreneur cum floral designer, Vimbayi Elizabeth, founder and chief executive of Vimbayi Elizabeth brand, a company that offers a variety of services, including fashion styling, floral design, event planning, and interior design, said being a mother is a 24-hour job.

“Well, I don’t get to sleep in, I don’t get breakfast in bed and of course, it’s not just me that works hard, our local farmers and couriers join me in the madness, spending weeks of long days and late nights preparing for the rush that is Mother’s Day,” she said.

“I get to recruit my husband and sisters to pitch in and help with anything from ribbon and box making to last-minute deliveries to ensure all our customers are looked after.”

Elizabeth said Mother’s Day meant hard work for her.

“It is one of the most rewarding days in our industry,” she said. “Every year I help my customers show their mums, step mums, aunty’s, and grandmothers just how special they are and how much we appreciate them by creating beautiful bouquets and arrangements.

“Mother’s Day flowers bring so much joy, not only to my customers placing the orders and their mum’s receiving them, but also to me. Mother’s Day flowers are one of my favourite creations, as I strive to express my customer’s appreciation for the millions of reasons why we love our mums, although flower arrangements don’t last forever, the memory of receiving them lasts a lifetime.”

Another businesswoman, Cynthia Bizure Sithole, said Mother’s Day takes her back to the struggles and childhood memories she endured.

“Now I am a mother and I fully understand what it means to be a mother,” she said. “Mother’s Day takes me back to the struggles and positives of life. It makes me think of my mother, how she struggled for me to be where I am now.

“My mother was a nurse and my plan this year is to take her to Mauritius. We are taking her to that resort island in August because she was last on a plane before Covid-19 pandemic. We are not doing this because of Mother’s Day, but as a family we are just appreciating her.”

Bizure-Sithole said it was difficult to balance career, business and motherhood.

“It is tough,” she said. “I can’t really say we are good at balancing because it is about a give and take. I can’t be 100 percent at work, there are so many things I may fail because I am a mother, daughter, wife and a boss.

“I can cancel the business trips; I am the one who does the school run. As mothers we have a ceiling we reach, but it is not easy as it is.”

Exotic scents Fragrances and Cosmetics chief director Malcom Msindo said Mother’s Day should be celebrated every day.

He said business has been booming for the past three days with children, husbands and even well-wishers buying perfume for their mothers.

Asked which perfume was topping the list and why, he said: “La Vie Est Belle perfume is an excellent choice as a gift for Mother’s Day. It is a popular and well-loved fragrance that exudes elegance, femininity, and joy.”

Msindo took time to review La Vie Est Belle to help understand why he thinks it is a great choice.

“La Vie Est Belle, which means “life is beautiful” in French, perfectly encapsulates the essence of this fragrance,” he said. “It opens with a delightful blend of juicy pear and blackcurrant, creating a refreshing and sweet initial impression.

“As it settles, the heart notes reveal a beautiful bouquet of iris, orange blossom, and jasmine, lending a sophisticated and floral touch to the perfume.

“When giving La Vie Est Belle as a gift for Mother’s Day, you are offering a fragrance that celebrates life’s beauty and reminds your mother of the joy and happiness she brings to your life. It’s uplifting and timeless character will undoubtedly make her feel special and cherished.

“In conclusion, La Vie Est Belle is a captivating fragrance that makes a wonderful gift for Mother’s Day. It’s harmonious blend of fruity, floral, and gourmand notes, combined with its elegant presentation, ensures it will be a gift your mother will truly appreciate and enjoy.”

But maybe you are tired of doing the same thing year after year. Or, you may be like me and have seen these classic plans backfire a few too many times.

So, if you are ready to change things up this year and really give the mom in your life the perfect amount of love that she deserves, here are some fresh ideas.

1. Host a Mother-Daughter Dinner

For your entire life, your mom has been there to cook you meals and make you feel taken care of. Give that act of kindness back to her and invite her over for a special home-cooked meal. She will love the treatment (and will probably have to force herself not to step in and help). Show off your abode and a new recipe you’ve been wanting to try or throw it back to a classic family recipe!

2. Plan a Getaway

Sure, schedules in May are pretty snug. See if there is a weekend that you and your mom could hit the road and take a little getaway. Some of my very favourite vacations have been trips shared with my mom. Hit up a charming tourist town a few hours away for a small road trip, or finally make it to Kariba, Nyanga, Victoria Falls or even Mauritius. Now is the time to visit that vacation spot you two have always dreamed about. Treat yourselves for a couple of days, have endless conversations, and create memories together.

3. Take a Class Together

If you and your mom are always talking about learning a new hobby or skill, make it happen this Mother’s Day. Sign up for a class that you can take together. Search local classes that are offered — you will be surprised how many options there are! You can try painting classes that are accompanied by wine, a cooking class, or even a fun new workout class.

This is the perfect opportunity to actually try that new fad that you two always text about after watching it on the Today Show.

It could turn out to be the beginning of a new passion for you both, or maybe just a one time experience that will have you laughing for years. Either way, jump in!

4. Arrange a Mother-Daughter Soiree

Put together an evening dinner or a Saturday brunch for your circle of friends and your moms to get together. It’s an opportunity to not only catch up and bond even more, but is also a great chance to celebrate all of the moms in your circle that have each impacted you all in so many ways. Make reservations early at your girl group’s go-to restaurant or host it at home and let your moms feel a part of your tribe.

5. Pamper Yourselves

Being a mom is no relaxing task. Even if your mom is living that empty nest life, she has years of relaxation to catch up on — and you do too, busy girl! Treat yourselves to a spa day — a classic mani-pedi appointment will suffice.

A few hours spent with each other will be the perfect reset you both needed before heading back to your always moving lives.

 6: Go shopping

It is true that your mother is the most honest shopping buddy you could have. No matter how old you are, she’s the one that will tell you if that top isn’t really working for you or that those pink booties on clearance are to die for.

Plan a day for you and your mom to hit up the mall or your favourite boutiques. Whether you are getting that summer wardrobe ready, or just window shopping, it will be a day filled with lots of gabbing and a chance for you both to live out your best Carrie Bradshaw life.

 7: Bouquet of Flowers

Naturally, your mom will love a sweet bouquet of flowers this Mother’s Day. Take it to the next level and go plant shopping together.

It’s the time of year that all of the local nurseries and plant shops are displaying fresh green loves.

Soak up some sun and stroll through your Saturday morning farmer’s market or favourite plant nursery. It’s time to bring your dark and dreary home back to life after these long winter months.

 8: Make it a Family Day

For many moms, family is the most important thing. Take a day to simply get the whole family together and be with each other.

Play your favourite board games, share a picnic in the park, or get a meal at her favourite tea room.

She will love the simplicity of just having her whole family in one room. Give her the assurance and peace that her kids are okay and still care about her.