It's that time of year again! We are fully into spring and that means Mother's Day is right around the corner. Now, we should most definitely recognize all the mamas (and mama-figures) out there every single day but it's nice to have a dedicated day to celebrate.
If you have a copy of my book Namaslay, you know that my mom has always marched to the beat of her own drum. She knew about all the cool things before they were cool - vintage shopping, yoga, and healthy food to name a few.
As a young girl growing up, my mom, who considers recipes to be loose guides when cooking, taught me to be fearless in the kitchen. I distinctly remember her standing up for her decision when someone commented that they'd never let their eight year old daughter get the cookies out of the oven. Little did that woman know I'd been helping my mom in the kitchen since I was two, and knew how to handle a hot oven.
As a teenager, my mom presented me with the idea of a study abroad program. Loosely veiled as a GREAT EXPERIENCE, I knew the motive behind it was to get me away from small-town nonsense I'd fallen into. Little did we both know, my study abroad in Costa Rica at age sixteen was one of the best things I'd ever do. It solidified within me a sense of independence and fueled a longtime fascination and love for language. It was there that I realized our human connection, and how through knowing just one extra language other than my own I'd instantly be able to speak with that many more people in the world.
On the business front, my mom is one of my biggest entrepreneurial inspirations. She always loved being her own boss and had a number of successful endeavors. As a kid watching her be a #girlboss before #girlboss was a thing made me feel like I had a mom who could do anything. She taught me invaluable lessons in business about thinking outside the box, closing a deal, never taking no for an answer, and knowing your worth.
She has always been my number one supporter. She's the person I call when I'm happy or sad or bored. She's always got something to say, and I love that we can talk about anything, no matter the time of day.
Thank you, mom, for always being there for me.
If I could pick out any one gift for her from this giveaway it'd be the Learn to Knit Kit because it reminds me of this blanket she made in high school (that she still has to this day). She would crochet it on the bus to and from school and it turned out to be this great, heavy blanket that worked great as a roof for our forts as kids...and also for keeping us warm at night. :)
In this year's Mother's Day Gift Guide Giveaway, we've collaborated with a number of fantastic small businesses to choose gifts I know my own mother would love, and I'm pretty sure yours will, too. One lucky person will win everything here. Due to international giveaway laws, this giveaway is open to those within the US.
To enter to win, just check out your favorite product below (either for yourself, or the gift you think your mom would like) and let us know what that product is and why. Bonus points that count for nothing if you tell us a good story that loosely relates to the gift. Then, once you've left a comment, just record your comment in the Rafflecopter widget below. If you have an email address you use for promotions, feel free to use that one because by entering to win, you give permission for these small businesses to contact you via email with future promotions. A winner will be picked on Monday, May 8, 2017 and announced here and on our newsletter, which will go out the following Sunday. Good luck!
1. Sick - Charcoal tote with e. coli lining ($165) This is your go-everywhere tote. It has room for everything from a laptop and gym clothes to diapers and toys. An interior pouch with a snap closure is attached to one handle to keep essentials like keys, snacks, and tissues easy to grab. See your fair share of sippy cup spills? Don't worry: Every part of this sleek, unfussy bag can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. The best part? This woman-owned business donates a portion of each sale to leading children's hospitals committed to preventing and finding cures for pediatric ailments. Shop and feel good!
2. Beekshop - Started by a pair of friends, this female-owned company was born in Cali and has that California cool vibe. They create high quality leather sandals with an incredible arch support that hold up for a decade or two or forever. What’s more? With the sale of every pair of shoes, Beek donates a healthy meal to a child in need.
3. Cuppow - Wide Mouth Lid ($8.99) + BNTO Insert ($8.99) Cuppow started by developing a product that would help decrease the environmental footprint. Their flagship product is the Cuppow drinking lid for canning jars, a simple adaptor that allows people to up-cycle an everyday mason jar into the only travel mug they’ll ever need. We have had our hands on them for a while, and they are perfect - well made and no worries of leaking while sipping! YBCers can use the promotional code of spring20 to receive a 20% discount
4. Rejuva Minerals - Mega Lash Mascara ($16.50) + Pur’ Lips Moisturizing Lipstick ($12.99) I know you guys are always looking for natural make up companies you can trust, and this is definitely one of them. These products are EWG VERIFIED™, and free of animal byproducts as well as gluten containing ingredients. These are perfect for any look you are going for - the mascara is nice a thick, and the lipstick is sheer. The lipstick is called Berry Bliss. It is colored by minerals only and contains skin loving organic ingredients which feel wonderful on your lips. YBCers can enter code YBC for 15% off any purchase. Exp 05.29.17
5. Cultiver - INEZ PAJAMA SET ($105) I don't remember where I read it, but I read something once that said even your loungewear should be beautiful because when you put something beautiful on, you feel beautiful, which lifts your mood. Made from high quality soft jersey, these pjs fit the bill and bring style back to your bedtime routine. There is no better feeling than getting into a nice comfortable pair of PJs at the end of a long day. The only downside is that you’ll probably want to wear them outside of the house, too, which, for the record, I fully support.
6. Pleasant Hill Grain - Immersion Blender ($135) Bamix, with millions of units sold worldwide, is one of the most popular and successful hand blenders in the world. Bamix does an incredible array of mixing and blending jobs—and does them in any container, from a glass jar to a boiling pot on the stove. You can immerse the Bamix right up to the handle, so it's a handy kitchen appliance to have around when making soups. Instead of having to transfer your soup from a pot to a traditional blender, you simply blend it all up right in the pot.
7. Harney & Sons Tea - Mother’s Bouquet ($9) This Mother's Bouquet is a beautiful smelling, refreshing, caffeine-free herbal blend created in honor of all mothers everywhere. It features chamomile flowers blended with rosebuds, cornflowers, and orange peel, and is infused with citrus flavor. This is the perfect gift for the mom who has everything, or the perfect drink if you are hosting a Mother's Day tea or luncheon. All YBCers can use code YBC17 for 20% off their order. One time use, 10.1.17 expiration.
8. Shepherd’s Dream - Wool Blanket ($80) - There are few things as comforting as a soft and snugly, wool filled comforter! Wool has a natural ability to help regulate your temperature allowing you to sleep soundly through the night while allowing your body to breathe, so it makes for the perfect blanket all year round. I have been lacking in the quality of sleep department, and I am hoping this will help fix that. We spend so much time in our beds - we need to make sure our sheets, pillows, and comforters are supporting our health goals as well.
9. Archeer - Diffuser ($27.95) - This diffuser is fantastic. Aesthetically pleasing, it sits seamlessly into the home or workspace. The ultrasonic waves break the oil and create a fine mist, which is easily absorbed by the lungs and skin to provide you with a greater therapeutic effect on the spirit, mind and body. It's a great way to support physical and mental well-being. YBCers can get 20% off with Coupon Code: 7P2M5YLM.
10. Hugger Mugger - Bolster ($74.95) - This handmade bolster combines the perfect amount of stability with a comfy, soft surface that will support your practice year after year. I have used a wide variety of bolsters over time, and Hugger Mugger is the brand I keep coming back to. I especially love the rectangular version and always recommend people get that because there are so many ways to use this style in your practice.
11. Sukha - Lotus Yoga Blocks - These beautifully designed cork yoga blocks come in a set of two, perfect for any yoga practice. Cork is my block material of choice because it is extremely sturdy but offers just enough give that they're comfortable in yin poses. Each set of blocks has a design on the front to help inspire your practice. They make for the perfect yogi mama gift, or a great addition to help you with your poses.
12. Purl Soho - Learn to Knit Kit ($62) - You are never too busy to start a new hobby! This knit kit has everything you need to become a master. Knitting is a fantastic way to slow down, become more mindful, and take a break from our hectic lives. This kit includes everything you need - from yarn to needs to instructions - to be on your way to creating something just for mom, or buy her one as well and knit together!
13. Sol Organics - Organic cotton sheet set (from $99) and Beeswax candle ($14.99) - I am a huge fan of these 100% organic cotton sheets, which I've been told take a few washes to become super soft since they don't contain any synthetics whatsoever, but honestly, they arrived and felt immediately soft to me! I am also a big fan of beeswax candles, since when burned, they purify the air. The evening peace scent is lovely with 100% pure lavender essential oil added that I've been burning at night before bed to help promote a restful sleep. You can use coupon code YC20 for 20% off your order.