Sunday, May 2, 2021

Mothers Day Gift Guide Inspired by Flowers

Mother's Day


Featured items gifted for review except as noted. However, as always, I've chosen things I think you'll appreciate. Post includes affiliate links. 

Mom Gifts Inspired by Flowers


April showers bring May flowers as well as Mother's Day in the U.S., traditionally celebrated on the second Sunday of May, this year on May 9th. If you are blessed with a mom or mother figure in your life to honor and you're looking for the perfect present to give, check out the beautiful collection of thoughtful floral-themed gifts I've curated to show your love and appreciation for all she's done for you. After you've scrolled through all these wonderful gift ideas for mom be sure to check out MBE's Teleflora $100 Giftcard Giveaway  and find out how to enter for chance to win at the bottom of this story.


California Cowboy La Sirena Womens Kimono Spa Robe
La Sirena Kimono Robe from California Cowboy


Gift Ideas to Make Mother Bloom 


There aren't many moms who don't love flowers, right? Inspired by spring blooms, I think you'll find one or more of these gift suggestions -- each available to order online and ship direct to Mom -- a present she will enjoy. Even if your mother is allergic to real flowers, you're bound to find something here that will make her smile and fill her heart with joy. 


Retro Spa and Beach Kimono

If your mom likes the retro luxury look and feel of sitting in the garden with her morning coffee, relaxing at the spa or reading beside the pool, the beautiful lady's La Sirena Kimono Robe ($148) from California Cowboy pictured at the top of this post against nature's backdrop of cherry blossoms reminiscent of Kyoto, Japan in full bloom, this gift may be just the ticket. With its fine workmanship and cotton terry lining, no fashion detail is overlooked -- from luxe features like a loop on the front neckline for securing reading or sunglasses, a dry pocket for stowing tech gadgets, a back pocket for champagne, and more -- this women's cover up has it all. In six different patterns, including the dusty pink rose Garibaldi Fish design I received which depicts the official State Marine Fish of California. 


Westerlay Gemstone Orchids Potted Plant
Gemstone Orchids from Westerlay Orchids


Elegant Living Orchids

The wide selection Westerlay Orchids make a great choice for moms with green thumbs who enjoy nurturing beautiful indoor plants. The 4-plant box of Westerlay Gemstone Orchids I received arrived well packed and in excellent condition with each gorgeous blooming plant standing over 18 inches tall and set into a chic white contemporary glazed pot. You can order online, choosing from a range of exotic colors of blooming potted orchid varieties they'll ship direct to mom. Shopping last minute? Good thing potted Bramble Orchids by Westerlay also are available instore at all West Coast Kroger market locations. Either way, these beautiful orchid plants make a thoughtful gift and include easy care instructions so she may continue to enjoy her orchids for months to come.


iphone Photography Book Scott Kelby
iPhone Photography Book by Scott Kelby


Smartphone Photography Secrets

Is your mom a shutterbug? Always taking photos with her iPhone or other smartphone but rarely satisfied with the pictures she ends up with? Then consider buying her the new title iPhone Photography Book by renowned photographer Scott Kelby (available in paperback or for Kindle). This must-have book has insider's tips for capturing photos of just about any subject which will rival those you'd expect from a DSLR camera. Among the many things she'll learn: how to compose and shoot, as well as edit on her phone, the most magnificent landscape and close-up images of flowers. If you're experience is anything like mine, after reading this book you will want to read it cover to cover and go back to it often for simple smartphone photography tips to continue upping your photo safari snapping game. 


Audra Style Handmade Flower Art Wood Earrings
Painted Wood Earrings from Audra Style


Handmade Art Earrings

For the Boho, soulful one-of-a-kind mom who loves color and turns accessorizing in a true art, browse the eclectic artisan-made styles of whimsical and unique lightweight, nickel-free pierced earrings by Audra Style ($14 -$48). I just love wearing the pair of statement Instagram-worthy flower wood dangle earrings you see here, which go perfectly with my favorite spring dress and always get compliments. I'm also enjoying the fun pair of Audra Pink Flamingo Earrings I wore to my daughter's Elvis wedding in Las Vegas. What's more is  I just can't wear the brand's pretty, intricately designed Bunny Rabbit Post Earrings enough.

The North Carolina artist transforms wood, leather, acrylic, and brass cut shapes into conversation-starter earrings featuring a mix of signature prints and patterns from her original artwork as well as other pieces of fashion jewelry, art and home decor items. Set aside some time to look through the Audra Style Spring Collection, no two items are identical and you'll find what seems like an almost endless array of styles and designs to choose from. For even more style inspiration, be sure to follow Audra Style on Instagram.


Life Elements Herbal CBD Bath Bomb
Luxury CBD Bath Bombs from Life Elements


Natural Bath Bombs

Pamper a stressed out mama in need of some me-time with these aromatic Broad Spectrum Hemp-Derived CBD bath bombs from Life Elements. No need to doubt mom will revel in stealing away a well-deserved hour for herself to relax in a secluded hot bath tub with one of these, away from the usual family chaos. Both the Life Elements Mercury Retrograde Bath Bomb ($26) with 250 mg CBD and their Signature Bath Bomb ($20) with 200 mg CBD which I tried were studded with dry flowers and individually packaged in brown cardboard canisters in Martha and Curt, the entrepreneurial California married couple behind the brand, thrive on hunting for the most natural ingredients they can find when creating their unique bath, body and skincare products. Their formulas are ethically and sustainably sourced as well as not tested on animals. Refer to the FDA disclosure on the Life Elements site for more information and be aware that these CBD products are intended for customers 21+ only.


CarryOn Rollon Luggage for Spring
Re:Treat Carry On Luggage from Solo New York


Carry On Luggage

Every mom with travel lust who is looking forward to traveling again post-pandemic soon, needs a good carryon roller bag for her jetset lifestyle. The Solo New York Re:Treat Carry On Rolling Bag the brand sent me checks off all the boxes for frequent traveling moms. Made with eco-friendly heather gray material crafted from recycled PET bottles, it's well-designed, compact with telescoping handle, sturdy, lightweight and stylish. I also like that this affordable overnight bag has a generous number of interior and exterior storage pockets to help her stay organized on the go. If it's in your budget, here's another idea to take this gift to the next level. When you gift this bag to her, why not surprise mom and add a handwritten note offering her a dream trip of a lifetime to see the tulips bloom next spring in Amsterdam?


Pixel Blue Light Computer Unisex Glasses Classic Tortoise Shell
Asper Computer Glasses from Pixel Wear

Blue Light Filter Glasses

Moms who spend a lot of time looking at their desktop screen or mobile devices could use a boost to reduce stress on their eyes caused by harmful blue light. Pixel Eyewear has a stylish selection of peepers including stylish unisex Blue Light Eyeglasses ($75-$95) like the Asper Computer Glasses in Brandy Tortoise classic style I received. Comfortable to wear for adults and kids, these filter 50 percent of blue light and up to 95 percent at the strongest wavelengths without yellow tint. Featuring protective, anti-reflection coated lenses which also reduce smudges and repel water and dust. Your mother's eyesight is precious. Help her preserve it and check out the many blue light glasses available so she might see the beauty in the natural world which surrounds her as clearly as possible.


Hulsa Revive CBD Face Moisturizer
Revive Face Moisturizer from Hulsa Wellness

Organic Face Moisturizer With CBD 

Whether she's a new mother, a grandma or somewhere in between, every mom is beautiful. All the more reason for her to use a daily hydrating facial moisturizer to keep her face and neck looking as pliable and vibrant as fresh roses. As a mother of 20-something kids myself, keeping dryness, fine lines and crows feet at bay are a top priority. So I was glad to have an opportunity to try Hulsa Revive Face Moisturizer ($99) made with 500 mg Critical Cannabinoids CBD per bottle and scented with a refreshing, but light honey and cucumber aroma. This beauty product, as well as the brand's other plant-based offerings, are made with proprietary formulas using organic hemp and other organic ingredients grown in the USA; they're also cruelty-free with no animal testing. Refer to the Hulsa Wellness site for their FDA disclosure and more information. Also remember: CBD products are intended for customers ages 21+ only.

3D Popup Flower Cards

Shush... don't tell my Mom. I just ordered one of these lovely 3D flower popup card bouquet styles by Lovepop Cards. Starting at just $13 each these are an affordable flower gift which won't wilt, that she can look at and continue to enjoy long after Mother's Day is over. For an additional $5, do as I did and upload a personal message and family photo: they'll make a personalized card and snail mail it directly to your dear mother. Check out the entire Lovepop Mother's Day Card Collection


Elis Mothers Day Daisy Cheesecake
Daisy Cheesecake from Eli's Cheesecake Co.


Daisy Cheesecake

I've been a huge fan of Eli's Cheesecake Company desserts for years. Their Mother's Day Cheesecake ($51.95) comes bedazzled with edible daisy decorations and is even more delicious than it looks. Another pick for spring holidays is the Daisy Cuties Cheesecake Bites Box ($39.95). Whatever you choose, Eli's desserts are fresh baked, made in Chicago. Packed with dry ice and shipped to you ready to serve at the Mother's Day brunch you're hosting or for you to have delivered directly to Mom's doorstep. 


Mothers Day Fresh Flower Arrangements

Fresh Flowers

For traditional and old-fashioned moms, one of the most popular gifts to give continues to be fresh flowers arrangements delivered to her door. Teleflora's Mother's Day floral collection is a must-see because their extensive selection offers lots of different types of flowers and a huge range of unique and collectible containers to match any mom's personality. If you love fresh flowers as much as I do, you're invited to enter our Teleflora Gift Card Giveaway going on now through Mother's Day.  


Enter to Win Now



Mothers Day Flowers Gift Card Giveaway



DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn compensation for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and its affiliates at no extra cost to you when making a purchase. Other referral links (also at no additional cost to you) point directly to some brand websites too.

Friday, April 30, 2021

Mothers Day Flowers Review Giveaway

Flowers for Mom


MBE Partnered with Teleflora for this post

Fresh Flowers Hand-Delivered by Local Florists Nationwide


Mother's Day is now just over a week away, this year falling on Sunday, May 9th. Want to show the mom or mother figure in your life how much she really means to you, how much she is adored and appreciated? Teleflora has so many beautiful fresh flower options for Mother's Day 2021, there's truly a choice here for just about every kind of mommy. 


Mothers Day Butterfly Flowers


Teleflora Mother's Day 2021 Collection


Fresh flowers continue to be one of the most popular and well-received Mother's Day gift ideas. The best part: they can be easily and quickly ordered online and then delivered by hand via one of the local florists in the Teleflora network directly to your family's matriarch in time for her special day. Check out our favorite flower arrangements for Mother's Day. Each style in this review comes with the vase shown and is available in three floral arrangement sizes: Standard, Deluxe, and Premium.

Win a $100 Teleflora Giftcard, Details Below

For the Nature Lover

The Vintage Butterfly Bouquet ($49.99, $64.99, $74.99) at the top of this post is my personal favorite in this year's Teleflora Mother's Day fresh flower arrangement lineup. If the mother you're gifting is a lover of butterflies, look no further than this pretty bunch of flowers delivered in a cube glass vase decorated with an old-fashioned garden and butterfly vibe.


Teleflora Country Flower Pitcher Vase

For the Country Gal

The Teleflora Fabulous Farmhouse Bouquet ($69.99, $84.99, $94.99) is a thoughtful gift for rural, suburban, and urban mamas who are into the country farm life decor look. Pink roses, carnations, lavender statice, and other lovely blooms arrive on Mom's doorstep displayed in a farmhouse style ombre-glazed stoneware pitcher.


Teleflora Flowers Purple Swirls Handblown Glass Bouquet


For the Artsy Lady

The Purple Swirls Teleflora Bouquet ($104.99, $114.99, $124.99) will delight mothers who are creative types with an affinity for artistic design. The iridescent swirled pattern hand-blown keepsake art glass vase is an elegant presentation of beauty, overflowing with a hydrangeas, roses, chrysanthemums, and other flowers and greenery. 

Dozens More Bouquets

The three beautiful arrangements featured above are just a few of the choices to pick from to perfectly suit your mom's personality. With affordable Teleflora fresh floral designs available starting at just $34.99, as well as arrangements available in three sizes, there are floral gifting options to discover within just about everyone's budget.


Mother's Day Flowers
$100 Teleflora Gift Card 

MBE Giveaway


Mothers Day Flowers Teleflora Giveaway



Thanks to Teleflora, ONE (1) MBE giveaway participant will win a $100 Teleflora e-gift card code via email. To enter this flower gift card giveaway Mommy Blog Expert is hosting, visit this MBE Instagram post. Contest is open to US residents only and qualifying winner will be selected at random. Hurry this giveaway ends on Sunday, May 9, 2021 at 11:59 pm ET. 

About Teleflora

Teleflora, based in Los Angeles, California, is a network of 10,000 member local florists across the U.S. and Canada known for their floral arrangement artistry and personal touches. Instead of arriving in a plain brown box, Teleflora's professional florists hand deliver an array of bouquets in special and unique keepsake containers, often the same day the order is placed. Visit Teleflora's official website to check out the options and order your choice of flowers as well as follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, PinterestTwitter, and YouTube for the latest news and special deals.

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Tips for Working at Home With A Baby

Family Work Balance


Thanks to 4moms for providing these tips; post contains affiliate links 

6 Tips for Parents Working at Home with Young Kids 


Working from home with your kids in the house sounds great in theory, but in reality, it’s very hard to juggle the two at the same time. We have no doubt that you are a supermom or dad who’s capable of anything, but if you are feeling overwhelmed at all from having your kids as coworkers, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are plenty of tried-and-true tips that can help working parents make it through the day with their kids in tow.



Small Home Office Space Design
Peaceful Home Workspace Inspo for Parents



There’s no need to do a full schedule overhaul; some small changes can get you in a better place as an employee and a parent during this work from home period. Here are some simple steps that can make your life easier. 

Create a Stress-Free Workspace 


If you’ve been working from your living room sofa or kitchen table, you know how easily distractions can pop up. From people walking through the room to the TV, there are endless forms of noise that can make getting work done even harder. Treat yourself to a dedicated home work space which calms you and helps you focus, even if it is small. This way, you can cut down on distractions and set yourself up for being more productive. Invest in an ergonomic chair and desk that will support your body instead of leaving you feeling exhausted and in pain at the end of day.


Dad Toddler Laptop Working at Home
Image Credit: Pavel Danilyuk, Pexels


Ask Your Partner to Share Responsibilities 


It takes a village, both to raise children and to be successful in business. While you can of course go it alone, it’s so much less stressful to share responsibilities in both capacities. If you haven’t already, make a list of all the tasks you and your partner share with the kids and split them in a way that makes sense for both of you. You could also try dividing up childcare by hours in the day, so that you each can have at least a few hours without the kids each day to focus on work.

Set Expectations with Your Work 


Working from home creates some barriers to communication between you and your office as it’s not as easy to stay in constant contact when you aren’t all together in the same place. To avoid misunderstandings, make sure to set crystal clear expectations about when you will be able to answer the phone and emails and when you won’t. Let them know that even with the best laid plans, your kids come first and sometimes that might mean missing a Zoom call or needing an extension on a deadline.


Image Credit: 4moms


Use a Baby Swing or Carrier


If you have an infant at home, it’s obviously not possible to hold them all day while you’re doing work. You can make the most of their nap times by working at your computer, but while they are awake you will need to put them somewhere safe where you can watch them. An infant baby swing is a popular choice to keep your little one occupied as you can strap them in and watch as they are gently rocked in the swing. 

Put Your Phone on Vibrate 


Unless you know an important call is about to happen, set your phone ringtone on vibrate and keep it close by. The sudden sound of a loud ringtone can affect your cortisol levels, which are likely always on edge with all that you are balancing in terms of stress. Try to eliminate as many loud sounds as possible to maintain a more peaceful state of being. For any times where you really don’t need your phone at all, try leaving it in a separate room where you can forget about it and focus on other things. 


Mom Laptop Kitchen Working at Home
Image Credit: Ekaterina Bolovtsova, Pexels

Eat Healthy 


Finally, take care of yourself. Make time on the weekends to meal prep healthy dishes and snacks that you can easily grab during the week when you are hungry. If you let yourself eat a poor diet all week, it can have a negative impact on your productivity, your health, and your overall mood.

About 4moms

Founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2005, 4moms strives to create practical user-centered baby gear designed with technology that elevates the modern parenting experience. Among the brand's flagship products are the 4moms mamaRoo4 Baby Swing Bluetooth Rocker with Bluetooth which replicates mom's and dad's soothing hand-held bouncing and swaying motions; the 4moms Breeze Portable Play Yard that opens/closes in a single step with one hand; and the 4moms Magnetic Baby Toddler High Chair to make mealtime simpler. These and other 4moms products are available on Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, as well as from specialty retailers and direct from the 4moms website. Learn more by following the brand on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.




DISCLOSURE: Mommy Blog Expert participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn compensation -- at no extra cost to our audience -- for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.