Celebrating Women
Tips for dads this Mother’s Day
1. The world’s simplest gift
Most moms would agree, the best gift there is in the world, is the chance to lie in. That’s it – just lie in. No tiny humans bouncing on the bed demanding toast or television. To start the perfect Mother’s Day, sneak out of the room, leaving your wife alone in her slumber. Close the door and make sure that the children don’t disturb her. Leave her to lie in until confusion overcomes her and she bolts out of the room to check that her family is all still alive.
2. The gifting guideline
Mother’s Day is often confused as the day on which children thank their mothers. In actual fact, it’s the day that we ALL thank our
mothers. So dads, take heed: You need to purchase or create a little gift of your own for the special mom in your life.
Not just your own mom, but also the mother of your children. In addition, you’ll be expected to facilitate the process of your kids buying or creating gifts.
3. Little notes of adoration
A small and very simple show of affection is to write little notes and leave them in places that mom will find them. Notes with wording like ‘We love you’ or ‘Thanks for all you do for us’ are thoughtful ways of showing how you feel. Get your kids to design them for an extra special touch.
4. Acts of love
Make your lovely lady a cup of tea, or
even better – draw her a hot bubble bath.
5. Write it down
Take the time to translate your thoughts and those of your kids about why mom is so special onto a card. Let her read it and then put it away for reading a year or ten years from now – this will be an amazing surprise for her.
Here are some fun ideas to try for Mother’s Day:
Scavenger Hunt
Take mom on a scavenger hunt that leads to her favourite places, like a coffee shop, a café for lunch, the spot in the park where she takes a morning run, or even under her pillow at home. At each place, she gets a new note, drawing, or letter from a different member of the family telling her how much they love her so that she collects these notes and moments throughout the day. The kids get to be involved by making something for mom and getting to surprise her with these notes. Plus, the whole family gets to go on an adventure too!
Take an exotic ‘vacation’
Even if you can’t afford to go to Paris for the weekend, you can still enjoy a little taste of France (or any other destination that intrigues you). Get some croissants for breakfast, pack a picnic lunch of French bread, cheese, and fruit, or order a meal from your favourite deli or restaurant (quiche, anyone?), and get into the flavour of the country. For an added touch, adorn your kitchen or dining room table with a red-and-white-checkered tablecloth and fresh flowers, put on some French music, and teach your kids a few basic words in French, such as “bonjour” (good morning) and “merci” (thank you).
Fun gift ideas
• Have a planner or journal embossed with something personal. If your mother likes to document special events and occasions, she’ll love having a something nice to use.
Include a matching pen to make it even more special.
• Give her a live flower, plant, or tree. If your mother is an outdoorsy gardening type, she’ll cherish a new rose bush, shrub, or tree that will grow and remind her of her thoughtful children.
• Give her a locket with a photo. If your mother has a locket with a photo of her children tucked away inside. Find an image with you and all of your siblings to make it even more special.
• Give her a personalised memento box.
For the mother who collects and saves everything that means something, consider getting her a special box to put it in.
Pick one in her favourite colour and have it personalised so she knows it’s just for her.
Try these delicious & easy to make recipes below
Ham & cheddar casserole
Ingredients:
• 30ml butter, softened
• 4 slices bread/ croissants
• 375ml ham, diced and cooked
• 250ml cheddar cheese, grated
• 4 large eggs
• 500ml milk
• 4ml salt
• 2,5ml Worcestershire sauce
• 1ml black pepper
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180° C.
2. Butter a square baking dish.
3. Line the baking dish with lightly buttered bread/ croissants. Leave the pieces large or tear them into smaller pieces to fit.
4. Sprinkle the diced ham over the bread layer and then sprinkle with the grated cheese.
5. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, salt, Worcestershire sauce and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Pour the egg mixture over the layers. Gently press the bread down and let the mixture stand for a few minutes.
6. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the centre comes out clean.
7. Remove to a rack and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Other variations:
Place a layer of tomato slices on top of the ham layer; add a dash of Tabasco or hot sauce to the egg and milk mixture; replace the ham with cooked, crumbled, drained sausage or bacon or add about 125ml chopped spinach over the bread layer.
