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Hey Mama

The mother of all Hallmark holidays is nearly upon us. Mother’s Day, whether you’re anticipating handmade macaroni necklaces from your preschoolers, or celebrating other special mothers (and mother figures!) in your life, is a time to reflect, rejoice, or just RELAX. It’s your day!

We’re continuing our mental health awareness theme this week with tips on how to get the Mother’s Day you want – whether that means (slightly burnt) breakfast in bed or a solo hike in the woods. Or both! Just don’t feel guilty about taking some time for yourself, because you know it’s back to the grind on Monday, May 15. But it’s nice to feel needed, right? Right, yeah, sure…. We’ll leave you with this poignant quote from Lynne Wiliams:

“A mother need only step into the shower to be instantly reassured she is indispensable to every member of her family.”

Happy Mother’s Day!

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Hot Topics

This Mother’s Day we’re celebrating every kind of mother – including “very recent” and “almost there” ones! Looking for what to expect right before you expect to give birth and what to expect right after? Check out our Expecting Mothers and Postpartum community groups.

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Mom2Mom

3 Ways to Celebrate Yourself This Mother’s Day

You deserve to celebrate Mother’s Day any way you want, but that doesn’t HAVE to involve scheduling a full-body massage and mud wrap or brunching on mimosas and cucumber sandwiches if that’s just not your thing. Here are a few ways to incorporate some you-time into a day that should feel more relaxing than overwhelming.

1. Don’t be afraid to say “no.” Mother’s Day plans should start and end with your comfort level. Don’t go along with something you’re not in the mood for – even if just to be a “good sport.” Your family wants to celebrate YOU, and it’s perfectly fine to guide them on the best way to do it.
2. Buy yourself the gift. Indulging guilt-free in a gift for yourself can provide a feeling of satisfaction and joy. Give yourself permission to do it.
3. Have a solo meal. If the last time you remember having a quiet, mess-free meal that didn’t include chicken nuggets was during the last presidential administration, may we re-introduce you to the joy of dining alone? Order something that doesn’t come with ketchup and savor every bite.

Mental Health Awareness Tip of the Week

Some moms just never get a break – even on Mother’s Day! If you’re a single mom or don’t have a lot of support to take the whole day off, think about taking it easy on Monday when kids might be back in daycare or school. Just carving out some time for yourself – whether it’s an hour or an afternoon – can help with stress and tension.

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Things We Love

Maya Brenner Custom Gold Necklace

If you’re sick of leaving not-so-subtle hints each year about Mother’s Day gifts, only to receive the same “World’s Best Mom” mug on repeat, it might be time to invest in yourself. Last year, we bought this gold necklace for ourselves, which is customizable with letters, charms and birthstones to build a necklace that is uniquely yours. Order it online at MayaBrenner.com.

Lake Mom & Mini | Pajamas for Moms and Kids

Even if you’re not the type to dress up your entire family in matching seasonal footie pajamas every year for your Christmas card, you’ll love these classy, comfortable loungewear options that come in sizes for moms and kids. They’re not always going to want to wear what you’re wearing, so enjoy it while you can! Find the collection at LakePajamas.com.

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Mom Jeans & Things

Get Ready for Summer!

Mom Jeans & Things are product and service recommendations for you and your family that you’ll really use and love – because we have! Check out this week’s top picks.

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Explore the City

TAKE THE KIDS

Catch-n-Croakers

Friday May 12, 2023 | 8:30 pm | Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, Longhouse

As the name of this activity implies, there are actual, live frogs involved and you will be trying to catch them. Wear shoes that can get wet! Learn more.

Friday Funday: Snow White

Friday May 12, 2023 | 10 am or 1:30 pm | The Playhouse, 831 42nd Street, Des Moines IA 50312

Watch the classic story with a new, interactive twist in this show perfect for kids aged 4-6. A new story is presented each month, October through May. Children learn the Clubhouse pledge and secret handshake, and listen for the word of the day. Learn more.

Mother’s Day Bouquet Bar

Sunday May 14, 2023 | 11 am – 1 pm | Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens

Bring your kids to put together a Mother’s Day bouquet, or swing by to create one for your own mom. Available while supplies (flowers) last, so don’t wait too long to stop by! Learn more.

GET A SITTER

Women in the Woods with Wine – Raptors of Iowa

Tuesday May 16, 2023 | 7 pm | Jester Park Nature Center

Drinking wine while discussing powerful predators sounds like how we spent a lot of our 20’s, but this program is actually about birds of prey. From the giant bald eagle to the petite American kestrel, Iowa’s raptors exhibit surprising diversity in what they look like, what they eat, when they’re active and where they live. Learn more.

Tina Turner the Musical

May 16 – 21, 2023 | Des Moines Civic Center

An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Bring the girls and rocks out to all her classic songs. Get tickets.

15th Annual Baconfest

May 12 – 13, 2023 | Iowa State Fairgrounds, JR’s Southpork Ranch

Honestly, the only thing that could make bacon better is enjoying a cold beer with it. The Blue Ribbon Baconfest has both. Bring your appetite and wear your sweatpants.

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE: Baconfest is offering our members a FREE General Admission ticket for Friday, May 12. Redeem by using the promo code THEMOMSSOCIETY at checkout. Get tickets.