In celebration of Mother’s Day I wanted to share my favorite bits of advice my mom has given to me throughout the years . . .
- A closet full of neutrals = endless possibilities. In my early teens, I always teased my mom for having a ‘boring’ wardrobe. However, as I matured I realized that owning a neutral wardrobe is not only smart – it is chic! My closet is nearly identical to my mom’s now, and I borrow her clothes all the time. 🙂
- When in doubt, wear black. An all-black outfit never fails. My mom wears a little black dress to almost every formal event and always looks stunning. I now do the same!
- Always take a hostess gift. When attending a party, bring a small gift such as a candle or a tea towel for the hostess. When attending a dinner, always ask ‘What can I bring?’.
- Keep a few key ingredients on hand so you’re never in a pinch. You never know when you’ll be invited to a dinner party or if some friends will stop over. My mom always has the ingredients to whip a pan of brownies or to throw together a quick batch of pasta with tomatoes!
- Send a card. This is a bit old-fashioned, but I still think it is a great thing to do! My mom keeps a big box of blank cards for every occassion – birthday, anniversary, thank you, etc. And who doesn’t love getting mail?
- Celebrate every. single. holiday. This is one of the best things I have learned from my mom! She loves holidays and celebrates every one to the fullest with a beautifully decorated table and delicious food. This was so nice during the cold winter months after Christmas when it can be a bit depressing. We could always look forward to celebrating Chinese New Year, Valentines Day, and Mardi Gras. I have continued all of her traditions in Denmark. 🙂
- Never apologize for being yourself. My mom has learned to embrace who she is and has always encouraged me to do the same! I have learned not to say sorry for staying home in my pajamas instead of going to a party. I have learned that it is okay to distance yourself from people that don’t make you feel happy. I have learned that it is okay to change your mind, to try something different, and to not do what anyone else may expect you to do.
Thank you, mom. I love you so much!
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and those hoping to become mothers! Have a lovely day. xx
Madison
P.S. My mom is the person that inspired and encouraged me to start blogging. She has been blogging for years, and has the loveliest website – Afternoon Coffee and Evening Tea. 🙂
14 Comments
Oh, Madison how lovely. My daughter and I are close too.
I love this! You and your mom are so wonderful and I love reading both blogs!
Oh this is such a gorgeous post! You and your mom are beautiful btw!
x Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Aww how lovely that you both blog! I love this list and I so agree with having a card for every occassion. You look so alike
Kay xx
http://www.mummywho.com
Thank you Madison.
This is the most beautiful post and a wonderful gift.
I treasure every moment we have shared.
It has been an honor raising you!
A wonderful tribute to a very special Mum.
What a beautiful tribute to your Mom. I may not know her in person but through her blog, she has taught me many of these same things!
I love the bit of celebrating every holiday to the fullest! My Mom is very similar, and I’ve continued to LOVE Christmas so much as an adult (and all the other holidays!). It makes me happy to look forward to celebrating with my family.
http://www.jessicabroyles.com
I feel like I want to print these out and hang them on my wall!!! A recipe for a happy life ♥ How lucky you are to have each other! I love this post : )
These are all such lovely things, I really enjoyed reading this!
Danielle xx
http://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/
Oh Madison, your going to make me cry….and I can attest to number 5, your mom, is known to send cards or a gift, smiles. Thank you and I am so glad the good Lord has put your mom and I together through blogging. The last few years, it has given me great joy to watch you grow and mature. (not trying to be ‘funny’, mind you, smiles)
Madison, your mom is a GEM! I look forward to MWF to see what she has in store for her readers. 🙂
And I might add, I always enjoy your posts, even though I don’t always comment. 🙂 I’m glad she encouraged you to start blogging!
Aw I love this idea for a blog post and your mom sounds really awesome. I love the advice she’s given you.
Kim | simplylovebirds.com
Hi, sweet Madison! Long time no visit, my friend…for that I apologize. It was so nice catching up with you and reading your wonderful posts. I just had to comment on this one as it brought a smile to my face. Your mom is so precious and definitely a very wise woman. I’d say you are just like her {{smiles}}
I hope you are well. Have a delightful weekend! Hugs!