Mother's Day Ideas, Anyone?
I LOVE Southern California beaches.
Feeling the warmth of the nearly always shining sun on my skin, taking in deep breaths of salted air, listening to the rhythmic and soothing sounds of the ocean waves coming in… and out… in…. and out…
It’s therapy to me.
Even as a mom with small kids, I find the beach relaxing (For the most part). Whether it’s summer or winter - we make trips all year long.
With Mother’s Day approaching this weekend, the last place I feel like celebrating (especially with a wild toddler and a 5 year old who just wants to climb on top of anything and everything) is at a crowded restaurant… Even if you don’t have small children, a restaurant on Mother’s Day? There are few places I’d be willing to go to on this very day that are going to provide a setting I’d actually enjoy.
If you haven’t made any plans yet and are scrambling to come up with a brilliant idea at the last minute… I’d recommend keeping it simple and easy going. And while I can’t speak for all women, what I CAN say is that I don’t know of any woman who wouldn’t be pleased with a day trip to someplace somewhat secluded (I mean, it IS Mother’s Day) and relaxing with a picnic packed of her favorite foods along with an oversized blanket, and don’t forget the bubbly!
I love being able to be outside, AND I love being in a place where EVERYONE is able to enjoy themselves all at once - kids, husband AND myself. To me, there’s really no better place to accomplish that than our local coastline. My personal go-to and favorite is Summerland Beach OR Mesa Lane Beach which are both located in Santa Barbara. I have yet to see either of these two spots overly crowded, which is an important factor for me. There’s nothing worse than being stuck in a line of cars circulating the parking lot like a bunch of sharks waiting to jump on the first spot that opens up. Or trying to hunt down a 5 foot square to squeeze my whole family while lugging all of our crap through the sand. Frankly, I don’t know why anyone would be willing to go through this. I’d just rather not go at all. Because being able to experience tranquility at the beach? Kind of the whole point for me.
Check out these fantastic lists I found to help guide your way! You’re bound to find one that suits what you’re looking for!
And of course, the most important thing… don’t forget to pack plenty food. As a mother and as a woman…the perfect day trip MUST include the perfect foods to go with. And as far as food goes, some of my favorite things to eat can be found in a charcuterie-type spread. My first go-to for value and quality is of course, our local Trader Joe’s. In my opinion… Trader Joe’s carries treasures that most supermarkets just can’t compete with. Here are a few of my favorites that I never want to leave the store without!
DO NOT forget the Marcona Almonds. Although rosemary is my personal favorite, a lot of people love the truffle flavor as well. You can’t really go wrong with either.
This olive tapenade is heavy on the Kalamata olives… which is the best kind of olive. It also doesn’t need to be refrigerated immediately which makes it a “less-hassle” choice for a beach picnic.
These parmesan crisps + mushroom brie + prosciutto = the best cheese/cracker/meat combo ever.
Here are a few other creative charcuterie ideas with ingredients that can ALL be found at your local Trader Joe’s! Enjoy!
A simple and inexpensive combination of ideas that is still sure to impress!
Is she a fan of a spicy and sweet combo? Check this out!
And last, but not least… the bubbly. Trader Joe’s has one of the best selections of bargain wines for sure. But if you’re looking for something extra special, go see the experts at Newhall Press Room. Not once have they ever disappointed me with poor selection, and they carry treasures that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
And if you don’t feel like building your own picnic, they can make your charcuterie to go!
Whatever your plans are…
treasure your day, your family, your wife, your mom.
Happy Mother’s Day!