Mother’s Day is this Sunday.  This is an important occasion; it’s every daughter and son’s chance to pay back the woman that raised them. To show her that we are grateful for all that she has done for us. Although how could we forget, if your Mother is anything like mine; you are reminded daily how fortunate you are to have her. That she got stretch marks from us and we ruined her flat stomach and put her through hours of painful labor.  So if you’re stuck for ideas of how to honor and pay back your Mother on Sunday here are a few ideas:

A FRAME FULL OF MEMORIES – A digital picture frame is always a great idea.  Future shop has a wide selection priced anywhere from $49-$159.  To make the moment even more special, fill the picture frame with pictures of you and your mom and then put it back in the box.  That way, when she opens the gift, all she has to do is plug it in.

HIGH TEA – The Secret Garden Tea House is a great place to take your mom on Mother’s Day. Seeing as it might be one of the busiest times of the year, maybe get her a gift certificate or make a date for later in the month.  It’s always nice to catch up with your mom while drinking tea and eating desserts!

SEASONS IN THE PARK – Now that the days are prettier outside take your mom out to Seasons in the Park.  It’s a fabulous restaurant with stunning views of the city.  If it’s warm enough definitely get a patio seat.

MOVIE NIGHT – DVD’s are always a great idea; but instead of just buying her favourite movies, set up a date night.  So it’s you, her and some serious chick flicks!  I recommend It’s Complicated, Julie & Julia, and Mommie Dearest.

BEAUTIFICATION – Facials and mani/pedi’s are always a big winner with Mom’s.  But don’t forget that you and your mom can get your hair did for around $30 at Blo blow dry bar this Mother’s Day.  Blo also sells Good Hair Dayz satin pillowcases; that’s a gift that keeps on giving, and it’s only $30 too!

SUGAR MOMMIES - Moms definitely have a sweet tooth, and nothing says I love you more than giant, colorful, yummy cupcakes!  They’re only $16 for a half dozen at Cupcakes.

BOOKS - If your mom is a big reader than try these titles on for size: Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart, My Life in France by Julia Child, Vanity Fair Portraits.

Hopefully this has helped you, or given you an idea of what to get for Mom this Mother’s Day.  If all else fails just buy her a gigantic bouquet of flowers!  Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms and Moms to be out there!

Get your heads out of the gutter!  I’m talking about Blo Blow Dry Bar’s latest location in the Golden Gate City!  San Francisco, California opened its doors this week to its very first Blo Bar!  Since it’s the season for road trips I think San Francisco should be first on everyone’s list.  You’ve got GREAT shopping; fabulous food and now you have your trusty blo bar close by!  I really could have used a blo out 3 years ago when I arrived in San Francisco for Spring Break.  I had just spent 17 hours in a Corolla with my Mother, 2 Aunts and my Cousin!  So if you’re down in San Fran anytime soon you MUST stop by for a blo out at 2167 Union Street (at Fillmore) 415-655-9886.  Visit www.blomedry.com for more info.

If you’re sick of waking up with tangled, messy hair then I suggest you buy Good Hair Dayz satin pillowcases.  As we all know I love Blo Blow Dry Bar.  I was there last week for my bi-monthly blo out when I spotted the pillowcases at the cash desk.  I asked about them and was told they would help my blo out last longer, so I picked one up.

I slipped on my new satin pillowcase right before bed and when I awoke the next morning my hair was as luscious as the night before!  No tangles, no knots, no messy, banshee hair that I usually have.  It was smooth, shiny and fabulous. I was amazed.  The satin prevents hair from being pulled and tugged at while you sleep, which is what happens with cotton cases.  It also creates a buffer for your hair which keeps it looking better for longer.  The cases come in a cute little organza bag, so you can take it with you when you travel.  They come in white and brown, are made in Canada, are machine washable and fit a standard queen size pillow.

I have to add that sleeping on satin pillowcases is divine, plus they’re perfect for keeping cool on those hot nights.  Good Hair Dayz satin pillowcases are a great gift for any man or woman in your life, in my case it was a great gift to myself.  They cost around $30 and are available at any Blo Blow Dry Bar; you can visit their website for their locations.

*Photo courtesy of Cory Dawson Photography.

Ever feel like your lashes are lackluster?  Feel like your eyes could do with a little more oomph?  Then I recommend you book an appointment at the uber popular Noir Lash Lounge in Yaletown.  They’re the only place in Vancouver that focuses solely on semi-permanent eyelash extensions.   Lash extensions are huge in Asia and Europe, and business has been booming in Vancouver since Joyce Cajucom opened Noir’s doors last March.

Noir offers full sets or fills with over a hundred styles to choose from.  The whole process takes about an hour and costs $60 per full set, lasting anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.  It’s an affordable price with uncompromised quality; you won’t believe your eyes – literally!  Having to put your own lashes on is time consuming and tricky – and that’s WITH a steady hand.  At Noir they have trained professionals who attach lashes individually using a specially made adhesive.  The end results are flirty, fabulous lashes that are done right.  With Noir’s services you’ll have luscious lashes every morning.

This Thursday they’ll be opening up lounge number two on South Granville right next door to Pure Nail Bar and around the corner from Blo Blow Dry Bar.   It’s going to be the hottest beauty block in Vancouver.  Think about it, you can start your day off with some shopping, then get your nails done, have your hair blown out, and top it off by getting your lashes attached at Noir Lash Lounge.  For more information or to make an appointment you can check out their website at www.noirlashlounge.com.

Blo Blow Dry Bar is a godsend!  For most of my life I’ve had short hair, but have recently decided to grow it out.   This decision would not have been possible without the lovely services of Blo, Canada’s only blow dry bar.  My hair is thick, curly, and unruly.  There’s no way in hell I’m going to blow dry and straighten this ‘fro’ myself!

If you haven’t heard of Blo you’re missing out.  They market themselves as, “no cuts, no colour: just WASH-BLOW-GO.”  For about 30 dollars and 30 minutes your hair is washed and styled to perfection.  You can choose from a list of seven hair styles off the Blo menu – for me it’s usually a wash and blow.

The first Blo bar opened in June 2007 and has branched out to three locations in Vancouver, with many more planned to open up across the country.  Blo is a unique service that really fills a hole in the beauty industry.  Time was you’d have to go to your hair salon and pay major bucks for this service. And don’t think you have to wait for a special event to get your hair did because Blo is super affordable.  The best part is telling your friends you just had a ‘blo job!’  But be warned it’s addictive – I go twice a month!    For more information on what Blo Blow Dry Bar has to offer visit www.blomedry.com.