Love you, Mom.

Love you, Mom.
She woke up early to fix your breakfast before school. Fed you. Bathed you. Changed your dirty dirty diapers. Made a big whooping deal about your birthday. She was never upset when you woke her up because your tummy hurt. She laughed when you played dress up in her closet. She was always at your school play, your chorus concert, your big game. She came early to bring snacks. She helped with your homework, ordered pizza for you and your friends on Friday night, and let you go to that really awesome concert downtown. Because she trusted you. Although it didn't stop her from calling your cell phone A LOT. She took you shopping for prom dresses. She let you cry on her shoulder about that dumb boy who didn't deserve you anyway. She slipped a twenty in your hand when you were going back to college after being home for the weekend. She helped you move time and time again, coming behind you to clean the bathroom while the boxes were being transported to the truck. She let you travel the country, the world, and didn't let her worries about you being so far away affect her ability to let you go. But she sure did pray. She smiled through her tears on your wedding day. She held your hands while you were pregnant, answered every question when you asked "How bad is this gonna hurt??", and was by your side when you finally, exhausted, welcomed your wiggly, darling baby into the world. She was always, she is always, and will always always be there. For as long as she has breath in her body, she will give all her joy to your existence.

Okay, that was my mom.

But I bet yours was something like that, too. At least, I hope so.

This year is my first Mother's Day. I can't believe I'm allowed to be a mom. I can only hope to measure up in the tenderest way, because I have incredibly large mom shoes to fill. Well, not true. She has dainty little feet. But her footprint over the journey of my life has been immeasurable, innumerable with oodles and oodles of loving tracks. Inexplicable. She has given me her life's blood and her hearty Hungarian laugh. Her full cheeks and strong thighs. I am the mother that I am, because she was the mother that she was. I will probably screw up a lot, but she taught me that having grace for myself is one of the best gifts I can give to my family.

There is no perfect mother, but I would like to argue that she is. Close.

I hope you give mom your whole heart of love today.

A little more about my mom here.

Happy Mothers Day Gift Guide

Happy Mothers Day Gift Guide by oykristen

She deserves a present. 
I was doing a little happy hunting for my mom for Mothers Day and I thought I would share a few fun picks that inspired me. Friends, don't forget, Mother's Day is May 10! Waiting until last minute normally doesn't pan out too well (plus, all the good cards are taken!), so make sure to plan a bit early. You still have time to score an amazing, thoughtful and pampering gift for that woman who BIRTHED YOU. Mom, if you're reading this, you aren't getting any of these - the surprise shall remain intact.

1. Diptyque Gardenia Candle 
These delicious candles are totally a luxury and they smell ahhhhhmazing. They feel like a decadent gift because it's not really the kind of thing you would ever buy yourself. But to receive as a gift? Well that's just fancy pants. Include along with a vial of bath salts and you might just win the kid-of-the-year award for this one.

2. Terrain Hydrangea Petal Cuff
My mom would rock this cuff so hard. It's so pretty and delicate, and yet the bronze material is sturdy and tough. Wow. A metaphor for moms everywhere - pretty, delicate, sturdy, tough. I'M WRITING THE POEM FOR YOUR MOTHER'S DAY CARD RIGHT HERE. Copy and paste. You're welcome.

3. Rifle Paper Co. Vintage Blossoms Notebook Set
This is such a goodie. If someone gave me anything Rifle Paper Company, I would melt. These products are just so frilly and inspiring. And let's face it, moms everywhere could use a pretty journal. We have thoughts.

4. Anthropologie Papua Fedora
Because there is very little in life that can say what a peach fedora can say. (In case you're wondering, it says I LOVE YOUR SWAG, MOM in that hushed powdery shade).

5. Terrain Zinc Sphere Hanging Basket
You could put a plant in this one and really knock her socks off. Who doesn't want a bit of green earth hanging in the corner of the room? INSTANT ATMOSPHERE BOOSTER.

6. Anthropologie Color-Daze Scarf
This scarf makes me want to eat a Popsicle. Here mom, have a popsicle scarf.

7. Sundance Glass Jewelry Box
A dainty home for all the necklaces you've given her for the past ten Mother's Days. 

May 10! May 10! May 10! DON'T FORGET!!! K you've been fairly warned. May 10. Mom's day for the win.

The 10th Day: Holiday Gift Guide 2014 for Her

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Her by oykristen

// 1. Kate Spade New York Women's Metro Watch // 2. Knitted & Knotted Regan Cardigan // 3. Orla Kiely Umbrella // 4. Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick // 5. Anthropologie Magic Carpet Yoga Mat // 6. Anthropologie First Frost Jewelry Box // 7. David Lebovitz My Paris Kitchen // 8. Keani Jewelry MerRing // 9. Origins Ginger Essence Rollerball // 10. Merimekko Coin Purse // 11. A Beautiful Mess 2015 Planner // 

Holiday Gift Guide 2014 for Her. 

Another gift guide! And this is the best kind, because its for all the "hers" in your life - your best friend, your sister, your mom (ahem, and maybe a little something for you? You've been awfully good this year.) 

1. Kate Spade New York Women's Metro Watch

Every watch she makes is magic. But this one is a fun twist on the typical Kate Spade watch, and I love it! 

2. Knitted & Knotted Regan Cardigan

There is nothing cozier, and this one looks especially dainty.

3. Orla Kiely Umbrella

Because rainy days should all be this much fun.

4. Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick

This lipstick is such a surprise. Amazing pigments and it stays put. No smudges, so you can do all the smooching you want! 

5. Anthropologie Magic Carpet Yoga Mat

A splurge for the bendiest gal you know. This swanky mat will make you want to stretch!

6. Anthropologie First Frost Jewelry Box

How gorgeous is this box? I love it because it's the kind of thing you would never buy yourself but totally use and display!

7. David Lebovitz My Paris Kitchen

OMG. This book's recipes are so scrumptious I could cry. I can't wait to snag my own copy!

8. Keani Jewelry MerRing

If you don't know Keani, you should. Her Hawaiian jewels are unusual masterpieces, the kind of beautiful pieces that no one else has. 

9. Origins Ginger Essence Rollerball

Smells so unique and is formulated with really excellent (no chemicals!) ingredients. 

10. Merimekko Coin Purse

This makes me want to carry coins in an age of plastic.

11. A Beautiful Mess 2015 Planner

Why have these sisters thought of everything. This day book makes me want to make plans.

I know. I could go on and on adding to this list, because it's full of all things I like! But I truly think that all these items would make gorgeous, memorable gifts for all the special women in your life. Now get shopping, friends! And happy 10th day of Christmas!

She.

She.
Her laugh is easy and often. Her prayers are fierce and fearless. Her journey? Simply unlike the others. She is a forerunner. Inquisitive. Unafraid to be different. Unafraid of the consequences of being different. She embraces the season she's in. She really looks you in the eye. She knows all the verses. She craves the ocean. And essential oils. And popcorn. She is freakishly disciplined. She jumped out of an airplane once. She is spirited. Stubborn. So stylish. She listens. Does yoga. Doesn't doubt.


She loves hard.



She's the absolute best one I know.

I'd say thank you, Mom, but it's almost silly to try. So I will just revel in your graciousness a bit. You are a stunning, stunning woman.

What a privilege it is, being yours.

When Mom Comes to Town

My Mother.
She is an intricate creature. She literally comes in a room and sweeps it with giggling joy, spontaneous curiosity and a slam-dunk of wisdom. She does all of that. Within like 5 seconds of walking into a room. She's no ordinary mom, I'll tell you that. She has played surrogate to dozens of my friends over the years. She listens to their problems, she really looks in their eyes, and then asks simple questions that draw out the choice that is best. It's awesome brilliance. That woman. I've never met anyone like my mother. She is generous, too. Really really generous with everything she has to give. Her time, her empathy, her dollars. She will give anything away to help you be best your best YOU. She is genuinely concerned for others, whether it's a dear old friend, one of her daughters friends, a niece or a lady she just met at the nail salon. Her compassion for others is intoxicating, more than inspiring; it makes you realize you are in the presence of someone truly consumed by honest love. It's a dizzying, gracious experience. I grew up with it and I'm still left open-mouthed. All the time. She is impressive and yet doesn't take herself too seriously. She just laughs and moves on to the next.

// Yum yum yum yum //

So my mom came in town for my birthday. I can say with absolute certainty that she was my gift this year. She is so much fun, brings so much life, and I just really needed her this time around. You know when you just need your mom? Well, she was the most perfect remedy to a 6-week whirlwind experience of moving to a new city and doing things that are entirely uncomfortable. Finally, mom got here, and I could breathe in a sigh of relief. Did I mention that she is a LOT trendier than me? She showed up to my apartment in leather leggings. I died. And my oh my, she came ready to party. We shopped til we dropped. We exercised in the park, munched on every kind of famed New York goodness and toasted til we were silly. We covered some serious turf, traipsing all over Manhattan and seeing so many sights. Ah. I miss her already. I wept as her cab drove away. There is no one, seriously NO ONE, like my mom. Come back.