Mother’s Day 2021: Smart Gifts For Smart Moms Of Today

No matter how much we make her feel special on Mother’s Day, we know every single day is a celebration of the woman she is. Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful Mothers in the world!

Gifts For Mom | Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

Mother, one word that brings a deep sense of affection to us. This is one selfless and pure relationship on earth. She can neither be defined nor described in its entirety yet holds such a significant position in life. She’s the epitome of sacrifice and unconditional love. She’s also a perfect manager, financer and leader who can successfully execute any task and keep each family member involved. Mother’s today are also tech-savvy and digitally proficient. She’s more inquisitive and excited about technology and gadgets than we are. No matter how well and how often we express our gratitude towards our mother for all the pain and sufferings she has gone through only to make us a better person, nothing can replace the good she has done. However, some gestures can make her feel loved and wanted whether we are far or near.

This is the time of the year other than the birthdays and anniversaries when we get one more chance to express ourselves. For me, gifting has always been a huge task as I am the most confused one to look for gifts. I know so many people who know the right nerve when it comes to choosing a gift. It is a cakewalk for them. I, however, struggle in making a selection for others and I am sure many of you, just like me, face the same challenge. Thus, to make your life simpler I have carefully thought of and listed below the top 10 items I would like to gift my mother on this Mother’s Day; for you to borrow some inspiration from. These gifts are meticulously picked considering my Mother’s hobbies, passion, health and lifestyle. With each item, I have also specified reasons for choosing them to help you make the right choice without spending hours browsing the websites.

Here’s what I recommend:

Mother’s Day Gift Idea 1: Air Purifier For Breathing In Fresh Air, Free Of Impurities And Pollutants

In times like these when the entire world is fighting a pandemic, the first thing that comes to mind is to keep your loved ones safe and healthy. Nothing can cost more than health. COVID-19 has certainly taught us some major life lessons. I would not mind spending a fortune if I have to keep my loved ones safe. Although, big researchers have not been able to figure out a fool-proof safety method against the deadly virus, however, we can do whatever is in our hand to maintain good living standards and hygiene. Thus, the very first gift idea I would like to recommend for the well-being of mothers is an air purifier to keep the pollutants in the room at bay. Air purifiers are devised to sense the air quality and remove airborne pollutants. These can be as small as 0.003 microns. It can purify a standard room in just a few minutes and can also remove pollen and house dust mites, which is also beneficial in case they are allergic to these.

CLICK TO BUY

Mother’s Day Gift Idea 2: Echo Dot For The Satisfaction Of Instructing Someone Throughout the Day 😉

The second item that instantly came to my mind was the Echo Dot. I wanted to gift a Bluetooth speaker to my mother and then I thought why not buy a smart speaker with Alexa. It would be fun to see moms giving instructions and Alexa performing all the tasks she demands. This would be a good way to keep her engaged and entertained especially when we are all mostly at home. Also, because my mother is a great learner and takes a keen interest in experimenting with new things, I thought this can be a new and easy way out for her to stay abreast of news, stories, music, information and simultaneously explore a new gadget. There are a lot of other voice control features as well that come along with it.

CLICK TO BUY

Mother’s Day Gift Idea 3: Hair Dryer and Styler To Make Her Flaunt Her Beautiful Hair

My mother has beautiful straight silky hair. I used to ask her why don’t have hair like you. We spend so much of our time looking good while most of the time our moms invest in is looking after the family. Since this latest trending product had grabbed many eyeballs, I thought it could be a good gifting option for mothers. They need all the love and pamper they deserve. Give them this trendy and chic looking hairdryer and styler, which is easy-to-use for her. Style her hair your way whenever you are with her and make her fall in love with her hair all over again.

CLICK TO BUY

Mother’s Day Gift Idea 4: Foot, Calf and Leg Massager For Relaxing Her

Why should mothers be deprived of anything that can comfort their wearied nerves? I added this foot, calf and leg massager to my kitty long back for this day. On days when you could not be close to her to give her a good foot massage, this machine would do the job and remind her of you.

CLICK TO BUY

Mother’s Day Gift Idea 5: Kindle Book Reader For Urging Her To Read

Books are a great way to stay involved and pass time and what better way than to get used to reading on Kindle. I am addicted to it. It’s portable and saves me from making space from buying and maintaining hundreds of books. Once a book hoarder, I am now a bookaholic without accumulating books. More than that being a traveller, gives me good company on all my tours without taking much space. I gifted Kindle long back to her but would love to upgrade to this better version because she loves to read and I want her to keep the pace.

CLICK TO BUY

Mother’s Day Gift Idea 6: Air Fryer For Her Love Of Food Which She Has Otherwise Given Up

There was a time when you could not think of giving up on fried food or the use of oil. With changing times people have become more health-conscious. To keep my parents away from ailments I have urged them and even they have consciously cut down on fried stuff. Gifting my mom an Air fryer will be a good option to firstly not deprive her of the foods which were earlier not possible without frying and secondly would not increase my blood pressure level to know she has again prepared something fried like my dad’s favourite Samosas.

CLICK TO BUY

Mother’s Day Gift Idea 7: Instant Camera Gift Pack For Developing And Building Instant Memories

Mothers are generally fond of decorating homes with beautiful pictures of their children and loved ones. What better than gifting her the Instant Camera that can capture any memory– develop instantly. She can make endless memories herself and decorate one entire wall, make fridge magnets out of pictures or the complete house with beautiful pictures. While finding an instant camera I came across this useful kit with a camera, buntings for decoration, battery, camera strap, etc.

CLICK TO BUY

Mother’s Day Gift Idea 8: New Apple iPhone For The Love Of iPhone

You don’t need a reason to buy an iPhone for yourself or for the person you adore. You can upgrade your mom to a new iPhone or buy her one if she doesn’t have one. iPhone is a perfect gift if you can afford one because it could never disappoint you. Its performance and experience is exceptionally good and once an iPhone user will always be an iPhone user. Try it out!

CLICK TO BUY

Mother’s Day Gift Idea 9: Robotic Vacuum Cleaner and Mopper Can Be The Biggest Help In Challenging Times Like These

I was happy to find something like the robotic vacuum cleaner and mopper that can not just wipe away the dust and floor but also your mother’s maid woes now and then. Especially during the lockdown and uncertain times, this can turn out to be a blessing for all mothers. Its remote, app and virtual control modes make it all the more convenient for her to sit from any corner, monitor and instruct this super gizmo. This blew my mind and sooner or later I am going to have one for myself too. Read about its versatile functionality by clicking on the link below and no doubt you would fall in love. This can make anyone self-reliant. Say goodbye to the maid’s woes.

CLICK TO BUY

Mother’s Day Gift Idea 10: FitBit Health and Fitness Tracker For Monitoring Daily Activities To Stay Hale And Hearty

Needless to say, this sleek band is the need of the hour with all the limited activities and sedentary lifestyle we have. Mothers are no less when it comes to making a move and staying active. More than that it’s like telling her your health is in your hands so keep moving and keep tracking your daily activities for the number of steps you take, calories you burn, hours you sleep and more. This is no less than a love band for your mom if you can convince her to wear it always and follow the daily activity reminders.

CLICK TO BUY

If you have not given a thought to what your mother loves to do, now is the time. I believe gifts should not always be weighed with their price tag. No gift is cheap or expensive considering it is of utility to the person you are gifting it to. Make it a point not to gift things you love but what the other person would love to have. More tips on it may be in some other blog.

Super Moms Deserve Super Gifts. Happy Gifting!

…………

Subscribe Now

YouTube: https://bit.ly/2Q1sgGj

Blog: https://anupriyamishra.wordpress.com/

—

For Daily Updates Follow on

Instagram: https://instagram.com/appy.tales/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/anupriyamishr/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anupriya_mishra

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/anupriyamishra

—

Contact: writetoappytales@gmail.com

Disclaimer: Some of the links are affiliate links, which means if you use that link to buy something, I get a small kickback at no extra cost to you.

Hotel Review: Ride Inn Café & Resort in Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Early morning at Ride Inn Cafe & Resort in Manali

“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” -Oprah Winfrey

Sneh and Godwin, the owners of this enthralling property, have certainly proved this to be true. If you get a chance to stay at this place, you would know. You can easily relate to their undeniable love for bikes and travelling. These reflect in unimaginable ways. Every element they have used for adding aesthetic value to their hotel is well thought of and crafted assiduously. It not just speaks of their fascination but exudes enormous attention to detail as a traveller. Ride Inn, a motorcycle-themed café and boutique hotel, and as the name suggests may seem more inviting to bike lovers; however, this is not just limited to bikers or bike enthusiasts. We drove into this place and enjoyed a four day stay experiencing and evaluating every corner. I will take you through the observations and experiences I had, staying here.

Ride Inn is nestled amidst the mighty Himalayas and offers a 360-degree view of the mountains

Nestled Amidst the Mighty Himalayas: Imagine! You stay at a place with a 360-degree view of the mountains, river Beas flowing adjacently, picturesque orchards surrounding you when you step out of your room, a landscaped garden at your disposal. You are at Ride Inn. Yes, a place that is no less than divine, when it comes to the sceneries. It’s a perfect abode to spend quality time with your loved ones or just be yourself in a dreamy set-up and enjoy your own company. You would require crossing the stunning Shanag Bridge, Nehru Kund, which lies on the Manali-Leh Highway, to reach this resort. Crossing the bridge in itself would give you goosebumps and make for a joyous ride.

The garden area at Ride Inn is beautifully landscaped and a perfect place for bonfire

A Perfect Destination for Comfort and Pleasure: I was amazed multiple times for different reasons. I realized I was not only exposed to bewildering sights but also a magnificently done hotel. The exteriors have an earthy appeal considering the colour, texture and the moderate use of wood. I later got to know the architecture of Ride Inn drew inspiration from old Himachali Kathkuni architecture. It is a traditional form of architecture prevalent in Northern Himachal Pradesh and is eco-friendly. Such architecture is weather-friendly, aesthetically pleasing and stable for years. In addition to this, Ride Inn is designed to ensure comfort and provides rooms and corners, giving personal space to guests. Each corner is distinct. The garden area has logs of woods for seating arrangement and bonfire; the attention-grabbing café too has cosy corners done differently; I would like to mention in a separate point. Also, they have a sufficient parking space that can contain up to 8-9 cars within the premise.

The vibrant, cosy rooms and the wooden furnishing keep you warm

Warm and Comfy Rooms: This is one of those hotels where you would not want to step out of your rooms. I am one restless person, always on foot and never taking a rest. When I visit a place, I am a traveller and not a tourist. I do not believe in wasting a fraction of second because I love to explore. Ride Inn changed that for me. Most of the time, I was busy finishing my work on the laptop and enjoying coffee breaks with a surreal view right from my balcony. The room is compact and cosy with simple wooden furnishings and dreamy yellow lamps. A nicely done bed and a neat and clean washroom with all amenities like hot water geyser, toiletries and a balcony with a view. You would find a floor rug and a small cabinet with extra blankets for extremely cold weather. It only shows the thoughtfulness and planning that has gone into making and maintaining this homely abode. Generally, when I visit a cold place and stay in a hotel, I have to ask for extra comforters. This beforehand concern, to ensure the comfort of guests, pleased me.

The décor elements at Ride Inn Cafe are made of bike gears and are interesting to see

The Roof-Top Café & Food: I never found the cafe vacant, not even once. People, especially youngsters, frequently visit here. You can sit in this roof-top café with a view, read books, work and spend hours with some good food at your disposal. As earlier mentioned, each corner is distinct. The décor elements are made of bike gears and are very interesting to see. You would find glass tables decorated with bike gears, stools made of motorbike seats with a spring, tissue holder made of nut and bolt, lampshades made of some iron spikes, I am sure they are called something in riders’ lingo. They have a washbasin area with a Yamaha oil tanker used as a water dispenser, Rajdoot accessory made into a soap dispenser and a bike tyre into a washbasin. If you have to witness the height of creativity, zeal for standing out and passion for your work, Ride Inn is the place to be. One part of the cafe is converted into a dining area and is extremely vibrant. They have made a dining table from a scooter (Bajaj Chetak) with serving bowls mounted on the top. Then there is a comfortable floor-seating arrangement with a view on one side and a slightly sophisticated seating arrangement with wooden tables, chairs and bean bags on the other. The centre of the café has a furnace made of barrels. A vibrant wall with stickers all over and interesting travel quotes on walls everywhere are sure to inspire you to travel more and of course to revisit Ride Inn whenever feasible. 

Ride Inn menu is loaded with lip-smacking dishes; offers curated dining experience and divine desserts

The food at Ride Inn needs a special mention because the owners Sneh & Godwin are chefs themselves. So you can imagine how carefully they must have put the menu in place. Each cuisine is carefully curated by them and passed on to the chef in charge. The food is sumptuous. I have had the best of foods but whatever I ate here was a perfect balance of spices, aroma and taste. The presentation is simple yet chic. A lot of attention has gone into the cutlery to complement the furnishings. Once you have absorbed all of this, try their divine dessert. My personal favourite is Apple Caramel Blondie. It tastes heavenly! Slightly warm and melts in your mouth to leave a creamy, caramelized taste to relish for long. Everything on the menu is so perfect that you might feel satiated but can never get bored eating the same dish.  

Enjoyed the warmth, service and the room with a view

Good Hospitality and Service: Right since the time I stepped in to Ride Inn till I checked out, I found the staff and management extremely courteous, helpful and always on their toes. They guided us on various things. They told us about the place, food, explained the menu thoroughly without rushing and served us the best and most delectable dishes we had ordered. If I sound too full of praises, please know that it is worth it. After all, it is a well-trained staff that makes your stay an exceptional one. No matter how good a hotel is, if you do not find them hospitable enough, you ruin your mood and eventually the trip. Ride Inn hospitality is good.

Sneh & Godwin – The owners of Ride Inn (Image courtesy: Ride Inn)

More About the Owners – Sneh & Godwin, the owners of this place have too many things in common. Call it a coincidence or destiny; they are both professional hairdressers and chefs and have an unparalleled love for travel. The duo is making excellent use of their commonalities and serving fellow travellers with the finest of experiences in the form of Ride Inn. After exploring India extensively in the last many years, they fell in love with the Himalayas and decided to make it their home. Being hair artists, they also offer salon services at Ride Inn (I’m yet to explore). Constructing a luxurious building is one thing, infusing life through experiences, intricacies and cautions another. And, that is what the two masterminds have done through Ride Inn.

Evening at Ride Inn Cafe & Resort

If you ever visit this place, do not just stay here like you do in any other hotel. Instead, feel the emotions that go in every bit and the very existence of this place. Observe; to learn how you can make a difference if you are passionate about something. You got to feel this place more than just staying in at Ride Inn. So next time when you visit Manali, you know your favourite dwelling. Ride in to Ride Inn!

—-

Website: https://rideinn.in/

Location: Across Nehru Kund Bridge, Burwa Road, Manali

E-mail: info@rideinn.in

Contact: +918894539495; +918894594951

Sparkling ‘Jewels of Rajputana’

There are plenty of sellers selling out Rajputana jewelry, at least as per their belief, but none of them have a beauty like these, which dates back to the heritage and culture of Rajputs in true sense.

Jewelry is one thing that brings sparkle in every woman’s eye and I’m no exception. Ladies now-a-days are more fussy and sophisticated when they shop for jewelry. Mainly, because we do not simply go with the dazzling shine of gold anymore. It’s the design, finesse, make and various other facets that we look at.

Apart from that, there’s endless variety. Who would want to stick to just  different patterns in gold when there are so many topping options to add that extra bling? I love gold and I equally love gold studded with diamonds or with Polki work or embellished with precious stones like Ruby, Emerald and the list goes on and on. I am fanatic about the very thought of buying a jewelry for myself. Even a look at some exquisite piece brings innate happiness in me. Hence, I couldn’t stop myself writing about my experience at the extravagant pomp and show by one of the luxury diamond boutiques, Zoya.

JJ Valaya, Nisha JamVwal, Arif Padiath flanked by Models

Isn’t it an icing on the cake if you get all that you want under one roof? Zoya from the House of Tata unveiled its limited edition collection – Jewels of the Rajputana on November 27, 2014 in Mumbai. I feel, this is one brand that understands precisely what a woman desires. The stunning collection of Rajputana jewelry marveled one and all, present at the showcasing of the brand’s exotic and most exquisite collection. The designs that Zoya introduced in a royal way is commendable. It reflects the royalty of Rajasthan, the tradition of Rajputs, the glory of a bygone era and the creativity of its own.

What’s unique about the collection?

Well, I would say, if you have an eye for detailing, you would love the entire range of collection. There are plenty of sellers selling out Rajputana jewelry, at least as per their belief, but the ones from Zoya have a beauty that dates back to the heritage and culture of Rajputs in true sense. ‘Jewels of Rajputana’ collection by Zoya is embellished with finest Polki work with symmetrical patterns, handcrafted enameling, precious stones that imprint the rich culture flavored with excellent craftsmanship. The precision in work is evident. To know more about the collection visit: http://zoya.in/

I have been a big fan of almost everything under the banner of Tata. Be it Tanishq or Zoya, their commitment to quality and unique craftsmanship has always brought me a step closer to being a loyal customer to them. I even do not worry shelling extra money on the making charges if I get what I call to be uniquely splendid from a brand that’s trustworthy. Now, is the time to add a new feather in my cap. Wink!

Enliven up Your Home—From Chic to Traditional

It is rightly said, “There’s nothing half so pleasant as coming home again.” And, I believe that it’s all the more pleasant, if your home is well-kept and each item that it holds is hand-picked by you. No matter how hectic your day is at work or how tiring your journey was, you feel high in spirit as soon as you are back home. A home need not be full of luxurious belongings, but items that pleases your eyes and give you ample comfort. The place where you find the greatest comfort next to your mother’s lap is your home.

I always put my best efforts to make my home look elegant and sophisticated without overdoing things. I’m an ardent believer of the fact that true beauty lies in simplicity and I love to keep it simple yet beautiful. For the same I’ve given my sweet abode a magnificent look and feel. At least, not a single guest of mine has ever missed to compliment me on that and I feel elated when they do so. My minimalist approach helps me not to hoard things and that makes my life easier as it gives me ample opportunity to re-do my home furnishings.

With this approach, I’ve kept my living room organized without spending too much of time cleaning and dusting as a daily ritual. The best part is, I can change the theme of my living room from time to time; and the time is now.

I kept a chic and classy look for almost three years and now is the time when I give it a new look. For sure, I can do this by bringing in some new stuff, especially some splendid art pieces or home décor items. This time I wanted to go for some ethnic items to add a pinch of traditionalism.

I started to look out for home décor and furnishing items a few weeks back, but nothing could allure me enough as I wanted something unique and resplendent. Everything looked so ordinary and boring, be it online or in stores. I was about to give up on the idea to save myself from spending uselessly on shopping for things halfheartedly till the time I came across this fascinating website called makemyhome.com. I think it just hit the right chords and knew exactly what I wanted.

Here I am on the verge of giving my imagination a new platform to turn into reality with the help of makemyhome.com. I’m completely baffled to see the products on this website and I’m sure this would help me renovate my home more frequently. However, for now I’m just stuck onto these three interesting items that would change the chic ambience to an ethnic one:

1. Illuminating Corners of the Room – This silver night lamp made of silver on the corner table in my living room is sure to add surreal charm in the ambience of my living room. I can imagine the beauty that it’s going to add to the walls and surrounding objects. Though this lamp is way too expensive, but it’s going to be an investment in silver. I have completely fallen for it and loved the finish, which gives it all the more sophisticated look. 
2. Adding Ethnicity – Now, to balance out my budget, I certainly have to look for some reasonable stuff, without losing on the quality and elegance. And, this Keshan Carpet would help me do exactly what I need. The color of this carpet would complement the color of my walls. I’m super excited as my living room is almost done. All I need is an ethnic décor for the wall, adjacent to my LED. 
3. Giving Final Touch – This would fulfill my requirement perfectly. Not at all expensive, this terracotta handmade painting is sure to give an absolutely terrific look to my living room.

I simply can’t wait to re-do my living room with these exquisite items. Makemyhome.com has made it so convenient for me that I can shop often. It’s better to buy exceptionally good items by keeping your shopping limited, rather than going for too many objects at the same time as, “A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.” It’s time for me to fulfill my dreams with ornate items that are unique. How about you?

This post is a part of Makemyhome activity at BlogAdda.com

 

Image Source (Top Pic): Google

What’s so special about summers?

Summers!! It’s the time of the year when the days are longer than nights and evenings are sluggish and dull, if you do not have enough to keep yourself engaged.  You’ll have the majority of people who would crib about the sweaty season, but there are always a few like me, who have less or no complaints with sizzling sunny days as there are ways to keep the summery gloom at bay. Why? For plenty of reasons:

Summers makes you feel light

Hasn’t it been long, carrying those overcoats, jackets, high necks, mufflers, stockings and just too many clothes for a body? Now, is the time when you transform your wardrobe with a stylish one with lots of space for your shorts, satin lace tops, floral dresses, cotton and linen shirts and trousers. Scorching sun gives you the liberty to flaunt variety of shades in various patterns. Summers gives your skin, ample space to breath. This is one reason to let go off repentance of the bygone winter.

Summers are fun for all age groups. If you plan well!

This is the time when you can plan a good vacation with your entire family. Take a week’s break from work and pack your bags for a cool place like hill stations, near or far, depending on the availability of leaves that you could manage from your office. Availing leaves is as difficult as booking an air or a railway ticket these days. So, make sure that you plan them well in advance. A well planned holiday can take away the last minute stress and you can completely enjoy with your family and friends. Remember, if you are looking for the fun aspect, try going in a large group. But, if you are looking for a vacation that gives you ample time to relax, friends and their families are an absolute NO.

Plunge into some water sports and activities

Of course, who would want to do that in winters? But, this is the best time to go swimming or exploring water sports. These days there are amusement and water parks in almost every city. Plan a weekend and dedicate your day to splashing up and enjoying the water rides throughout the day. This will refresh you and you can plan it for days when you want to stay cool and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones. The best part is, you can do this over a weekend and need not take unnecessary off from work.

Best time to enjoy Beverages

A little health awareness does not take away the fun element. This season gives you lots of options to have fluids in variety of ways. Have fruits which are water enriched like watermelon, kiwi, strawberry, muskmelon. This will not just help you feel light, but also keep you rejuvenated. Fruits are the best source of vitamins. The majority of people complain of not feeling hungry during the hot weather. This can lead to weakness or dehydration. So, the best way is to have fruits and beverages, like fresh fruit juice or try some interesting mock-tail recipes at your home. If you succeed, then you can also call upon your friends and neighbors to try some. Isn’t it a cool way to enjoy and take care of your health at the same time?

Go pamper yourself

I know of some women who complained this winter that they did not feel like going to a beauty salon because of the freezing cold. Ladies, this is the best time to step out frequently and rejuvenate your senses with some spa, foot massages and facials. Try going the organic way like fruit products or gel based products instead of creams that will leave you look more like an oil paper rather than giving you a cool sensation. And, when it comes to self-pampering why should men be left behind. Try some aroma therapies or fish pedicure that will unwind and invigorate your senses.

Enjoy the evening stroll

Summer evenings are worth a stroll if you have someone to chit chat with and an ice cream shop just down the road. Walking has lost its charm with increasing dependency on machines. Cars have replaced our efforts to walk and smartphones have taken the place of your partner to walk. So, put your best foot forward and walk down the lane with someone you would love to spend time with. Make a pick and slurp on some mouth smacking ice-cream, and you can try some more. That’s the best thing about summers; you do not need to worry about the cough and cold.

Watching movies at home is fun

You must be going out to watch a movie almost every second week. But, this is the time when you can get some good flicks to watch in the comfort of your home. All you need to do is work a little on the ambiance of your living room to give it a cool, dark and cozy effect. Keep some snacks, popcorn and cold drinks ready. When, it’s all set, lie down on your couch and enjoy the theater effect of watching a movie of your choice with your friends and family.

And, the list of activities and engagements go on and on. Summers are so exciting, if you know the best time to do, what you want to do and the best ways to avoid the stinky weather, instead stay refreshed all the time. All that you can do in the summers, you probably cannot do in the winters. So, tell me now, what is it that you prefer–Summers or Winters?