happy mother's day: ahhh spa!

With so many spas on the market, it takes more than a choice of massages and facials to lure customers. Lucky for us, these days spas are creating innovative and inspiring treatments designed to target any individual need. And when it comes to Mother's Day, the list falls far from short. Moms-to-be can check into the Trump International Beach Resort in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, for a treatment called Pickles and Ice Cream ($249). It includes a 50-minute prenatal massage, plus a 25-minute ice cream bath (with a take home scoop for later) and some delicious deep fried pickles. At Miramonte Resort and Spa in Indian Wells, California, try the Desperate Spa Mom package ($155), featuring her choice of a 45-minute facial or a sensory scalp treatment, plus foot reflexology and membership for the day. At Skin Deep The Body Spa in Huntington Beach, California, try the Mother's Day BYOB (only $10!), otherwise known as Bring Your Own Baby. A highly skilled massage therapist will demonstrate the calming techniques of infant massage. At The Spa at Trump in Las Vegas, Nevada, go for the Indulgence Package ($299), a refreshing facial, body scrub and aromatherapy massage, plus stress relieving patches, Sprayology woman power homeopathic oral spray and a delicate eye pillow. At Spa Terre at Paradise Point Resort Spa in San Diego, California, go for the Celebrate Mom with Three Generations ($150 per guest) deal. Mother, daughter and granddaughter each receive a Passion Flower Pedicure, manicure and lunch on the private spa terrace. At Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa in Lake Arrowhead, California, try the V.I.G. package ($289 per guest) for Very Important Girlfriends. Enjoy a cocktail party with roll-in ice cream cart while watching your favorite chick flick. The next morning, treat yourselves to two 25-minute treatments and a spa lunch. Get more spa info on the International Spa Association website, www.ispa.com.

happy mother's day: heart to heart

Salvatore Principe follows his heart in the creation of this Heartstory Book ($100), a collection of heart paintings dedicated to the memory of his mother who died of ovarian cancer. In her absence, he lost her heart so he turned to his canvas for healing. He started with a simple heart painted in natural earth tones, then evolved into embellishing the hearts with loving sentiments and bold colors. Principe has touched many hearts with his work: Jenny McCarthy, Cameron Diaz and Gwen Stefani all hang his artwork in their homes. This breathtaking coffee table book makes a very special, moving Mother's Day gift. So spread the love and get one for your mom. Go to www.salvatoreprincipe.com to purchase.

happy mother's day: cheers!

If you're a mom like me, you've got a tough job...you take care of your kids 24/7 (or should I say 25/8!) You're up at the crack of dawn and run on Duracell batteries the rest of the day. You cook meals, change diapers, pull on and off clothes, give baths, read, sing and play till you're ready to drop. What you really need is a cocktail--or more specifically, a Nuvo Cocktail from Nuvo L'Esprit de France. Developed by esteemed event planner David Tutera, the Springtime Martini is created with Nuvo, a premium vodka made with a small amount of delicate French sparkling wine (Chardonnay with a touch of Pinot Noir). How its made: Mix 2 ounces of Ciroc vodka, 1/2 peach nectar, and a splash of fresh lime juice, then shake and strain. Top with 1 ounce chilled Nuvo Sparkling Liqueur and garnish with a rose petal confetti rim. Nuvo is blended with natural fruit nectar and infused with refreshing fruits. The best part: The ultra-chic bottle, reminiscent of a luxury perfume bottle, shows off its soft pink hue and makes it the perfect Mother's Day gift. The cost: $10 for 200 ml, $20 for 375 ml, $30 for 750 ml. Find it at liquor stores nationwide or get more info at www.sparklingnuvo.com.

happy mother's day: linked in

OK, it may seem a bit extravagant these days when every penny counts...but it's definitely something your mom won't buy for herself! And you're going to get her a gift anyway, right? Designed by Honolulu, Hawaii native Kalika Nacion Yap, Luxe Link ($35-$79) is the purse hook that hangs from the table to keep your bag off the floor. Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Michelle Williams and many other celebs are all fans. Think of it as the next must-have accessory. There's a design to suit any mom's style. Choose from hundreds of versions, including Swarovski crystal studded versions, Hawaiian patterns and Jackie O' inspired styles. The best part: Each purse comes in a luxurious suede pouch that's smaller than a compact so it's easy to tote anywhere. Go to http://www.luxelink.com/ to choose the style that suits your mom.

happy mother's day: make thymes for mom

It's hard to find the perfect gift--especially for moms who seem to have everything. One thing every mom can use more of: a bit of pampering! Give moms a well-deserved "Thyme" out with these great gifts from Thymes ($6-$34). The ultimate treat: environmentally-friendly Thymes Essentials Kits, featuring a complete everyday regimen from a comprehensive deep clean treatment to a quick pick-me-up. For a relaxing indulgence, give moms the Thymes Lavender glycerin soap bar, made of soft, velvet lavender blended with clary sage and violet leaf designed to calm and restore. The Thymes Naia Bath and Body Collection boasts a refreshing spring scent and Thymes Eucalyptus (my favorite!) is relaxing and refreshing at the same time. A long-time company best-seller, the Thymes Eucalyptus collection features body lotion, body wash, hand lotion, a eucalyptus candle, and more. Check out www.thymes.com for more info or to make your purchase.