Mother's Day | A Joyful Riot

SereKNITy + 16 Soothing Gifts for Moms and Gal Pals

May 8, 2017 ·

Last year I saw the funniest video of a mom explaining that you can all forego the kitchen appliances, clothing items, and gardening supplies; all we moms really want is just a day to be alone and relax! In fact, the only Mother’s Day gift I’ve ever asked for was to sleep in.

Since a day off is nearly impossible to come by as a mom, we thought a gift guide made up items that will help all the moms in your life achieve at least a few moments of relaxation was called for! We’ve got 15 soothing items for any lady on your list this summer, featuring this happy and sweet DIY crochet and knitting book SereKNITy: Peaceful Projects to Soothe and Inspire.

I can’t tell you enough how much I love the premise of this book! A lot of times, all the DIY inspiration and how-tos out there can feel overwhelming. But, instead of a focus on the pinterest-perfect, this book is all about the peaceful time spent making the project. A way to slow down and recharge with uncomplicated, practical patterns for the loveliest handmade items.

Besides making you feel at-ease with the projects within, this book also features pretty photography, and lovely illustrations. Plus, the projects are things you actually want to make, like cute boot cuffs and fluffy eye pillows.

Since both my mom and my mother-in-law crochet and knit, I immediately thought this book would make a great gift for either of them. While I definitely think this book by itself is more than a great present, I’m also the kind of person who likes to put things together with complimenting items, in baskets if I can! So I started brainstorming a bunch of other pretty and relaxing items to go with it. I decided to share them all with you in case you’re also looking for soothing gifts for mom!

And, since this guide is cutting it a little close (in case you’ve been away from the calendar recently–Mother’s day is in 6 days), this guide is also perfect for all the women in your life! We all do so much (often too much) and as such could all use some calm and quiet. Looking for birthday presents? Bridesmaid gifts? Shower or just because presents? We got ya covered. And lets not forget how many teachers out there could use one of these items as a last day of school present!

So click through for 15 more peace-promoting gifts for all the gals in your life.

A Mother’s Day Picnic Brunch

April 28, 2016 ·

A lot of times with Mother’s Day the focus is on what children should get their mother or significant mother figure in their life. But what about the dad?! It is just as important for the father to shower his spouse with some needed love on this special day. So when FTD challenged us with putting together a tablescape featuring their florals to help inspire dads we jumped at the opportunity!

First off, look at all these gorgeous Mother’s Day bouquets! If there is one thing that is a no-fail gift it is having flowers delivered. No way that cannot improve someone’s day and every time I have gotten flowers delivered to my mom or mother-in-law they have loved it! If you take the flowers and pair it with a simple brunch then you have definitely out done yourself this year.

I decided to throw a simple outdoor brunch picnic with the beautiful Sunlit Meadows bouquet. Now, you might be thinking this is a lot to do but trust me – all you need is a lovely spring day, a blanket, these flowers and some quick breakfast food and you have the most fabulous Mother’s Day surprise! I chose a wood pallet as the makeshift table but of course any blanket will do. And grab some pillows to make it even more inviting!

Brunch is a common Mother’s Day gift and of course I would never encourage anyone to not treat their wife or significant other to breakfast in bed. But I also firmly believe you have to take advantage of May weather and there is truly nothing better than a picnic. Planning one for someone you love is such a warm gesture and laying on a blanket in the sun is one of the true joys of life. I just am not convinced there is any better way to celebrate Mother’s Day. Plus, if you have a yard or patio then no one even has to get out of their pajamas!

For my picnic I grabbed some blueberry muffins, orange juice, strawberries and pie (at brunch it is perfectly acceptable to have dessert). I kept it small and easy to show all you dads how easy it is to create a lovely spread. No cooking required!

Extra flowers are always a plus. I always just go to my local grocery store and buy two bunches of flowers and stick them in whatever vases I have around – it so easy to DIY floral arrangements. Above I am using votive holders (hence the no water) and below I am using lanterns so really anything works.

And one more look at those flowers! I just love the vase so much and will definitely be using it in the future!

Mother’s Day Gift Guide + A Giveaway!

April 25, 2016 ·

Because we absolutely love to make (and to see) gift guides (and because we’re still racking our brains to decide what to get our Mom and MILs) we decided we better scour the internet and find the best options the web has to offer for quirky, pretty, practical, and sentimental Mother’s Day gifts and put them together in a handy little AJR guide, just in time for anyone else whose still looking for ideas!

We have something for everyone here, and every budget, and I have to say I would not be one bit mad if I got any of the items on this list :D and what’s even better is that one of you could win #1 (which is currently the #1 on my wishlist too!) by heading on over to our Instagram and entering in the giveaway, which will run until midnight tomorrow (MST, 4/26)

Klix Klutch Designer Wallet Case – This case, which combines your wallet and your phone into one handy and beautiful location is perfect for the organized mom (or the one who needs some help getting there..). It comes in many different colors and patterns (mint! fuscia! florals!) and there’s a case for every smart phone! Just choose which one is perfect for Mom and maybe grab one for yourself! (also enter to win one on our Instagram!) $25
The Doorstop Necklace – I absolutely adore this commemorative necklace that let’s you personalize it with an address that means something special to you. Maybe your mom loved her childhood home or loves the home she currently lives in, or where you were born. Wherever the special location, let her keep home close to her heart. $98
Floral Tumbler – Perfect for the mom whose always on the go! Now she can sip her fave drink in fresh style. $14
Floral Embroidery Tote – Is your mom the kind that always has chapstick, and tampons, and bandaids, and a sewing kit, and coupons, and…on her at all times? then I bet she’s right now looking for a pretty option to store it all in! Help her out. $49
What I love About Mom Book – Let’s face it, all mom’s are sentimental and would love this book. $10
Cool Mom Tee – Even if your mom isn’t a huge Mean Girls fan, I’m positive she’d like to be called “cool” by her kid. $27
Selfie Toaster – This is hands-down my favorite quirky gift ever. Upload a photo and they’ll send you a toaster that NO JOKE puts that photo (i.e. your face) on every slice of toast your mom makes. I guarantee she’s still looking for an excuse to eat those cheeks up and this way, you keep your dignity and stay slobber free. $75
Birchbox – This is my favorite subscription box. Mainly because it’s so cheap and you get killer name brands! It perfect for moms who both love beauty products, or those who never really splurge on any but would probably like an excuse to try those brands they see in Sephora. Also, its a package in the mail every month and no one hates that. $10/month.
State Pendant – Personally, I adore my home state, Utah and I know a lot of people who have a ton of pride about where they were born, or wherever they call home. If your mom is one of these people, what better than a necklace shaped like that state? This necklace comes in a variety of colors and doesn’t have to be glittery if that’s not your mom’s style. $49
Sweet Tea Towels, Ice Cream & Popsicles – These happy and bright tea towels adorned with sugary treats are perfect for summer home decor and the mom who loves her kitchen! $4.50
Adult Coloring Books, Mandalas and Flowers – Adult coloring books are all the rage right now because they’re a great mindless way to release some stress. Both of these options are beautiful and perfect for mom! Mandalas, $3.70 and flowers, $10.80.
Instax Mini Instant Camera – Your mom might’ve grown up with a polaroid or maybe she just loves to get photos printed out to save. Recently my BFF has been sending me Snaps of her Instax photos and I’m so jealous, this truly is a gift for all the generations. $70
Adorable Muslin Swaddle Blankets – Maybe your mom is expecting another baby soon, or your friend or your sister and you want to give them a Mother’s day gift. While I usually think Mother’s day gifts should be something just for mom to use, who wouldn’t love one of these gorgeous swaddles for their upcoming baby? I wouldn’t be mad. $18-22
Vintage Flower Scarf or Gem Dangle Earrings – In a world full of scarves, earrings, accessories of all kinds, sometimes it can be hard to find one that stands out above the rest. Here are two. Scarf, $39.50. Earrings, $38
Zodiak Sign Pins – I’m not even big into astrology, or even at all in to astrology, but I would like these pins. In a world of silly flair, these ones are classy and cute and even sentimental. $16.50

So there is our 2016 guide. I hope you found something that’s just right or at least inspires you. Any of these perfect for your mom or yourself? Let us know which ones you’re diggin’ in the comments! And don’t forget our giveaway!

Cupcake Flower Pots

May 6, 2015 ·

Mother’s Day is just a few days away and this year is my first one! All I really want is a morning off :) but if I hadn’t already bought myself a bunch of pretty flowers to plant I would want some of those! Maybe you’re planning on giving some to the special mothers in your life? If so, why not wrap them up to look like sweet treats?

My mom makes really great cupcakes and she loves to do it! So it made me think about planting her flowers in the wrappers and then giving them in a cupcake box. Mixing two things she loves, cupcakes and flowers!

Easy Mother’s Day Gift Bags

May 4, 2015 ·

Mother’s Day is in 6 days! And of course you are probably all set with gifts for the most special women in your lives. But that just means you need some pretty packaging for those gifts!

Of course wrapping paper is always a sure bet but in you want something different, quickly make this little bag. It also has the bonus of being perfect for jewelry- a fairly common Mother’s Day gift!

Washi tape //
Canvas bag //
Marker

1. Place the washi tape on the bottom of the canvas bag. I did two rows using different washi tape designs.

2. Take your market (I just used a permanent gold marker) and write any message you want like “Happy Mother’s Day,” “Best Mom Award,” “I love you mom,” or “Best mom ever!”