Let’s face it; there is no way that any gift comes close to giving thanks to the woman who raised and made us who we are today. Nonetheless we should all try to give a little thank you even though mom will probably say that it’s not necessary.
If there is any individual who deserves some pampering, it’s mom. New York City has no shortage of fine spas who offer everything from manicures and pedicures to massages. Among the spas that have gift certificates for their services are Spa Martier located just over the Queensboro (I still can’t day Ed Koch) Bridge, the Mandarin Oriental located adjacent to the Time Warner Building, and the Red Door and Exhale Spas which have locations throughout the metropolitan area.
If you are not sure which spa mom would like best then you can let her decide by buying the Smartbox Serenity book (www.smartbox.com) that lets her choose a treatment from over 120 facilities from such upscale providers as the Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott and Loew’s.
Gaming properties are renown for their excellent restaurants and spas and provide a change of scenery without going too far. In Connecticut both Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods offer top-notch dining, spas and big name entertainment on weekends. Atlantic City’s Taj Mahal has long been known for its affordable luxurious amenities and it is located on the north end of AC’s world-famous boardwalk. Northeastern Pennsylvania is starting to compete with both Connecticut and Atlantic City. The Mount Airy Casino in the Poconos has a fine spa with restaurants in all price ranges while the Sands Casino Hotel located in Bethlehem, 35 miles south of Mount Airy, is scheduled to open this month.
Of course there is nothing wrong with staying close to home and enjoying what New York has to offer. Both CityPass, and it chief competitor, the New York Pass provide great value that they allow you to visit a lot of New York museums and attractions for one price. The trick is that you have to do it within a certain time frame that can range anywhere from one to nine days.
My favorite deal from both CityPass and the New York Pass is that you can ride on the Circle Line River Cruise gratis. Another good freebie is that you can take a ride on Statue Cruises to either Ellis Island or the Statue of Liberty.
Why not treat mom to a truly memorable experience on the Hudson and East Rivers? Both the Spirit of New York, and its more luxurious sailing sibling, the Bateux, as well as their main competitor, World Yacht Cruises, offer fine dining brunch and dinner cruises that come with an abundance of on-board entertainment.
There are no shortage of consumer goods that should put a smile on mom’s face.
Watches are always the most functional of all jewelry items and you can find beautiful timepieces in all price ranges from Queens’ own Armitron to the high-end Tissot Glamsport designed by Indy Racing League driver Danica Patrick.
Sunglasses are another functional fashion accessory that come in all price points. Solstice and Revo are two brands that offer chic designs as well as maximum protection fo ultraviolet rays.
It seems as if women never have enough pocketbooks. The Kipling Cross Body Bag, Treesje’s Aquarius Cross Body Bag, PurseN’s Luxury Travel Tote are big enough to handle everything for a night out or weekend away to a trip to the health club.
Speaking of the health club, there is no reason not to look fashionable and wear clothing that is functional as well. Under Armour has come out with a Charged Cotton line of T-shirts that the company claims will dry five times faster than regular tees. Olympic gold medal skier Lindsey Vonn is one of its endorsers.Competing with Under Armour is REI’s Lightweight Polartec Power Dry V-Neck T-Shirt (say that one five times fast!)
If mom is like the millions who enjoy practicing yoga at home, the Jade Yoga Mat is perfect for all stretching exercises. Another good accessory to have for stretching out for both relaxation and exercise is the Eskayel Pillow.
Moms deserve to treat themselves after a good workout, as well as for numerous other reasons. Harry & David’s has all kinds of chocolates, and yes, healthy fruit baskets as well, that everyone will enjoy. Godiva is still a majestic name in the chocolate world and it has even expanded into the world of chocolate liquers.
Everyone wants to look younger than their age. Clarins and Dr. Loretta (a company started by New York-born dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo) make numerous skin-care products that will help you look your best.
If you are stumped for ideas, there are a number of online sites such as www.gifts.com and www.beauty.com that are terrific resources.
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