Los Angeles - May 05, 2003

Dearest Mommies

DailyCandy's Mother's Day Guide

Mothers. So damn needy.

Of course, now’s not really the time to complain. Rather, it’s the time to fulfill those needs to the best of your ability. We’ve covered the bases. (Minus the obligatory phone call … Memo to self?)

For her accessory appetite
Timi & Leslie’s charming bags look mom-like in a totally undowdy way — even more so paired with not-so-classic pearl earrings.

For her sanity
Smythson of Bond Street’s new yellow notebooks and organizers will have her jotting down all her important info in style.

For her brain
The mere sight of these books on the bedside table will delight her. Venetian Stories, by Jane Turner Rylands, delves into secret lives in Venice. Chandler Burr’s The Emperor of Scent provides thrilling insight into the mystery of perfume.

For her vanity
Stop giving her grief — yes, she looks fine, but let her primp! Spare her the pricey in-office treatments and give her the at-home Dermanew system or Sonya Dakar’s “botox in a bottle.” Fresh’s Creme Ancienne combines ancient Greek secrets with modern science.

For her senses
Sound: She’ll feel hip and you won’t be embarrassed when she plays new tunes from Pete Yorn’s latest, Day I Forgot. Another sure bet is Fleetwood Mac’s Say You Will.

Smell: Red Flower candles may be yesterday’s news to you, but mom will thrill to their scents.

Taste: The ice cream man has nothing on Fed-Ex’d yumminess from Mashti Malone (1525 North La Brea Avenue, 866-Rose Ice). What mom could pass up flavors like Rose Water Saffron with Pistachio, Ginger Rosewater, and Orange Blossom?

Sight: Flowers aren’t usually a surprise on Mother’s Day, but they are when Moe’s Flowers (8101 Melrose Avenue, 323-653-5444) delivers calla lillies to her doorstep.

Touch: Warm and soothe those worn-out tootsies with a fragrant, cozy pair of Lavender booties and wrap. Remind her of all the hugs you’ve ever given her with Alberto Mantilla’s adorable hugging salt and pepper shakers.

For her green thumb
Gardening’s fun and all, but only when there’s plenty of sitting involved. Get her a gardener Seat and tool caddy or, if she’s more of an indoor type, Fred Flare’s adorable Mini Gardening Kit will do the trick.

For her bedroom
What mom isn’t overextended? She’ll be inspired to spend more time asleep if she can wear supercute Cherry Pie PJs and curl up in a cozy blanket.