This Mother’s Day, we want to know what makes your mom (or maternal figure) spectacular! We’ve collected stories and photographs of moms from all over the city and beyond so we can celebrate these amazing women together, virtually. Explore our blog to read our favourite #momstories and find out how to get your mom featured! Then, shop our E-Gift Cards (that never expire) and online Beauty Shop to find the perfect gift delivered straight to her inbox or doorstep!

	“My grandmother was a war bride. She came to Canada from England and married my grandfather in 1918. Together they lived and worked in Toronto raising 11 children. She managed through the depression to provide for her growing family. She cared for sons who returned home from the Second World War, broken. She was humorous, direct and frugal! She found time to teach all of her 6 daughters how to sew, on a little sewing machine in the middle of her busy kitchen. With a tiny inheritance she was able to purchase a summer cottage in Unionville as a place for her family to spend their summers. At the time of purchase it was such a shack there were chickens living in the kitchen! Through effort it was fixed up and provided a refuge despite it having only one bedroom and a small attic.” – Laura, Etobicoke
	“My mother rarely goes out or spends any money on herself, so when she agreed to come see ‘a walk to remember’ with me at the movie theaters, i was over the moon. The movie turned out to be the most beautiful romance story, and my mom and i ate up every cheesy word. My favourite part? Turning to see my mom trying to hide her tears at the END of the movie…in the exact same way i was. We both laughed and cried and melted in our seats. To this day, whenever it comes on the TV, we stop what we are doing and sit and watch it together. I absolutely adore my mother and the moments we share.” -Marina, Toronto⁠
	I cherish every moment I share with my mom, but one of my favourite moments is when I get to see my mom assume the role of “Lala”, the name affectionately given to her by her grandchildren. Seeing her grandchildren melt into her arms as she sings them to sleep, hold hands on a nature walk, and be introduced to a new wonder are truly the most beautiful, real, joyous moments. I always knew my mom was a phenomenal mother, but I consider it a blessing and an inspiration to be able to truly appreciate her essence as both a mother and a grandmother, extending all the same beautiful elements that comprised my childhood to her grandchildren. In a way, I have the privilege of reliving my childhood again as an adult and see the beautiful childhoods she is helping to create again, this time in her grandchildren’s lives. – Kate, Toronto
	“My beautiful mother. A mother of four, a pharmacist and a great wife. Oh how I dream to one day be the mother you are to all of us. A traveler, adventurous spirit who’s up for any road trip. Sad to be halfway across the world during these crazy times. Cannot wait to see you. Happy Mother’s Day.” – Zina, Burlington
	“Here is a photo of my mom at age 16. My favourite memories of my Mom are when I would help her bake cookies and cakes in the kitchen when I was a young girl. That was always a special bonding time between the 2 of us and we would always have a blast and she would always let me taste the batter. Those memories have had a lasting impact because now I use baking as bonding time with my own children and baking is a passionate hobby of mine today at age 32.” –Lauren, Toronto⁠
	“Mom. A three-letter word that refers to a human whose importance cannot be described even by an entire library of books. At the risk of sounding cliche, she’s my best friend. She’s my diary. She’s the “I told you so”, who never says it (even though she always ends up being right). She’s the guiding light who doesn’t get involved, but in the way she has raised me and in the way she has led by example, she has shown me how to choose the right path and be unafraid of straying, because every detour is a lesson to explore. I can only hope to live as fearlessly as she does, and to see the beauty in strength, vulnerability, and resilience.” – Nora, Toronto
	“My mom is one of 11 children, number 10 to be exact. With so many other kids before her she learned to not ask for much and be content. She is a water colour artist, baker, homemaker, food bank volunteer and a fabulous seamstress. In childhood she even sewed our underwear!!! Her gentle, quiet manner often hides her humour and fun loving side, which at 85 still exists. Health concerns required her to come and live with our family, COVID19 is requiring her to stay indefinitely. I find myself trying to imitate her contentedness while so much of life at the moment is unknown.” -Laura, Etobicoke
	I used to think of my mom as very “normal” – almost to a fault. It’s not until I started to think of the nuisances of our childhood that I realized her dynamism. She grew up living across Canada and Europe with her nomadic parents, always worried about where they would end up next. It makes sense that she built a calm and steady life for her own family – but she’s always underscored that with a little adventure. She used to make the whole family load into our red mini-van and tiny trailer and head up North to go camping. My older brother used to duck below the window so he wouldn’t be seen by anyone outside. I used to love those camping trips – bike-riding, swimming, and hot-dogs over the campfire. She started a second career at age 40, something I can’t even imagine undertaking and I’m only 31. She did it all with the us three little brats making her life less than easy. Being an amazing mom is not normal, its extraordinary.” – Tara, Toronto

 

Searching for the perfect gift for mom this year? Shop our E-Gift Cards (that never expire) and online Beauty Shop to find the perfect gift delivered straight to her inbox or doorstep!