Life doesn't come with a manual. It comes with a mother.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there! May your day be filled with love and lots of hugs from those you love. I can’t believe our son Luca has finished his first year of college! Wow… not sure where that year went, but it went! We survived our first year of being “empty-nesters” Yahoo. He’s in Dallas at S.M.U. so he’s a short plane ride away and we had so much fun visiting him and meeting his new friends. When Mother’s Day rolls around I’m always so grateful to be a mom, especially Luca’s mom, and I feel so blessed every single day to have my mom and my husband Derek’s mom.

It’s a wonderful gift to be a mother because you have the chance to revisit all these wonderful experiences and see the world through the eyes of your young adults.

Luca, thank you for so many wonderful memories from the day you were born, you are a true gift to your dad and I… and you’re the best traveler ever!!!

Ok! On to a fun gift guide.Here are a few of my favorite things

My favorite artist is René Romero Schuler - her website is up and running and her art and fabrics are so lovely.

The Soma Ayurvedic Jasmine Body Oil is like none other, a gorgeous fragrance and active products.

Always the softest and elegant lounge wear.

Rebecca De Ravenal’s monogramed market straw bag is a winner!

Outfit your whole kitchen with these ten stunning hero pieces, all of them made with GreenPan’s clean, nontoxic, nonstick, dishwasher-safe Thermolon Minerals Pro™ technology.

My go-to travel tote is always Longchamp, it’s chic and always looks fresh and travels so well.

Are you familiar with For Restless sleepers? The ultimate in lounge wear and a true fashion statement. The assortment in this gift box features a selection of 8 soaps with different illustrations inspired in the labels of Claus Porto's archives: Mirror, Lettuce, Agua de Colonia, Double, Leão Verde, Chic, Chicken and Sunburst.

Spice up your summer vibe with this belt bag

All time favorite sneakers from Golden Goose

Arriving with half a dozen garden length High Camp Gardenias, the Muse Box features a medium size Signature High Camp Gardenia & Palo Santo scented candle.

Anne Sisteron Edition Flexpower Bath Salts with a brand new exclusive scent of sandalwood and lavender is unlike anything you’ve experienced before! No Parabens. Not tested on Animals.

The SAINT Candles line features fifteen different candles that are each named after a patron saint associated with a specific aspect of human life.

This bistro set provided some of the happiest moments for me. My husband, son and Buster had wonderful tea and rosé while listening to jazz. Make the space and take the time to share those special moments with those you love!

Thank you husband, it’s been a wonderful life raising our young man, and thank you, Luca, it’s been a blessing to be your mom…I am truly Grateful.

xo,

Janet

Bus, it’s been a joy being your mom for 11 years, here’s to more walks and talks and bistro moments.

Ways to give back - Unicef-Helping the children of Ukraine. World Central Kitchen Chef Jose Andres

In case you or your mom needs readers, Look Optic’s got you covered!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

That Aloha Vibe - Hawaiian Shirts
I've been wearing Hawaiian Shirts for over 30 years now, It's just one of those wardrobe staples that hangs in my closet longing for summer and fun in the sun. When I see them hanging on the rack I can literally smell suntan lotion and plumerias and when I slip into these shirts I slip into that Aloha Spirit and that feels oh so good.
I've sourced out a few of my favorites listed below and my most recent discovery is from Tombolo (pictured center) thank you, Cathy… This brand is known for bringing back the golden era of Hawaiian Shirts and I couldn't agree more.
Turn on some Hawaiian tunes, and slip into a little “escape-wear” with the shopping links below.

Since we might not reach our favorite getaway, might as well enjoy your at-home vacay in vintage Hawaiian style.

The above Hawaiian shirt is 29 years old. I had someone try to buy it off my back a few years ago on Kaui but I couldn’t part with it. The brand is Jams, it’s a men’s xs.