If you are like me sometimes you don’t always have a plan especially when it comes to celebrating yourself. Maybe you don’t like being in the spotlight or it is also easy to neglect yourself in busy day to day life. Either way I compiled a list of last minute Mother’s Day ideas away from the ever obvious dinner with family and flowers and a card. Also obvious things like dinner and Thermëa will likely require reservations from weeks ago.

1) Visit a market. In South Osborne there is a Mother’s Day Farmers Market on Kylemore that is being put on bye Farm Fresh Food Hub. There is going to be coffee, plants, flowers, baked goods, fresh organic produce and live entertainment. I am going to go to this with the boys in the morning because Jesse works in the morning. The new Crampton’s Market right near Shelmerdine’s Garden just opened up and it is stunning. I encourage everyone to go check it out. Black Market Provisions in South Osborne on the way to the Farmer’s Market is a must stop. The Lucky Girl Pop Up market at the Forks on the upper level of the market.

2) Visit a garden centre! Get everything you need for your garden this summer. Also stop and get a cute photo op with the kids or your mom. Shelmerdines and Lacoste Garden Center are my favourites.

3) Antiquing or thrifting. Check out a flea market! There is an awesome one on Mulvey and there are several good antique shops in this city. Vintage in the Village in Osborne Village, Nerman’s Books and Collectibles in South Osborne, The Old House Revival Company in the Exchange and the antique mall in the Johnson’s Terminal at the Forks are some of my favourites.

4) Brunch is always a good option and you might be able to get away with not having a reservation. Pizzeria Gusto on Academy is having a fabulous Mother’s Day brunch and I went to it last year and it is damn good. Pancake House on Pembina could also work out with no reservation. Stella’s might be good too considering all of it’s controversy recently it might be slower than usual.

5) Picnic in a park. Crescent Drive Park or St.Vital Park are good options to pack up the family and some snacks and head out to enjoy the nice weather outside. This may also give you more photos opportunity moments. If you have a good camera this is the perfect moment to practice your photography skills.

6) Take a drive to the Half Moon Cafe. It is such a lovely drive if you go all the way up Henderson highway and it is the cutest little drive inn. I sincerely urge you to make your way out there and grab an ice cream and walk along the river. if not tomorrow then definitely another day especially if you’ve never been.

7) Assiniboine Park or the new playground at Pan Am Pool. The kid park at Assiniboine Park is always a great time. It’s outdoors and free so this is any easy one that doesn't break the bank. The kids will enjoy the kid park and maybe mom could sneak everyone away to the Leo Mol Sculpture garden after the kids have played. There is also a brand new amazing playground behind Pan Am Pool on the Grant avenue side. I have been meaning to go for a while now.

8) Coffee shop date. Check out one of many amazing local coffee shops this city has to offer. Scout which is the kid friendly coffee shop in the West End. Little Sister or Parkline in South Osborne. Fools and Horses or Thom Bargen downtown and at the Forks.

9) The Forks. You can never go wrong with a classic. It will be busy likely but there’s so much to do ands so many options. Free and that cost money. Take a stroll around the property. Head to the Manitoba Children’s Museum. Check out the market and pop up events. Grab coffee or a beer at the Common. Get cinnamon buns from Tall Grass Prairie, walk over the old train bridge.

I hope all you mommas out there have the best day ever. Get spoiled, sleep in and do one if not more than one of these awesome ideas. Check out all that Winnipeg has to offer locally because we truly thrive when the weather is nice. I’m glad to give some inspiration to someone who may need it. Also a gentle reminder that motherhood does not define a woman and if this holiday is depressing or triggering for you I am sending you my love. Happy Mother’s Day!