HOT 5 - 4/28/24
Dear Hot Friends,
The photo above is of my brother, Michael, and me with our grandmother Augustine Viola Cooper born in 1891. She was an amazing woman who lived quite an amazing life. She was the oldest of 14, went to college, helped put her husband through Howard Medical School in the early 1900s by making hats, and lived to be 101! We adored her and she was like a mother to us. In the photo I'm 6 years old and “Cooper” is the same age as I am now. And now I have a 6-year-old grandchild. The circle of life is breathtaking!
Mother's Day is just two weeks away (as if you didn't know that!) so this week's HOT 5 is dedicated to helping you find perfect gifts for all the moms in your life. It couldn't be a better time to share some fabulous new items on the site from our favorite brands, The Lalela Scarf and Juditha Sankinofsky. I'm also sharing some excellent additional gift ideas culled from the many lists I've read through this month. And with two more weeks to go before the holiday, you'll have plenty of time to order and receive them. So whether you're looking for something for your mom, a new mom, or a seasoned grandmom, we've got you!
This week's HOT 5:
1. What's New On HOT For Moms
2. Mother's Day Gifts I'd Love To Receive
3. Beauty for Beautiful Moms
4. For Moms Who Love Things For Home
5. For Moms Who Love To Read
1. What's New On HOT For Moms
Give Mom flowers on Mother's Day that will last. She'll love stand-out flower earrings, a special vintage bracelet, or an of-the-moment brooch that looks straight from Coco's lapel!
This gorgeous bracelet in neutral tones of cream, amber, and green is a knockout. Large sterling silver links are all different and feature flowers, filigree and painted glass. the clasp is made of sweet silver flowers. This is very special and really pretty! Fits a small to medium wrist. 7 1/2” long.
Brooches are back baby and you can’t go wrong with this very French version. A black flower with chain detail and giant pearl is tres chic! 3” in diameter.
Our gorgeous new Lalela scarves are a lightweight mix of cotton and silk making them perfect for warmer weather. Best of all, every purchase supports the Lalela project which you can read about here.
This artwork was created by Lenon, a Lalela learner in his final year of school at Silikamva High in Hout Bay. Lenon is an incredibly had working student who has thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Lalela creative community. Not only was he part of the Lalela Leadership Program, but he also played the lead role of Romeo in the Lalela production of Romeo and Juliette. 65% Cotton, 35% Silk, 39 in. x 78 in.
This artwork was created by Alexandra, a creative 18 year old from Hout Bay who began her journey with Lalela in grade 3. She has a keen eye for design and loves illustration. Alexandra is a recent Lalela Leadership Academy alumnus and has already started her own creative business. 65% Cotton, 35% Silk, 39 in. x 78 in.
This scarf’s artwork was created by Syamthanda, a 16 year old from the Zeitz MOCAA program which he joined in 8th grade. He dreams of becoming a professional artist and is on his way! 65% Cotton, 35% Silk, 39 in. x 78 in.
We're so happy to have another size of the terrific zipper pouches from Juditha Sakinofsky! These are 9.5" x 6" minis in the same amazing African wax fabrics with waterproof camo lining. Get them before they're gone!
Brand new to the site is this mini version of Juditha’s brilliant zippered pouches! Each handmade bag in 100% cotton has 2 compartments, is strong and sturdy, and is lined with waterproof camouflage material. Use them as makeup bags, evening clutches, or for a stylish packing assist, the sky’s the limit! 9.5” x 6” x 2”.
2. Mother's Day Gifts I'd Love To Receive! (I hope the right people are reading this!)
You can never go wrong with a chic, classic, and practical cashmere wrap like this one from J Crew!
This stunning coffee table book entitled Camo by photographer Thandiwe Muriu is filled with jaw-dropping imagery by the uber-talented Kenyan.
I need this sleek modern iPhone charging stand in my life!
If there's a more clever and unique handbag out there I'm sure I haven't seen it! This would make me laugh every time I carried it.
Fragrance by Hermes has been my go-to for years. This newest scent had me at Oud Rose!
3. Beauty for Beautiful Moms
If she's into skincare no doubt she's heard of the Augustinis Bader brand. Treat her with this starter kit of her dreams.
She'll be grateful that you gifted her these cute and useful makeup towels which protect light-colored towels from makeup stains.
Doesn't some Mom in your world deserve the most talked about award-winning skin treatment mask? Maybe it's you!
If she loves a floral fragrance and is in the market for a new one, this beautiful scent featuring orange blossom, tuberose, and vanilla, from Giorgio Armani Beauty could be just the one!
This top-rated body oil from Mutha (ok, they win best brand name for a Mother's Day gift!) has been called an IV drip of moisture for the skin. We're in!
4. For Moms Who Love Things For Home
If she's the type of mom who enjoys sipping water from a sleek vessel throughout the night, she'll appreciate this cool, color-blocked carafe and cup set from the Museum of Modern Art.
This striking hand-woven fan will keep her cool and add a summery vibrant note to any room's decor.
Is she a plant mama? If so, you know what her perfect Mother's Day gift is! How about this rare tropical beauty that's a breeze to care for?
Have you heard of the Always Pan? I bought one for my husband for Father's Day and it's ALL WE USE! She'll love you for this one.
This bud vase wins most charming Mother's Day gift! Especially if she loves strawberries.
5. For Moms Who Love To Read
Joie: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life - a stunning style, travel, and lifestyle book for the Francophile mom in your life!
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson - A fascinating novel of historical fiction told from dual perspectives that explores what it means to be a woman and a mother.
Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World - An empowering book for girls and women of all ages, it celebrates 100 influential women by best-selling author and illustrator Ann Shen.
Circe by Madeline Miller - I read this while on vacation in Sicily last fall and couldn't put it down! It has unforgettable characters, amazing storytelling, and page-turning suspense.
Great Expectations by Vinson Cunningham - This was given to me by my amazing daughter-in-law who is a thoughtful and voracious reader, It's a debut, coming-of-age novel that I can't wait to get into!
Terry xoxo