What Losing My Mother Taught Me About Grief and Creativity

Sophie Meharenna
May 06, 2022
mother and daughter

The other day, as I was organizing my home office, I stumbled on a tiny spiral notebook small enough to fit in my pocket. I grazed my fingers across the cover knowingly, wiping off the dust and preparing myself to peruse the pages.

I hadn't opened this booklet in over a decade. The pages I had happened upon were peppered with bulleted, treasured memories of my late mother.


It was like stumbling on a forgotten time capsule. For context, in the aftermath of my mom's passing to Triple Negative Breast Cancer, I authored an extensive piece for a Creative Nonfiction workshop in an effort to commemorate her life. This collection of abbreviated vignettes, notes, and ideas was the crux of that memorial essay.

As I went through my notes and then in revisiting my draft(s), I realized how fundamental that workshop was in allowing me to reconcile with my grief. Through that process, I learned that channeling your creativity is a powerful antidote for pain.

I remember volunteering to write the first piece for workshopping, which I entitled Confessions of a Reformed Anti-Pinkist. My introduction of the essay immediately launched into an after-school special-esque beginning (which was also an ending):

"I detest olives—almost (but not quite) as much as the smell of cigarette smoke. And Tuesdays—I cannot stand Tuesdays. But nothing, absolutely nothing, can compare to the complete and utter hatred I had for the color pink in 2008—a passionate distaste that could not even be surpassed by pubescent, cootie-fearing boys that denounced the color in order to reaffirm their budding manhood. So, you can only imagine the irony as I smiled to myself when I updated my Blackberry Messenger status on January 7th, 2010 to say one solitary word: pink.

That—my friends—that is what they call growth.

It is growth because I realized over a year and some change that letting someone go does not mean forgetting them. Growth, because, I realized having a memory of something is better than not ever having had it at all. So, while I had developed an extreme distaste for the color because it reminded me of what is no more, I came to realize that it is also a testament of what was once great—or, much rather what still is. So, in my participation of the pseudo-virtual activism that was the rave of social media websites on January 7th, 2010, it was only fitting that on the day that women across the globe took to their Facebooks, Twitters, and other profiles to update their statuses with the colors of the bras they were wearing in the name of Breast Cancer Awareness, that mine would be pink.

I, and thousands (if not millions) of women “flashed” the world with no explanation—this simple, viral color update trend raised curiosity about the cause. And with tweet after tweet, status after status, and an upsurge of Google inquiries that resulted in a huge spike in communications on the unfortunate disease, dialogue on the topic was at an all-time high. A Susan G. Komen for the Cure spokesman was quoted as saying, “It is fun. It gets people talking, and hopefully, it will lead folks to really getting a greater awareness of something that’s going to affect one in eight American women.”

One of which was my mother, more affectionately known as mommy, or if I really wanted something, Laly (a nickname I coined for her as a toddler). But now she, Rahel, is called my angel…literally and figuratively."

While my instructor and classmates championed me for sharing my sad but optimistic story, the most resonating theme in the critiques was that it didn’t feel fully realized, or fully “real” for that matter. I skirted over the details and depth of pain in exchange for a shallow focus on the silver lining.

"You didn't allow me to get to know her well enough," one workshop-mate called out. "I want to be more invested in her, so when the loss happens, I could feel it personally."

I guess in my yearning to find a happily ever after, there was also a desire to quickly pull the bandage off and not spend too much time dwelling on the sadness. But now I realize dwelling is exactly what you are supposed to do. It is okay—necessary even—to take your time processing the loss of something great.

So I reworked the essay. And I reworked the essay. And I reworked it some more. The idea was to strip away all of the sugarcoated, positive thinking that I had attempted with the first version and instead delve into a real account of pain, love, and redemption.

I began my second effort, A Happy Ending Depends On Where You Stop Your Story, from a position of honesty—based on raw emotion, not knowing what would come out but refusing to censor the range of emotions I was experiencing. And I invited loved ones to join me in the process, collecting eulogies to aid in painting a fuller portrait of my mother, further characterizing her through not only my eyes but also through the eyes of others.

The response to my second draft was much more visceral. The individual that had initially called out wanting to feel more connected to my mom as a character called my revision a terribly beautiful read, crying as she described the impact of my edit.

Once it was done I realized how cathartic writing this way was. It was this second version of the essay that really made me realize just how much I had grown since losing my mother.

After submitting it for my final piece, I took a step back and realized that its existence meant so much more than what was on paper. And how I dealt with the tragedy through writing only brought me to learn how important it is to take ownership over your grief and grow with it versus ignoring or denying it.

And in this way, my story did end happily. Sure, it was a different type of happy ending than I originally intended. But it is not a fairy tale ending—it is mine. It's real. And that’s all I ever wanted.

Following the writing of my essay, I continued to use a variety of mediums to creatively combat the rare and aggressive disease that took my mother's life. I wanted to bring her spirit of creativity by partnering with artists. I wanted to share her sense of empathy and understanding by being an ear for patients and their loved ones. I wanted to embody her commitment to togetherness and teamwork by producing events she would enjoy. And I did.

I launched user-generated social campaigns to spread awareness, produced giveback products and lines with corporate sponsors like Bloomingdale's and TOMS, put the "fun" in fundraising, and served on the Board of Trustees of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.

If you're looking to confront grief through creativity, keep these tips in mind:

1. Give yourself time and space to process your emotions. Don't rush the grieving process, as this can impede your ability to cope effectively.

2. Try engaging in creative activities that allow you to explore your feelings and experiences. Writing, painting, or making music can be great ways to channel your grief in a constructive way.

3. Connect with others who are also grappling with grief and loss. Sharing stories and experiences can help you find solidarity and support during this difficult time.

4. Remember that healing is an ongoing process that may take time. Cultivate self-compassion and acceptance as you work through your grief, rather than beating yourself up for feeling sad or frustrated. With time, you will begin to heal and find meaning in your loss.

In the end, confronting grief through creativity can be an incredibly powerful and transformative experience. By harnessing your emotions in a constructive way, you can come out of this difficult time stronger than ever before. The most important thing is to honor your own process and listen to what you need at any given moment. There is no right or wrong way to grieve—only what feels right for you.

To support the fight against Triple Negative Breast Cancer, consider donating to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. For more content on grief and creativity, subscribe to Permission To Be Humanfor my reflections on big moods, feelings, and humanity. And if you have a personal experience you'd like to share, DM me or email me at sophie@brit.co.

5 Reasons We Wish We Were The 3rd Gilmore Girl

While fall is undeniably the reigning Stars Hollow season, it's always a good time for a Gilmore Girls rewatch. Not only does the show feature two strong females leads, but both are smart, independent, and successful…along with sometimes being selfish and insecure. In other words: real. And that’s to say nothing of their layered, complex, and steadfast relationship. That's why we're sharing five Gilmore Girls moments that made us wish we were Lorelai’s adopted second daughter.

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

1. They’re foodies. Ok, maybe not foodies (the Pop-Tart obsession is probably an automatic disqualification for that title), but they do love food and get down with all our favorite indulgences. We're talking tacos, pizza, Chinese food, ice cream, and so much candy. We’d love to spend our Friday nights on the Gilmore couch with junk food — though we’d probably add a cocktail (or two). Visit Stars Hollow With These Gilmore Girls Recipes!

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

2. They’re addicted to coffee. And while we’re not sure the purists would be into some of our favorite new coffee gadgets, we do know the promise of Luke’s coffee every morning is reason enough for us to change our last name to Gilmore.

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

3. They never give up on love. Both Gilmore girls had their fair share of romances and break ups. And even after getting their hearts shattered into a million pieces by the likes of Dean, Max, Christopher, Luke, Jess, and Logan, they continue to put themselves back out there. Their hope and positivity is refreshing and sweet.

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

4. They’ve got each other’s backs. Navigating familial relationships is always tricky; even the best ones suffer from miscommunication, hurt feelings, frustrations, and anger. It’s how you come back from those upsets that matter, and Lorelai and Rory always managed to not only forgive, but also truly learn something new about each other and themselves.

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

5. They get it.It being the levels of devotion we have to our favorite TV shows, theirs included. We just know if they were around today, Rory would binge House of the Dragon with us and Lorelai would be totally obsessed with The Bear. Loving a show like the Gilmore Girls is absolutely a lifestyle and one we’re perfectly content embracing. We're also convinced Rory would love Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department.

Did we miss your favorite part of being a Gilmore Girl? Tweet us @BritandCo and tell us why you’d like to be a part of the fam!

Lead image via Eric Charbonneau/Netflix

This post has been updated.

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Hold Up, Did Rebecca Yarros' First 'Onxy Storm' Excerpt Just Tease Violet Sorrengail's True Identity?

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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33 Mother's Day Gifts Every Mom Will Actually Enjoy

Before I became a mom, I had no idea which gifts for Mother's Day would actually make a mom feel appreciated. I've often heard that it's the thought that counts, but how many cards and homemade meals can moms get? The unfiltered answer to that is "Keep them coming," but there's also the desire to receive something that feels personalized. Gifting her something that speaks to who she is outside of being a mom is the chef's kiss she's probably waiting for.

But, what about when you're shopping for your sister, bestie, or even yourself if you're pregnant? Chances are the moms you know aren't all alike, so it's safe to assume they don't want the things...unless we're talking about sleeping in 👀. Aside from that, here's 27 gifts for Mother's Day that'll speak to all moms in your life. Take it from a real mom, it's time to get a little more personal this year.

Gifts For Mother's Day That'll Move Your Grandma To Happy Tears

Vivee Home Alexis Blue Vase

Visiting your grandparents' homes as a kid usually meant you were going to see some cool and quirky home decor choices. From bright color schemes to odd-shaped vases, you could count on your grandma to be the happy culprit behind whatever you saw. That's why it's important to make sure the gifts for Mother's Day you choose for her are a nod to her quirks and not-so-secretly cool taste.

Vivee Home's Alexis Blue Vase immediately comes to mind when I think about my maternal and paternal grandmothers. For some reason, both of them gravitated towards the color blue and often found ways to incorporate it in their lives daily. If your grandma fancies this color and has a thing for having fresh flowers in her home, she'll adore this pop of porcelain.

Its design is meant to invoke creativity and daydreaming while housing everything from sunflowers to tulips. Plus, you'll feel good knowing that 5% of your purchase goes to The Art Therapy Project!

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Wood Cookbook Holder with Metal Ledge

Chances are that your grandma has a plethora of cookbooks that she references and lets you know she's passing down to you. If she doesn't have a way to look at them without bending over to peer at the small text in them, gift her this beautiful wooden cookbook holder by Hearth & Hand with Magnolia!

The slanted ledge is angled so cookbooks are eye-level for most cooks while the metal stand reinforces the sturdiness of the holder. Overall, the design has a farmhouse rustic feel to it that may trigger happy memories for your grandma if she grew up on a farm.

And guess? This cookbook holder is only $20 at Target!

Caraway Cookware + Set (Sage)

Does your grandma have a hard time parting ways with things even if they're beyond worn? Welcome to the club! Seriously though, our grandparents are from a time where it wasn't necessarily easily to buy new things just because they wanted them so it's not hard to understand why they're reluctant to let go of things.

If your grandma's beloved pot set is beyond repair, surprise her with Caraway's Cookware Set! The pots and pans are super easy to store, and they can withstand up to 500 degrees of heat! Prayerfully your grandmother doesn't cook her meals on that high of a temperature, but this still should give her a piece of mind that her new shiny pot set won't burn even if she still has a gas stove.

You can snag this beautiful set for less than $200 at Caraway.

Image via Compartés

Compartés Pink Chocolate Covered Oreos

Grandma still has a sweet tooth doesn't she? I know because my grandma does too. She was known for keeping packs of gum, peppermint and Werther's caramel candy in her purse so I'm sure you grandma had her snacks of choice too.

If your grandma has a thing for Oreos no matter how they're packaged, she'll love Compartés Pink Chocolate Covered Oreos. She'll got a dozen in this cute little box and will giggle with delight once she sees how pretty the pink chocolate frosting is.

This is a limited edition box so you'll want to make sure you order these for her in time for Mother's Day!

Gifts For Mother's Day That Prove To Your Mom You Do Pay Attention To Her

Udreamer Vinyl Record Player (Wireless)

Chances are that your mom grew up listening to her favorite records on a record player like mine and she may often reminisce about that time if she no longer has one. Surprise her with a more compact version of the one she remembers like this wireless design! It has built-in speakers that'll give any record she listens to a retro sound, but it also has an RCA outlet so she can connect external speakers to it.

One of the best features IMO are the three input options — bluetooth, USB, and AUX — that are also included with the record player. This means she choose songs to play from her iPad, CD player (if she still has one), her laptop, and more! Have no fear though! If she prefers to keep it old school by listening to actual vinyl records, she still has the option to do so!

The grand beauty of it all is that you'll be spending less than $100 to bring a piece of nostalgia to your mom's home.

Eileen Fisher Selle Suede Ballet Flats (Cassis)

If your mom is spending less time in her high heels these days, surprise her with a new pair of ballet flats by Eileen Fisher! They're classically chic so your mom will be able to pair them with anything — jeans, dress slacks, dresses, you name it.

They have a leather outsole with a rubber pod that makes for an extremely comfortable fit despite the appearance of the squared toe areas (they're padded). This is great if you mom works a 9 to 5 job that requires her to be up and down throughout the day.

Armitron The Tilly Bracelet Set

This is one of those gifts for Mother's Day that makes my heart skip several beats because my mom wore a very similar watch similar to the one in this Armitron set for years. When I used to watch her get dressed for work in the morning, I'd always know she was ready for her day when she slid her watch on.

Aside from the vivid memories I have of my own mother wearing a watch, this bracelet maintains a timeless appeal that I've always loved. It has the perfect two tone blend of gold and silver that adds to the overall sleekness of the duo. As much as modern advances are welcomed in fashion, the Roman numerals on the watch's face will never go out of style.

When it comes to aesthetics, a two-toned watch and bracelet set that can be passed down from generation to generation.

You'll spend less than $100 too!

Gifts For Mother's Day To Surprise Your Mother-in-Law (Yes, It Matters)

Made By Mary Birth Flower Stacker Necklaces

Whether you have a good relationship with your mother-in-law or a neutral one, finding gifts for Mother's Day that make her feel appreciated is a pretty nice gesture. It doesn't have be super big or expensive either!

If you've noticed that your mother-in-law tends to wear dainty gold jewelry, follow her lead by gifting her with Made By Mary's hand-drawn stacker necklaces. You have the option of personalizing them or you can order as is. They're tarnish-resistant and hypoallergenic, making them perfect for daily wear.

You won't have to worry about putting a huge dent in your wallet because you can buy them for only $58.

UrbanStems The Pink Champagne

Not into the idea of gifting your mother-in-law jewelry for Mother's Day? I get it and think there's always another option. You can't go wrong with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Aside from roses, she'll find mini calla lilies, hypericum, and ruscus flowers in her new pretty spread that's sure to brighten any surface she places them on.

SAND AND FOG Limoncello Candle

If it always smells good when you walk into your MIL's home, you know that it's all because she loves to strategically place candles throughout various rooms. It's one thing to gift her flowers, but she'll enjoy knowing that you pay attention to her love for great scents.

As someone who's purchased more than a few Sand and Fog candles, trust me when I say that she'll love how quickly her space smells like this candle once it's lit.

You won't believe that you'll be able to snag this candle for less than $15 at Marshalls!

Aromatherapy Associates Moment of Tranquility Sleep Kit

If your MIL is always busy doing things for everyone else, gift her this tranquility sleep kit for Mother's Day from Marshalls! She deserves a moment of peace (and rest) without interruptions. I just know she's going to enjoy drifting off to sleep once she inhales the deep relax sleep mist.

Gifts For Mother's Day That Reminds Your Sister She's *Still* That Girl

Old Navy EveryWear Graphic T-Shirt

If your big sister is like mine, chances are she's a few kids in and works hard in her career. There's nothing wrong with this, but it's possible she doesn't always get time to pour into herself. Sometimes moms need a reminder that they're not doing anything in vain, especially after rough seasons in their lives.

I'm not saying that your sister is going to turn into superwoman if she wears this graphic t-shirt by Old Navy, but it'll help her remember that she's still that girl because your sister is not just a mom; she's a cool mom.

And you'll be an even cooler sister since you'll only spend $10 for this cute shirt.

Gigi Pip Sal Crochet Bucket Hat

The sun has been sharing it's glorious rays with us which means your sister needs something to shield her already tired eyes. This cute bucket hat is one way she can do that on top of adding an extra appeal to her casual mom outfit of an oversized tee, leggings, and new samba sneakers.

Longchamp Sunglasses (Red)

Did your sister recently lose her favorite pair of sunnies and has been having a hard time recovering from her loss? Make a mental note and see if it's in your budget to gift her this pair of Longchamp sunglasses. They're bold, but she'll especially love them if she has a thing for red frames.

They'll bring a pop of color to her casual outfit and serve as the perfect cover if she's out running errands but doesn't really want to talk to many people. There's something about shades that serve as a perfect deterrent in public sometimes.

Clevr Coffee Superlatte

Coffee is life when you're a mom because you it seems like you need as much energy as you can get. If your sister has older sister syndrome, maneuvers motherhood daily, and puts out fires at her job, she needs Clevr's Coffee Superlatte!

It has all the features of an oat milk latte except it also includes adaptogens, mushrooms, and probiotics that make for a soothing drink. No one wants to drink coffee and feel extremely wired later because that can add to unnecessary stress that your sister may want to get rid of.

For just $28, your sister can enjoy 14 lattes that have just two grams of sugar in them! What's not to love?

Rhode Skin Lip Case

One thing I know is that my sister believes in keeping her phone case on and a moisturizing lip product nearby. She's never said they're mandatory things but I've yet to see her without both of them. I'd be lying if I said it's easy for her to keep up with her lip balms or glosses, hence why I included this innovative gift.

Pair it with Rhode's Peptide Lip Treatment so your sister doesn't feel frustrated when she realizes her other lip products don't go with this particular case. As far as we're concerned, she won't think twice after trying the peptide treatment because her lips will be the softest they've ever been.

Candier Girl, Make Waves and Turn The Tide

Your sister's been dreaming of going on vacation again hasn't she? *Sigh* So has the editorial and social team at Brit + Co.

This candle deserves a spot in your sister's room, bathroom, or reading nook because it's sure to make her feel like she's on vacation each time she takes a deep breath. It smells like fresh ocean air, citrus, musk, and pink sea salt — hence the candle's title.

Since your sister is sure to fall in love with this candle, it's important that you tell her it's made without carcinogens, parabens, and phthalates.

Did I mention that its $29 at Ulta?

Heyday Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Wireless Headphones (Pastel Lavender)

If your sister doesn't want to go anywhere for Mother's Day, she may want to spend time by herself. Help her block out excess noise while she's reading, listening to her favorite audiobook, or sleeping with these noise cancelling headphones.

Choose the lilac pair so she doesn't misplace them when she really needs them!

Image via Piglet

Piglet in Bed Pink Bloom Linen Pajama Shorts Set

Since we're on the subject of relaxation, I know it's time for your sister to upgrade her pajamas. I'm sure she has a few pajama tops that still smell like breastmilk no matter how many times she's washed them (it's a powerful scent).

She'll appreciate wearing this linen shorts set that's super soft and breathable.

Gifts For Mother's Day That Book Lovers Won't Get Enough Of

Amazon Kindle 6" E-Reader

I know you have at least one friend that loves reading books and would spend her entire day reading if she didn't have anything else to do. I'm secure enough to say that I'm that mom friend and would absolutely love if someone gifted me a kindle for Mother's Day.

I love physical copies of books, but sometimes I wish I had something that didn't take up so much space. One thing I know is that kindles allow you to comfortably read books without worrying that you're going to fall asleep and lose your place because you dropped your book just as things were getting good.

With Kindle Unlimited, I'd get access to over 2 million books and I wouldn't feel overwhelmed because they'll all be on this compact device.

This version is $100 at Target!

Kate Spade New York Canvas Tote Bag with Interior Pocket

Book lovers need something to carry their essentials in books in like this cute canvas tote bag by Kate Spade. It's fairly reliable despite how lightweight it is and that's always a great sign. It also has an interior pocket to store small essentials like gum, pens, and more.

For a Kate Spade design, the $28 price tag feels like a steal!

Papier "The Little Things" Reading Journal

Your solo book club isn't complete with a reading journal! You'll be able to review 32 books with plenty of space to write as many details per review. You'll also be able to write down your TBR list on 8 different pages, document the books you've borrowed or let others read, and answer journal prompts.

I almost forgot but the team at Papier has also included their book recommendations in it! I feel like this is one of the most thorough reading journals I've come across.

It's currently in-stock for $38.

Mystery Book Owl Blind Date With a Book

Do you know a mom who loves books and wouldn't mind being surprised because she received a mystery read? She'll love this gift by Mystery Book Owl Blind Date With a Book. Each package comes wrapped with an external pocket that has a space for your pen, a reading log, stickers, and more.

You'll be able to pick the genre for her and the rest will be history as they say!

Gifts For Mother's Day That Wine Lover Will Savor

Sophie James Wine Co Sparkling Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir

It's wine. Of course your wine drinking mom friend will love this sparkling rosé! It's perfect for the mom who appreciates women owned businesses that are sustainable and are 100% organic! She'll immediately smell sweet blends of white strawberry and white flowers that have a hint of mandarin peel along with briche. And the texture? You can bet she'll thoroughly enjoy that too!

The Bamboo Abode Pink Wine Glasses Gift Set

Keep the pink theme going with The Bamboo Abode's pink wine glasses to complement your rosé wine bottle. You'll get a gold metal wine opener as well as wine stoppers to keep your wine stored in style. And what's wine and cute wine glasses without a charcuterie board set to go along with it?

YETI Wine Chiller

Okay, the wine lover's gifts for Mother's Day aren't complete with a wine cooler! The mom you gift this too will probably giggle heartily when she realizes you're keeping her love for wine in mind. Don't be surprised when she brings it along during your next brunch picnic!

Gifts For Mother's Day That The Beauty-Obsessed Will Reach For Daily

Steve Madden Goldie Fragrance

Steve Madden recently launched a new fragrance named 'Goldie' that's literally liquid sunshine in a bottle. Named after Steve Madden's youngest daughter, 'Goldie' has feminine and sweet scent that will easily become your favorite. The notes are:

  • Top: Italian Bergamot, Golden Pear, Violet Leaves
  • Middle: Jasmine, Gardenia Petals, Marigold
  • Dry: Sandalwood, Orpur, Amberwood, Soft Musk

This fragrance literally had at me the Jasmine, Sandalwood, Amberwood, and Soft Musk scents so I know the beauty-obsessed mom in your life will love it too!

Kosas Wet Lip Trio

I'm biased so Kosas stays on my radar with their skincare-driven makeup products. I've even shared the brand with my older sister because we tend to swap beauty finds with each other. If you have a similar relationship with you sister, be sure to buy this lip gloss trio for her.

They're full of moisturizing hyaluronic acid, lip-plumping peptides, and evening primrose oil that protects lips from icky environmental smog. Trust me, your sister will have a hard time choosing which shades are her favorite because all of them work well on any complexion.

Get this limited edition trio for $59 at Kosas!

Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches

We're in our eye patches eras ladies and that means the beauty-obsessed mom in your life probably is too. I'm a fan of Peter Thomas Roth's products because he understands that one's skincare routine should feel luxuriating. His Hydra-Gel Eye Patches are infused with real 24K Gold and Colloidal Gold to help improve the under eye area, but that's not all!

They're great for all skin types and are anti-aging as well. Basically they're the top tier beauty products that a mom needs if she's been dealing with a few sleepless nights lately.

Grab a pack of 30 for $75!

Sonäge Skincare Bare Essentials Duo

Gift this skincare duo to a mom who's been looking to find her glow again. She'll appreciate the soothing hydration she'll get from the Hydrating Cleanser that easily removes makeup and other debris from her face. Once she follows up wit the Glow To Go Glycolic Acid Peel Pads, her skin will feel nice and exfoliated. The pads also treat large pores and dark spots so if she's been looking to heal her hyperpigmentation, do her a big favor please!

You'll spend less than $75 when you buy this duo from Sonäge Skincare!

Dermstore Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Mineral SPF 40

There's a reason why this sunscreen keeps making rounds! It's literally the best sunshine protection you'll get in a bottle and it's universal. It has a weightless, cloud-like formula that doesn't feel tough to rub into the skin and it works well for those with really sensitive skin. If the mom in your life who can't seem to find a good sunscreen or primer is like me, she'll appreciate that this sunscreen doubles as both.

Let's give a huge shout out to the bamboo extract found in this amazing bottle.

Mermade Hair 1.25" OG Waver

Tell your mom friend that her favorite hair curler has met it's match with Mermade Hair's OG Waver. It's designed specifically for those who are looking for a boost of curls and volumes that they usually have a hard time achieving. Since summer is right around the corner, this is a perfect Mother's Day gift for the mom you know will be going on vacation soon. She'll get effortlessly beachy and glam curls that'll completely the shag hairstyles she's been eyeing.

And get this — it's celebrity hairstylist-approved for $79.

KORA Organics x Bumpsuit Moment for Motherhood Kit

I strongly believe that moms are deserving of me time no matter if they work full-time or stay at home with their kids. Luckily, KORA Organics has teamed up with Bumpsuit to help make that time a little more relaxing. Specially picked by Miranda Kerr and Nicole Trunfio, this motherhood kit includes the Noni Glow Sleeping Mask, Noni Glow Body Oil, and Bumpsuit Cloud Robe.

By gifting the beauty-obsessed mom in your life this motherhood kit, you'll be happy to know that KORA Organics is donating 5% of your purchase to Baby2Baby!

Which gifts for Mother's Day are you thinking about adding to your list? Let us know and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more shopping inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead mage via Compartés

This post has been updated.

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WHICH Movie Had Kate Winslet "Sh—ing" Herself?!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

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Here's A New Look At Florence Pugh's Return As Yelena Belova

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.

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