When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts.  A mother always has to think twice – once for herself and once for her child.  ~Sophia Loren

I recently came across a description of what a mother “is”. It said that, “She is a cook, house keeper, teacher, nurse, handyman, maid, security, coordinator, supervisor, manager, secretary, nutritionist, caretaker, personal assistant, life coach, bookkeeper, laundry maid, taxi driver and a motivational speaker. She doesn’t get holiday pay, sick pay or days off and she is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.” That being said, I can’t think of a more difficult (not to mention tiring) job than being a mother!  For many of us, the impact that our mother’s have had on our life is immeasurable. So, this Mother’s Day, pull out all the stops – skip the usual flowers and a box of chocolate and do something extraordinary for the blessing that you have been given. Here are some great ideas of local things to do with your mother or other special women in your life this coming Mother’s Day, May 8, 2011.

Fabulous Brunch Cruise Anyone?

Board the Venetian Lady Yacht, courtesy of Island Queen Cruises, and spend a few hours navigating the serene, blue waters around gorgeous Biscayne Bay. This cruise offers an unlimited brunch filled with honey baked ham, a carving station, fresh quiche, an omelet station, pastries, bagels, fresh fruit, mimosa’s and much more. Mother’s can listen to live music while relaxing their day away and enjoying incredible cuisine.  The Venetian Lady features a modern design with three grand decks and two dance floors – making her Miami’s newest private luxury yacht. For reservations, contact 305-379-5119, extension 201 or visit: www.islandqueencruises.com/mothersdaybrunch_tickets.htm

Spend a Day at the Museum  

Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale is an experience that no Floridian resident (or visitor) should miss. The added bonus? They are offering mother’s free admission on Mother’s Day with the purchase of one regular admission. Bonnet House is a 35 acre, subtropical estate that features incredible gardens and an exciting museum. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the main house is packed with art collections and personal treasures from the Birch/Bartlett families. The surrounding grounds location offer visitors the chance to see a variety of wildlife. For more information, call 954-563-5393 or visit: www.Bonnet House.org

Lunch at the Estate

What could be better than a catered brunch at one of the most breathtaking estates in Miami? Celebrate this special day with Mom at the Deering Estate where guests will be served scrumptious cuisine courtesy of Bill Hansen Catering and be able to tour the beautiful Grand Stone House and historic Richmond Cottage. Advanced reservations are required. For more information, call 305-235-1668.

Splurge on a Day at the Spa

Contour Day Spa in Plantation is offering a glorious special for the entire Mother’s Day Month of May! Pampered women will receive three amazing treatments starting with The Journey to Eden, filled with reflexology and a hydrotherapy bath that includes a luxurious hair shampoo and condition. This is followed by an exotic steam room Loofah Body Buff that relaxes and unwinds the body while exfoliating the skin. Lastly, a Milk &Honey Body Smoothing will help invigorate cell generation, leaving skin feeling silky smooth. Regular price of all three treatments is $390.00, but for the entire month, the entire package is available for only $149.99! Let Mom feel like a queen on her special day. To book an appointment, call 954-472-7733, or visit: www.contourspas.com

Botanical Gardens Brunch

Spend a glorious day in one of the world’s largest garden collection full of palms and tropical plants. Mother’s Day Brunch will be held in the Garden House from 10:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Treat the fabulous women in your life to a delectable brunch with made to order omelets, pastries and many more treats! Don’t forget that Mother’s Day falls on a Sunday, so this would also make a great opportunity to book one of their Weekend Butterfly tours. For reservations, please call 305-256-8399 or visit: www.fairchildgarden.org

A Morton’s Mother Day Special

Treat your mother to some of the finest fare in Palm Beach at a price that won’t “break the bank”. Available only on Mother’s Day, Morton’s will offer a special menu for only $59.00 per person. Let her choose from Filet Mignon, Broiled Salmon Fillet and Colossal Shrimp Alexander to Crème Brulee or Double Chocolate Mousse for dessert. For more information, visit: www.mortons.com/palmbeach or call 561-835-9664.

Symphony and the Sea

The Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty Six invites guests to enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the Pier Top, all while enjoying relaxing chamber music from The Fort Lauderdale String Quartet of the Symphony of the Americas. If you are looking to have a relaxing Mother’s Day, filled with glorious music and great food, this is the perfect choice! Appetizers and sweets will be served. For chair and table seating prices and information, please visit: www.hyattregencypiersixty-six.com

Marisa Zeppieri- Caruana can be reached at: [email protected]