Celebrate Mother’s Day

Stores and restaurants may be closed, but that shouldn’t stop you from showering Mom with love.

The coronavirus shutdown has left us with fewer things to do these days, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate Mother’s Day (from a safe distance, of course). If you haven’t planned anything for Sunday (shame on you!), here are some quick and easy ways you can honor the most important women in your life.

Flower Power: There’s good news if you have not yet ordered a bouquet for Mom: Many local florists are open! For brilliant blooms, pleasant pastels and calming corals, check out stores like Woodcliff Lake Florist, Little Ferry Flower Shop, Tyrells Flowers and Gifts in Westwood and Bill O’Shea’s Flowers in Hasbrouck Heights—they offer curbside and no-contact delivery service. You also can try your luck at grocery stores like Wegmans in Montvale and Whole Foods Market in Closter, Edgewater, Paramus and Ridgewood.

Make It Yourself: You know what it’s like to wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a hot stack of pancakes? Help Mom start her day right by greeting her with these three healthy home-cooked breakfast dishes.

• Instead of rich buttermilk pancakes, try these Greek yogurt pancakes. Made with old-fashioned oats and vanilla Greek yogurt, these flapjacks are tasty enough without syrup and can be made gluten free for those with celiac disease.
• For a little protein and veggies, whip up an egg white quiche filled with cauliflower, zucchini and onion. Not only is this dish low-cal and packed with nutrient-rich ingredients, Mom will appreciate its million-dollar presentation when it comes out of the oven.
• Toast to the greatest Mom with a mimosa fruit salad. Fresh fruit and a dash of honey provide the perfect amount of sweetness to cap her meal. The question now is do you let her relax or treat her to more fun?

Dine Out at Home: When you can’t wine and dine Mom at a white-linen Sunday brunch, bring the feast to her. Several Bergen restaurants are offering Mother’s Day specials available for curbside pickup, including Axia Taverna in Tenafly, Biagio’s in Paramus, Bibi’z in Westwood, BV Tuscany in Teaneck, The Glen Rock Inn and Ventanas at the Modern in Fort Lee. Order ahead for packages that start at $50. They’re loaded with goodies to treat the entire family: waffles, eggs, sausage, ham, prime rib, lamb, veggies, potatoes and dessert. Restaurants like The Cornerstone in Hillsdale take the celebration a step further, tossing in a complimentary mimosa kit so everyone can toast to Mom!

Take a Hike: Weather permitting, escape to the outdoors and take Mom for a stress-free stroll. Most state and county parks have reopened (with social distancing and other restrictions in place), and plants are in full spring bloom. Soak up nature’s beauty along the trails at the Ramapo Valley County Reservation in Mahwah or grab a cup of joe at Kuppi Coffee in Edgewater and enjoy the view and conversation with your lovely lady on Hudson River Waterfront Walkway.

It’s In the Cards: Here is your time to shine. With greeting card stores closed and slim pickings at the drug store, a handmade card—whether it’s made by a 5- or 25-year-old—can be the most thoughtful gift Mom receives. Here are a few samples where you can use your creativity to make her smile.