My Daughter's Keeper

Valentine’s Day has always been a time for the two of you to share a special sweetness, but now that she’s getting a little older it might be a time to transition into something a little more adult that cupcakes and cupids. Why not let her know that you recognize and value the fact that she’s growing up and share something more meaningful (and lasting) with her this year? Charm bracelets are making a big comeback and are more fashionable than ever. How perfect to give her a gift that she can add to for years to come while also being able to reflect back on the first charm that started it all the one from you. Another idea is to get a set of four stack rings and split them between the two of you (two each) so that you’ll both know the sum of the parts come from the greater whole. By doing a little research online you can find other great gift ideas like a personalized jigsaw puzzle that can contain a reminiscent picture of the two of you from her younger days. This is something she can cherish and carry forward to use with her own young children one day. Another idea is to take her to the fragrance counter for the first time and let her sample different brands to come up with her own signature scent. This is a special moment between mother and daughter and is sure to elicit fond memories as time (more…)

The holiday season is a perfect time for a mother to show her daughter how much she has appreciated their closeness throughout the preceding year. It’s a time for pampering and rewarding. It’s a time to share cherished memories. If you’d like to turn this Christmas into one to truly remember, why not consider passing down a piece of jewelry that you’ve had in your jewelry box since you were about the same age as your daughter is now? Not only will she enjoy wearing it, but she’ll enjoy hearing the stories about what it meant to you when you received it and the types of activities you were involved in while you were wearing it. She’ll not only be receiving the gift of the jeweled piece, but she’ll also be receiving the gift of her mother’s story. Another great Christmas idea is to fill her stocking full of little trinkets that will let her know you acknowledge she is coming of age. Ideas can include bottles of nail polish, sample sizes of various perfumes for her to experiment with to discover her “signature scent,” various styles of earrings so she can explore with the looks to decide which ones look best on her. Usher in the New Year with your bond even tighter than it was last year encourage her to be her own person and to explore things as she discovers her own way. She will always and forever thank you for it.

Literally, that is. According to Entrepreneur magazine, there are several mother-daughter duos that have gone into business together- and been highly successful, too. Read on about their success and find inspiration for your own mother-daughter venture.Maria and Barbara Serbes took their relationship to a new level when they opened Rock your Religion. The company provides religious jewelry, but they’ve added a new twist to the style, making products that resemble something Ozzy and Sharon Osborne would wear.One mother-daughter duo took their passion for baking to new heights. Wonderland Bakery, founded by Sondra and Allyson Ames, provides decadent and yummy treats to the (more…)

Let’s face it, the older your daughter becomes, the harder it is to connect with her. Now, trips to the mall are no-longer your time together, but something she wants to do with her friends. And when it comes to guys, I know you’ve heard “mom, you just couldn’t understand.” Well, stop pulling out your hair because we have all you need to reconnect with your daughter.Music has the power to bring all kinds of people together- It has that same ability for family, too. While Lady Gaga’s songs may seem completely different from the music of The Eurythmics and David Bowie . . . they’re actually not. Take the time to listen to her music and play her some of your favorites, too. Compare the outlandish costumes of Bowie to the bizarre ones of Gaga. Or judge current remakes with their original version (“Right Round” from Flo Rida to “You Spin Me Right Round” by Dead or Alive). You’ll both realize your tastes are a lot similar than you thought. (more…)

Looking for something to watch with your daughter? Catch up on one of these T.V. shows or films and share a laugh over other mother-daughter relationships.4. Nicholas Sparks’ The Last Song Not usually an advocate for Miley Cyrus movies, this one is great for moms and daughters. Earning our number four spot because it’s actually about dads and daughters, you’ll appreciate it more than her dad will. Alongside the film’s romance between Ronnie (Cyrus) and Will (Liam Hemsworth), there’s a story about the relationship between family members. Greg Kinnear stars at Ronnie’s father, Steve Miller.3. Anywhere But Here Susan Sarandon (Mr. Woodcock) and Natalie Portman (Star Wars) star as Adele and Ann August. Ann doesn’t get along with her mom, and as a result, wants to be anywhere but where she is. However, Adele has other dreams for her daughter. Anywhere but Here is a classic tale of the (more…)

Do you and your daughter share a love for cookies, cakes, cupcakes. . . that list could keep going. Well, why not use that shared sweet tooth to bond? From T.V. shows to cupcake stores, there are plenty of activities for the candy connoisseur.Take cupcake shops for example. Over the last few years, cupcakes have become a huge trend, with three, four, sometimes five cupcake shops per city. Even if there aren’t any cupcake specific shops, I guarantee there’s at least one bakeshop. Why not take your daughter and make it your mission to try every bake shop in your city? Use Yelp to find the bakeshops in your area.Of course, you and your daughter could always make your own cake, too. From Red Velvet to Double Chocolate, there are plenty of different recipes to try. Pick out flavors, and then, make each other’s favorites. (more…)

Nothing means more than having your mom with you for the big moments. From a first breakup to the wedding day, there’s so much time for mother-daughter bonding. Here are just a few tips, from a daughter’s perspective, on how you can be there during those important moments.The first breakupWhen we’re young, we all feel that first love will last forever, and then. . . it doesn’t. It’s hard to make that first heartbreak bearable, but a little mother-daughter time really is a great cure. Take your daughter to pick out a new outfit or to get her nails over. When she’s starting over, a new look can really help. Another option is to indulge in chocolate and a good comedy (s’mores and sundaes are always a hit). Bust most importantly, take the time to listen. If you’re comfortable, share your first breakup story with her. Letting her know you understand is the best approach there is. (more…)