Mother’s Day doesn’t need to fall by the wayside just because pubs, restaurants and theatres are shutting their doors. There are still plenty of activities you can do from the comfort of your home or your mum’s home. Here are a few suggestions, including some ways to support small businesses in Hackney along the way.
Bake from the heart
Mother’s Day is a great time to don your apron and do some baking. If you’re lucky enough to be spending time with your mum this Sunday, you can spend some time mixing up something magical together as a nice bonding/family-argument-inducing exercise.
Flapjacks are the perfect choice, as they don’t require any fancy equipment or much baking knowledge to get right. Chuck together some oats, golden syrup, brown sugar and melted butter for an indulgent and nostalgic treat.
Bulk Market on Bohemia Place is still open for you to get most, if not all, of the supplies you’ll need to bake something delicious. The best thing about this packaging-free shop is that you can buy as much as you need, so there’s no waste. If your recipe calls for 250g of flour, you don’t need to traipse home from the shops with a huge bag that’s going to sit in your cupboard for the next few months untouched.
Create your own cinema
Once you’ve finished making all your sweet treats, relax with some classic movies. Subscription services will be saving many of us from the boredom of being at home, and they have some great movies to watch with your mum just waiting to be screened. Here are a few recommendations:
Netflix
- Dirty Dancing is one of the most iconic romance movies ever made. Let your mum swoon over Patrick Swayse while the rest of the family cringe at his power ballad ‘She’s Like the Wind’.
Amazon Prime
- John Crowey’s Brooklyn is an emotional roller coaster which will have you and your mum both grabbing for the tissues.
All 4
- If you’re looking for a female empowerment narrative, look no further than Suffragette. The all-star cast includes Carey Mulligan, Meryl Streep and Helena Bonham-Carter.
Even if you are practising social distancing, you and your mum can enjoy a film together with the help of Netflix Party. It will synch up your viewing so neither of you get any spoilers.
Lend your hand to letter writing
Many people will maybe use social distancing as a time to write a novel or sitcom pilot. If you’re having to keep your distance from your mum this year, channel a fraction of that creative energy into a letter to keep in contact during these unprecedented times.
Everyone’s relationship with their mum is different, so there’s no formula for a great message. If you and your mum love to laugh, start things off with a funny story from your childhood that you know will keep her in stitches. Some of these letters might be a consolation for cancelled plans, so writing about the shopping trip or holiday you’ll go on once you don’t have to keep your distance is a good way for you both to remain positive. Print off a few photos to add in for an extra personal touch.
If you’re a last-minute shopper, lots of independent card shops and stationers in Hackney are still open as usual. Sublime on Victoria Park Road has a great selection of heartfelt and funny cards to choose from.
Whatever you do this Mother’s Day remember to have fun and stay safe!
