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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, M ay 7, 20 20 | 20 togetherlocal Gift Certificate Sale Helpsupport thebusinesses inyour neighbourhoodwith theStarMetrolandMedia #togetherlocalGiftCertificateSale. We've partnered with some of your favourite local businesses to bring you a gift certificate sale, featuring savings of 25 - 50%. So buy some gift certificates, save some cash and help a local business too. New items added eachweek Go to togetherlocal.ca to show your support. New certificates added daily Our business is helping local business Local businesses are the engine of our economy, the anchors of our communities and the first place of work for millions of young Canadians and new Canadians. With reporters in more than thirty communities across Ontario, we know that local businesses have borne the brunt of this recent pandemic. This is our commitment to the businesses in our communities: We will voice your concerns We will help you keep the doors open We will help you navigate the system We will tell your stories This year's unprece- dented physical-distancing measures mean families will need to be creative about how they celebrate Mother's Day. Usual stand- bys like spa visits, day trips and brunch reservations are off the table, but that doesn't mean showing your gratitude is cancelled. Whether you're cele- brating a mom you live with or one you need to keep your distance from, Ontario-based moms and entrepreneurs Maria Locker, founder of the- mompreneur.com, and Re- becca Brennan and Jaime Duggan of thecommon- moms.com have advice for you. IF YOU CAN'T BE WITH MOM, SURPRISE HER WITH SOME SNEAKY GARDENING. "One of the tips I really liked was from Grace Moores, who has been a member with us since 2010," said Locker, who is based in Milton and asked some of her mompreneurs across Ontario for ideas. "Her company is Jolly Bark. She's come up with some different ways to do guerrilla gardening, so surprise your mom with some new plants the night before, so when she wakes up there's new plants in her garden." PLAN A HOME SPA DAY AT HOME. "Just go through your cupboards and see what you have. Even if you don't have nail polishes on hand, you could have a foot bath together and talk," Locker said. "We have actually a few members that make their own bath salts and es- sential oils, so you could make that an extra step, es- pecially if you have youn- ger kids. It could be fun to make the products you're going to use at your home spa." BRING BRUNCH OR DINNER TO YOUR TABLE. "So many local restau- rants are providing con- tactless pickup and deliv- ery options during this time," said Brennan, who lives in Burlington. "From dinner to doughnuts and everything in between, or- der mom whatever is her favourite, and have it deliv- ered right to your door." TAKE A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE BY GOING THROUGH YOUR FAVOURITE PHOTOS TOGETHER. "Have every family member choose their fa- vourite and talk about all the reasons they love mom," said Duggan, who lives in Waterdown. "If your pictures are digital send them off to print or create an online album to- gether." GATHER YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR DEVICES AND HAVE A VIR- TUAL CELEBRATION. "Just because we can't be together doesn't mean we can't see each other," said Brennan. "There are so many great ways to con- nect virtually during this time. Take advantage of them to spend some quali- ty time together." CREATE A KEEPSAKE CRAFT TOGETHER. "Common Moms is of- fering DIY craft kids that parents and children can work on together at home," said Duggan. "Whether you choose one that is Mother's Day themed or something more generic, this is a great way to spend time together creating something special. ORDER A LATE GIFT ONLINE. By now, it's too late to or- der gifts online to be deliv- ered in time for Mother's Day. However, if the mom in your life doesn't mind an IOU on May 10, here are some options for gifts made by moms in Ontario that can be delivered to her door. The Common Moms of- fers craft kits for online purchase at thecommon- moms.com/shop that can be assembled at home. Rest and Nest collec- tions, based in Toronto, of- fer special touches to transform your mom's nursing home room into a homey living space. Order from their collection on- line at restandnest.ca. Clean Kiss is an Oak- ville-based skincare line that boasts entirely plant- based ingredients. Order their products online at cleankisslifestyle.com. CELEBRATE MOM - AT HOME OR FROM A DISTANCE, MAY 10 There are many ways to honour moms while also respecting physical distancing guidelines this Mother's Day. Retha Ferguson/Pexels WHAT'S ON IT'S POSSIBLE TO SHOW MOM LOVE AND OBSERVE PHYSICAL DISTANCING