If it's not one thing, it's your mother

Okay, okay, okay...more than a few of you have put me in time-out for not being prompt with my Mother's Day suggestions. Can't a girl have a finally-its-flowing-and-nothing-willl-tear-me-away-not-even-gossip-about-justin-and-cam's-alleged-wedding-next-weekend couple of days at the writing desk? Sheesh! Anyway, I've finally taken a work break, and after some major deliberation and hawk-eyed editing, assembled a downright brilliant gift guide. I'd love you to know, though, I was careful to keep costs low, since I've also received a few verbal beatdowns for coaxing you to buy stuff way out of your price range. Though inarguably DIVINE, you say, that new Shiseido Eye shadow ain't gonna turn your lights back on. So fine, because I'm a beauty artiste, I've drummed up relatively-inexpensive-but-to-die-for gifts sure to make your mom forget all about the time you dialed 1-900-HAMMER and divulged your innermost secrets to the rapper's recorded voice for a shudderingly expensive hour.

TIA'S TOP TEN:
Modestly Priced Mother's Day Gifts

1.) LAURA MERCIER TARTE AU CITRON DUO, $50: Laura Mercier's bestselling "lemon tart" scent—a warm, not-too-sweet blend of lemon, vanilla and musky heaven—is whipped into this set's honey bath and soufflé body crème. Not only will the apothecary-style bottles look totally chic on your mom's vanity, but your dad, step dad, "auntie" or whomever gives her the bedroom business won't be able to keep their hands off her. I have proof--my mom's a fan, and the buttery musk drives my father insane (FOR THE MOM WHO BAKED CUPCAKES FOR YOUR FIRST GRADE CLASS ON YOUR BIRTHDAY).

2.) PRESCRIPTIVES LTD. EDITION LUSTROUS LIP PALETTE, $28: I’ve always wondered if the Prescriptives lipstick elves know their own worth—their unique formula has just enough shine, just enough coverage, and manages to stay-put without drying-out! Revolutionary! Anyway, said elves have packaged their eight-bestselling lipsticks into one amazing palette, and all I can say is your mom should be so lucky. (FOR THE MOM WHO’S WORN THE SAME LIPSTICK SINCE AGE 17)

3.) STELLA EAU DE PARFUM ROLL-ON, $35: I mentioned before that Narciso Rodriguez for Her was my favorite perfume. This is true, but I didn’t tell you the rest. I spritz on NR in the A.M., but carry a travel-size bottle of designer Stella McCartney’s Stella in my bag for touch-ups—together, the two create the sexiest, most “lying in the afterglow” scent, ever (my friend Charlotte works the same blend, and it smells different but just as sultry). Stella—a moody blend of roses, peonies, and mandarin—is just as heady worn alone, and this expensive-looking lilac gift box containing four sleek, portable roll-on fragrance pens is quite glamorous. (FOR THE FASHIONISTA MOM)

4.) VIKTORIA HAYMAN WOOD BEADED EARRINGS, $35: In step with fashion’s bohemian-babe obsession, wood jewelry is currently the toast of the town. And why shouldn’t your mom get to raise a glass? These 4” long danglers come with your choice of emerald-and-gold or brown-and-gold painted round wooden beads. Muy exotica! (FOR THE MOM WHO HONEYMOONED IN MARRAKECH)

5.) SONIA KASHUK ULTIMATE BRUSH SET, $29: Everyone needs a good set of makeup brushes, but who would actually buy one for themselves? Voila, the perfect gift! Celebrity makeup artist, Cindy Crawford BFF, and all-around hilarious chick, Sonia Kashuk, designed this sleek fuchsia kit containing six essential, top-quality brushes and a sexy little mirror. And how ‘bout that price? (FOR THE FRUSTRATED-MAKEUP-ARTIST MOM)

6.) CAROL’S DAUGHTER MANGO MELANGE, $36.95: Carol’s Daughter is a lovely bath, body & hair boutique in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn (my hood of seven years until nine months ago…I even gave it a shout in my book!) famous for its all-natural, hand-made products. On word of mouth alone, the boutique has become a natural-beauty-mecca-of-sorts, with celebrity fans like Oprah and Jada Pinkett Smith going crazy for their deliciously nurturing, pampering products. Send your mom into the bathroom with this basket of soothingly sweet-scented mango shower gel, body spray, and body cream, and you may never see her again. (FOR THE WORKAHOLIC MOM)

7.) LANCOME COLOUR DOSE GIFT SET, $35: These portable tubes of cream shimmer shadows in pastel shades were a huge hit when they debuted—and now, four of Lancôme’s most versatile shades, along with a tube of lip/cheek stain, are sold together in a kit! Treat your mom to these luminous, eye-brightening shadows and witness ten years disappear. (FOR THE MOM WHOSE EYES YOU WISH YOU’D INHERITED)

8.) LAUREN LARGE SEQUIN GOLD COIN PURSE, IN SILVER OR COPPER, $28: A flirty, feminine mix between debutante and disco, this sequin-studded, oversized change purse is a great day-to-night piece. Your mom can use it as a wallet during the day, and as a clutch for evening—that is, if you don’t “forget’ to give it to her. (FOR THE MOM WHO LOVES THE NIGHTLIFE)

9.) CHANEL No.5 ESSENTIAL BATH OILS, $45: Chanel No.5 will always be the last word in chic, sophistication, and timeless luxury, no matter who you mother is. She could be a man, even. Since the eau de parfum is like $4,000,000, why not award your mother with a bath & body product from the No.5 extension line, like this moisturizing, sensuous, mysteriously fuchsia bath oil—its no less fancy than the perfume, and your mom will love that you see her as a stylish woman of the world who appreciates true elegance. (FOR THE MOM WHO RAISES HER PINKY FINGER WHILE DRINKING COFFEE)

10.) THE ACCIDENTAL DIVA, paperback version, $11.20: Oh, come on, you knew this was coming. My sweet little story just came out in paperback this week, it has a brand-new fabulous cover, it’s funny, it’s sexy, and I wrote it, dammit—help make me a bestselling author!! (FOR THE MOM WITH A HEARTBEAT)

That’s it! Hope this helps and that I’m not too late…hit me back, ladies!
Xoxo,
tia