AD / THIS POST CONTAINS GIFTED PRODUCT FROM LANDS’ END. ALL THOUGHTS AND WORDING IS MY OWN.

After a seemingly endless winter, spring is finally here. We’re almost to the end of March which means (hallelujah!) we’ll shortly be winding the clocks forward and embracing those lighter nights and, hopefully, warmer weather. This year Mothering Sunday lands on the first day of British Summer Time, so what better way to celebrate our lovely mums than in a truly spring-like fashion.

This year will be my third Mother’s Day as a mum myself. In the short space of my little man’s two year old life, I’ve been able to experience motherhood on the flip-side, not just as the daughter of my own mum. Now I joke I can understand the trauma I caused my mum, but of course, being a mum – a good mum – is all about working through the hardship as well as the good days because that’s what makes it all so rewarding. It’s the true test of love. And while, truthfully, I don’t believe I personally need a day to honour my motherly role, I don’t think it’s something I ‘deserve’, I know I feel differently about my mum who does deserve it, and I guess I can’t deny it’s nice to be treated. I just feel so blessed to be able to call myself a mum finally, and act on it every day of my life, and I think that’s what makes Mother’s Day so special.

I love family time, and spending an afternoon exploring the great outdoors is what I really enjoy us doing together. Just that feeling of getting away from the world and being in a place where it’s just us and nature – you can’t beat it. I’m not hugely outdoorsy, I’m not fit (or well) enough for the adventures Dad would love to take us on, but living where we do means a short walk is always an option. Being a mum who still struggles with the daily pressures of mental anxiety I think it’s important to make room for these breaks. It might mean time is sacrificed elsewhere, but parenting is tough and, tell me if I’m wrong, being a mum carries its own stress we don’t need.

When Lands’ End asked me about my thoughts on Mother’s Day gifting my instant thought was to steer away from the conventional gifts marketed with Mother’s Day in mind. I love those little trinkets and treasures with “I love you mummy” on and hope for something cute this year, but isn’t it true that we don’t tend to think of gifting anything practical? As long as “practical” and “lovely” are in the same sentence, then it’s an amazing gift in my opinion.

Coming into spring, I thought a little jacket would be the perfect treat. Not something you’d typically think of but potentially it could be the gift that keeps giving. The lightweight Everyday Cotton Rich Jacket is something that’ll get so much wear through spring, summer and even into early autumn (mum win!)

Land’s End’s Everyday Jacket is a wardrobe staple thanks to its wearable style and functionality. In a choice of vivid and classic colourways including navy, red, green and a neutral tan, this jacket has a generous figure skimming length and a flattering feminine shape thanks to its internal bungee cords allowing you to adjust and nip in at the waist. With an easy to close zip and poppered storm flap, four pockets – two front poppered pockets with side entry pockets behind – and a detachable hood, it’s a jacket made for ease and convenience.

Made with a soft finish high cotton to polyester content fabric, the showerproof jacket is unlined with contrasting floral seam taping, offering a casual look with a pretty accent. It’s the ideal transitional piece to take you into spring, leaving the cumbersome winter layers behind.

As we lean nearer towards warmer weather I’ve started to wear my Lands’ End jacket almost everyday. I think because it’s such a versatile style it naturally goes with whatever I’m wearing. It’s great to throw on for a walk into town, popping to the doctors or the shops, as much as it’s taken me down to the park or for a wander into the countryside. Knowing I have a decent hood to hand makes all the difference too, because in all honesty, you’re risking typical British weather going anywhere without a hood.

Over the weekend we had a break in the stormy weather with some actual sun, so we made the most of a bright afternoon and went on a walk around our local haunt. Bracing the wind blowing up from across the hills we headed down to an abbey ruins, finding vibrant daffodils in full bloom beside the adjacent little church and what’s left of the ancient gatehouse. With the warm sunshine streaming down, the breeze was now a pleasure, making our short countryside walk a true spring escape.

Looking ahead to Mother’s Day, our plans are as yet undecided – the husband and I have our two mums between us and Reuben has me – so we’ll see how we’ll spend the day. Hopefully with the clocks sprung forward we’ll have the perfect weather for a lovely spring walk again.

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What are your plans for Mother’s Day? Will you be spending it at home or visiting loved ones, or are you hoping to make it a day for yourself?

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