Mums, moms, mothers, grand moms – Happy Day to all of you! If you haven’t thought of an outing, several of the events listed may be just what Mom wants to do. Does she love decorating – or are you moving into a new home?  You might get some ideas from this year’s decorator showcase featuring the iconic 18,000 square foot house, “Le Petite Trianon” mansion! The newest trend in skin care is truly organic, as in straight from the ground – crystal infused products for glowing skin – why not?  Time for Festivals – Hawaiian, Irish – take your pick or visit them both. The coolest of the cool will be heading to the unique Maker’s faire to check out the imaginative creations of artists, scientists and other creators.

Decorator Showcase

A true design challenge faced the more than 30 designers working on the decorator showcase this year. They transformed 33 spaces in the 9-bedroom mansion. The most talented west coast interior and landscape designers have lovingly and uniquely redecorated 18,000 square feet of this San Francisco Landmark. Originally a showcase home in 1982, the lavish home presents unique challenges.

Located in Presidio Heights at 3800 Washington Street, this 1904 beauty once housed a prominent SF family that made a fortune in wool and textiles. Modeled after Le Petit Trianon at Versailles in Paris, the home was opened upon completion with a lavish Marie Antoinette Costume Ball. I can picture it now, and my wig is ready, should they host another.  This annual event raises funds to benefit the San Francisco University High School financial aid program. http://www.decoratorshowcase.org

Crystal Skin Care

No longer hidden in new age stores with smoking incense, crystals and their healing properties have come into the mainstream, particularly in skin care. Even mainstream beauty brands are getting into the crystal mindset. For them, it’s a trend, but for several northern California independent brands, crystals are integral to their skin care rituals and spas.

This Magic Life Day Spa in the mission district incorporates all things metaphysical. Crystals and flower essences are the norm. Elise, the owner, incorporates crystals into her facials by placing them on the client’s body during treatments, facilitating grounding and healing treatment.

Bay Area skin care brands Laurel Whole Plant Organics and Pink Light have skin and body care products formulated with crystals to help their customers connect with their own bodies and sense of themselves. Both companies’ owner’s make their own flower and gem essences and add them to their organic, natural formulas based on their different energetic properties.

Laurel of Laurel whole plant organics formulates oil with essences so it will have an energetic impact on whoever opens the bottle. She infuses jojoba oil with crystals and gems and places it in the sun to charge. These women want to share the healing energies of the crystals – not be a part of the trend. I’m all in tomatoes – I love skin care and I love crystals – let’s heal away. And this might make a great gift certificate for a Mom in your life!

May Festivals

It’s festival season, and you can tell by the crop tops and flowy dresses in all of the store windows. They are geared towards the music festival youth. However, those of us who simply want to enjoy the out of doors and get a taste of going international without the travel, can pop on our jeans and head to a few local international themed fests.

If a ticket to the big island is what you are craving, why not enjoy the sounds and tastes of Hawaii at The Alameda County Fairgrounds this weekend. Celebrate Hawaiian culture through hula, authentic and delicious cuisine, perhaps even a fire dancer or two and gorgeous Hawaiian leis. Dancers or Halau from all over the world perform (Hula) and are judges are flown in from Hawaii to judge the competition. Moms enjoy 50% off on tickets for Sunday! www.kumuhulaassociation.com

Do you dream of the Cliffs of Moher or wish for a pot of gold? The Silicon Valley Fleadh (“Fla” = Gaelic for Festival) takes place in Mountain View this weekend. Even if you are just a wee bit Irish, or none at all, you will be delighted by the welcoming Irish hospitality. Tradition and Irish performers will have you tapping your feet and joining the dancers. When the wandering gets your mouth watering, enjoy the traditional Fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and Irish Curry. Of course, there will be traditional beverages – i.e.: Guinness and other craft beers on hand to quench the thirst. www.svirishfleadh.com

May 17-18. Maker’s Faire

Maker’s Faire is the greatest show and tell around. Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. Maker Faire features innovation and experimentation across the spectrum of science, engineering, art, performance and craft.

This year try your hand at circuitry, lace making and light saber training. Or explore the tiny home zone, witness amazing feats on the dance battle stage. Or learn how to preserve the planet. Presentations and how-tos across all fields. Get inspired tomatoes! May 17 – 19 at the San Mateo Event Center. www.makerfaire.com