Over the years I've written about all the sentimental reasons why I don't want anything for Mother's Day apart from a hug or a cup of tea in bed or for us to all gather around the table over a meal and then have you do the cleaning up.

I don't want for much really. I'm a simple lady, with simple tastes. Yes, there is nothing I would like more than for the both of you to climb into bed with me next Sunday morning, like you used to when you were babies, we could read We're Going on a Bear Hunt, or I could just gaze upon you both in wonder, amazed still that you came from my womb.

I used to wish sometimes, when you were smaller, that I could put you back inside that womb and protect you from whatever was ailing you at the time.

Now I realise that's not my job anymore. You're on your way, even if you don't know what that way is yet.

Which is why I've reverted to stuff. These suggestions might be useful if you need to get your own mother stuff. Or, if you're anything like me, need to drop some not-so-subtle hints.

The Merchant's Feast is a Canberra-based digital delicatessen founded by siblings Marie and Dominic Vilardi, along with their mother Anne. They launched late 2020 and survived COVID by delivering authentic local and imported European deli products and grazing boxes direct to your door. Make Mother's Day breakfast easy and order one of the brunch grazing boxes, there's one to suit everyone, from pastries and cookies to bagels full of salmon. Kids, I'd like The French Deli option with croissants, ham, cheese, tomato, baby spinach, brie, honey, avocado spread, nutella and butter. $85. themerchantsfeast.com.au

The last time I remember reading a whole book in one day was about seven years ago when I got my hands on Annabel Crabb's The Wife Drought. Somewhat ironically I think I upset everyone in the house by not doing all the stuff a wife - and I was one then - usually does on a Sunday afternoon by reading her manifesto on why wives are completely disrespected. But I plan to do it again not long after Mother's Day, with Kelli Hawkins' Other People's Houses (Harper Collins, $32.99). Ten years on, Kate Webb is still grieving the loss of her son and spends her weekends hungover attending open houses on Sydney's wealthy north shore (now there's an idea.) One day she sees a family photograph and she's convinced the boy in the photo is her son. Love myself a slightly broken heroine. harpercollins.com.au

I'll admit I've already bought myself this beautiful baking dish. On a visit to Orange a few weeks ago I couldn't resist this La Chamba oval dish with handles when I saw it at The White Place, a rather fancy homewares store. It was just so textural and the deep colour was just crying out for some kind of pudding full of reds and whites. (Check out the latest edition of delicious magazine for three puddings I plan to cook in it.) After a little research, I found out the origins of La Chamba cookware can be traced back more than 700 years to vases and pitchers found in the Andes region of Colombia. The porous black clay is said to enhance flavour and retain heat. And you can use it on the stovetop, in the oven, even the microwave. And it looks gorgeous. You can shop online at thewhiteplace.com.au

I know May is a ridiculous time to start thinking about the beach. But I've decided I'm going to spoil myself with some luxurious beach holidays when the weather warms up. So I need a luxurious bikini for lolling about poolside and hitting the waves in between cocktails. And in the spirit of every body being a beach body if you have your body at the beach, check out Artesands. I'm vibing the Figaro Blue Botticelli bikini, available up to a DD. You can even crossover the straps for extra support. The pants are available in a flattering high-waisted full brief with a comfy full powermesh support front. artesands.com