When we're reading a really good book, sometimes we wish that we could jump inside the story and live in that world. Sometimes we wish we could be best friends with the main character, and sometimes, we even wish the main character's mom could be our mom, too. (Not that we don't love our own moms, but who wouldn't want another awesome mother?!) In honour of Mother's Day, we've rounded up a list of our favourite moms in literature, both classic and contemporary. Some of these are birth moms while some are adoptive mothers, but what they all have in common is an intense love and dedication to their children. Molly Weasley from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series: Not only is Mrs. Weasley an amazing mom to her motley crew of Weasley children, but she also takes Harry in like he's one of her very own. How could we not love her? (And her epic duel with Bellatrix Lestrange during Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will always be one of our favourite moments as she defends her daughter Ginny.) Ma from Emma Donoghue's Room: Known to the reader only as Ma, this chilling novel is narrated by her 5-year-old son Jack. At the age of 19, Ma was kidnapped and has since spent the past seven years confined in a 12x12 room -- Jack has never seen the world outside of this room. Despite their dire situation, Ma maintains a fierce love for her son and strives to teach him about the world outside the room. Margaret "Marmee" March from Louisa May Alcott's Little Women: Is there a mom who has it all together as well as Marmee? With patience and grace she raised four daughters on very little money, while her husband was off fighting in the Civil War. We especially love her for some of her more unconventional views -- unlike most 19th-century mothers, she doesn't push her daughters to marry for money, and emphasizes the importance of education. Ma (Caroline) Ingalls from Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie series: Like many of the women on this list, Ma was the glue that held the Ingalls family together -- but she did it as a pioneer woman without any of our modern conveniences! Ma is an excellent example of the gracious, selfless mother who will do anything to help her family -- a character type that shows up frequently in literature of this era. Marilla Cuthbert from Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables: Marilla is one of the most devoted adoptive mothers we know, even if she wasn't a huge fan of red-headed Anne Shirley from the get-go. Marilla and her brother Matthew were hoping to adopt a boy to help out on the farm, but instead they got a chatterbox girl, who eventually warms Marilla's cool demeanor. Wendy Darling from J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan: Maybe not a traditional mom, but young Wendy takes on the role of mother to Peter and the Lost Boys, as well as her own younger brothers, after they travel to Neverland. Although Peter initially entices the Darling children to join him in Neverland because they can remain young there forever, Wendy ends up embracing domestic roles and playing the part of a mother -- especially to the Lost Boys who barely remember having such a presence in their life. Reta Winters from Carol Shields' Unless: 44-year-old Reta's life is happy and ordinary -- until it's suddenly upended when her eldest daughter abandons her family and ends up begging on a Toronto street corner with a handwritten sign around her neck that says "GOODNESS". Despite the shock, Reta meets this life shift with poise and strength, and her emotional development as a mother is heartwrenching. Mrs. Lancaster from John Green's The Fault in Our Stars: Hazel's mom may be a bit of a helicopter parent, but can you blame her? As the mom to a 16-year-old cancer patient, Mrs. Lancaster constantly strives to make her daughter's life the best it can possibly be, and makes sure she cherishes every single moment. Mrs. Lancaster puts her own life on hold to be there for her daughter, and we completely love her for it. Who's your favourite fictional mom? Share your picks in the comments below!

Mother’s Day: the single day of the year that you put your hectic schedule on hold to celebrate the woman who gave you life. I think we can all agree that coming up with a meaningful gift to show your loving thanks is a lot of pressure. Everyone has a different budget and everyone has a different way they would like to celebrate their special woman. Whether your budget permits a little or a lot, we’ve got you covered in making this Mother's Day one she will always remember. IOU coupon book - 0 Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be limited to just one day. You can create fun and creative coupons that she can redeem at any time. Get inspired with ideas such as: breakfast in bed, doing the dishes/laundry, a hug, and cleaning your room. Chocolate-covered fruit bouquet - $/$$ Skip the flowers and order your mom a delicious bouquet of her favourite fruits dipped in heavenly chocolate. To cut the cost but also keep that same sweet taste, make your own chocolate dipped fruit and decorate them with her favourite colours. Loose leaf tea or accessories - $$ Is your mom a dedicated tea lover? Pick up her favourite loose leaf tea, a new fancy mug, or timeless tea accessories for her to try. Every time she takes a sip she will be thinking of you! Personalized stationery - $$ Personalized gifts never go out of style! A custom-made stationery set will be the perfect gift for the mom who scrambles around the house looking for odds and ends of paper to jot down important messages. From thank-you cards to a simple notepad, your mom will love the personal touch. Charm for her bracelet - $$ If your mom has a charm bracelet, pick out a new charm (perhaps her favourite colour, animal, or even birthstone) for her to add to her collection. Coffee brewing system - $$$ If we know moms, we know they love their coffee. With a gourmet coffee maker, your mom can get her caffeine fix with just a click of a button -- she will be extra grateful for this one! Kitchen essentials - $$/$$$ Are your mom’s favourite kitchen tools becoming a little banged up? Treat her to a new sauté pan, the latest blender, or even a quirky apron that she will really appreciate. For a little extra love, throw in that cookbook she’s had her eye on! Spa day - $$/$$$ Though this may seem quite expensive, you can actually tailor a spa day specific to your budget. Set mom up with a simple relaxing massage, or go all out with multiple services such as a body wrap and a mani-pedi to complete her special day. Wine tasting tour - $$$ Most winery tours require a modest cost or are totally free, but why not go all out? Set mom up with a tour, hotel stay, and even a gift certificate to the winery’s restaurant to make her day extra memorable. Tip: Some wineries are promoting Mother’s Day packages that could be the perfect way to make her day that much more special! Theatre performance - $$$ To celebrate your mom, why not give her tickets to that show she has been dying to see? Make a full night of it and treat her to dinner and dessert first! Are you planning something extravagant for mom, or are you keeping it simple this year? Let us know in the comments!

Our own Lynn Spence will be appearing at the Galt on the Grand Mother's Day Showcase on Saturday, May 10 for a morning of shopping and high tea. It's your chance for a bit of fashion advice from our stylist extraordinaire -- and the event supports a great cause, the YWCA Cambridge. Details: Galt on the Grand Mother's Day Showcase Saturday, May 10, 2014 Join Lynn for Mother's Day shopping and high tea from 9am-12pm at the Women's International Gift & Gallery! Fashion show with styles selected by Lynn at 11am. An event in support of YWCA Cambridge. About WIGG

Impress your mom with this elegant and delicious dish from Chef Randy Feltis! Lump crab cake with red wine poached egg Serves 4 Prep time 12 min Cook time 8 min Special tools: stainless steel bowl, soft hands Ingredients for the crab cake:

• 1 lb lump crab meat
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp mayo
• 3 tbsp bread crumbs
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 4 splashes hot sauce
• 3 splashes Worcestershire
• Juice of half lemon
• Salt and pepper

Method: Mix all ingredients except the crab in a medium mixing bowl‎. Gently fold in crab and make 4 5oz balls. Flatten and pan-fry 1 minute on each side. Red wine poached egg:

• 2 cups red wine
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 4 eggs

In a medium pot bring red wine, balsamic and syrup to simmer. Drop in eggs and simmer for 2 minutes or medium soft. Plate crab cake‎ with a mustard aioli top with some wilted beet tops and red wine poached eggs. Garnish with chopped chives and enjoy! [embed]bcid:3517198261001[/embed]

Best (free) gifts for mom this mother’s day Yes, the best things in life truly are free…especially on Mother’s Day. Now, don’t get me wrong…many moms would LOVE a new bag or trip to the spa, however, most moms just want some ‘mom luv’. Here are the best (free) gifts for mom this Mother’s Day.

1. Help a mom out. Teens, please unload the dishwasher without being asked. Pre-schoolers, you can line up the shoes at the front door. Big kids, clear off the coffee table. Spouses, offer to do the extra-curricular drives today. Help a mom out by helping out. It costs nothing but means everything!
2. Take a family picture (with mom in it). Moms are quite often the family photographer, which is a great thing…until she looks back at the family scrapbook and realizes there is no photographic evidence of her being in her kids’ childhood. Get a friend, neighbour, or extended family member to snap a few pictures of the whole family.
3. Give mom the day off. Yes, seriously. Give mom a day off from being a mom. Encourage her to go to the library. Go for a walk. Garden. Blog. Bike ride. Whatever mom wants to do to re-charge during her very valuable (yet, oh so free) ME TIME.
4. Break the mom routine. Mother’s Day is a perfect day to break the hum-drum (yet important) mom life and do something different. Go for a hike together. Visit some friends. Take a drive to the country (or city). Just break the routine and let mom see and experience something different.
5. Sshhhh! Let mom wake up whenever mom wakes up on Mother’s Day. Not when the baby cries. Not when the kids wake up wanting her to make breakfast. Not when the alarm sounds. Keep a quiet house and let mom blissfully awake when she pleases.

Caroline Fernandez shares family-friendly activities and tips on her site Parent Club (Twitter: @ParentClub). Her first book Boredom Busters (Cico Books, 2014) is now available in stores.