The earliest Mother's Day celebrations can be traced to the springtime festivities in ancient Greece honoring Rhea, the Mother of the Gods. During the 1600s, England celebrated a day called "Mothering Sunday" honoring the mothers of England. During this time, many of England's poor worked as servants for the wealthy and lived with their employers. On Mothering Sunday, the servants were free to travel home to be with their mothers. A special cake was given to Mom to show admiration and love.

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed Mother's Day a national observance celebrated on the second Sunday in May. This year, on May 14, 2006, we will honor Mom with hugs, cards, gifts, flowers and a special meal. Don't feel like cooking for Mom? What better way to worship Mom with music and food than to take her to the House of Blues Gospel Brunch on Sunset Blvd.? It's a one-of-a-kind, live music show with southern-style dining. Begin with seven different pastries and breads, then various salads, and finally Down South entrees, such as Creole Chicken and Shrimp Jambalaya, Southern Fried Chicken, Cajun Meatloaf with mushroom gravy or made-to-order omelets. Desserts include homemade peach cobbler, Key Lime pie, and yummy White chocolate banana bread pudding.

There are two seatings: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets for the brunch and show are $40 for adults (13yrs & up), with some partial-view seats for $32. Children (5-12) tickets are $18.50, and children under 5 are free but need to reserve a ticket and seat. For information and reservations, go to: www.hob.com or call 323-848-5100.

Afterward, Mom will say "aaah" to a spa certificate. The following spas are among my favorites: Le Petite Retreat Day Spa [331 N. Larchmont, Los Angeles (323) 466-1028, www.LPRdayspa.com] incorporates the five Chinese elements to give clients a healing and renewing experience. Treat Mom to Hollywood's latest trend, eyelash extensions. Mom will receive a free Aqua Latte Bath with any spa service when she mentions Los Angeles Family Magazine. In the San Fernando Valley, the Healing Oasis Spa [17200 Ventura Blvd. Suite 205, Encino Town Center, (818) 817-9808, www.HealingOasisspa.com] offers their fourth annual Mother's Day, Mommy and Daughter special for $160. Mom and daughter receive a two-hour session of mini-massage treatments side-by-side, mini-manicure and pedicure, glamour make-up and hairstyle, a light lunch, and a photo to remember their special day.

Citron Spa is the official spa for the Hyatt Valencia [24510 Town Center Drive, Suite 280 (661) 799-2924, www.yourfriendsarethere.com]. For Mother's Day, they are offering a European facial using YonKa products, a private steam to relax even more, and then a Citron Stone massage. Included are light snacks, herbal teas and juice, and body products, all for $265.

Mark Twain said, "My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it." Treat the Mom in your life with something special to honor her and show your appreciation.