ESSENCE.com: How do you typically spend your Mother’s Day? And how will you be spending it this year?
KIMORA LEE SIMMONS: We celebrate every holiday as a family. I tend not to stay in bed too long on Mother’s Day. The kids will make me breakfast – they like to prepare a special menu of things they know I like. These aren’t always traditional breakfast foods – but they’re always delicious. Then we’ll see a movie or go to the park – although I typically don’t get to pick the movie.
ESSENCE.com: What are you giving your mom for mother’s day?
SIMMONS: My mom and I normally go to a spa some time around Mother’s Day. She’s very busy but somehow finds a way to slow down and make time for a massage. We like to have lunch in Korea town, too, and sometimes the kids come.
ESSENCE.com: What gift are you expecting from your husband?
SIMMONS: I make it a point never to expect gifts from anyone. Firstly because it’s faux-fab to expect anything. Secondly, because Mother’s Day for me is always a celebration of how I’ve been able to raise three great kids that understand how important family is and that I want the best for all of them. I want them to be their best selves. But both my husband and ex always do something to show their appreciation and that means a lot to me.
ESSENCE.com: Being a chic busy mom, what advice do you have for other moms in making time to pamper and take care of themselves everyday, not just on mother’s day?
SIMMONS: I love to meditate but it’s occurred to me recently that the reasons I enjoy meditation are easily transferred to any woman. It’s about creating a space for yourself. So that could be a quiet bubble bath or getting your nails done. It could be a solitary walk at dawn. Or a movie alone. Moms more than anyone need to restore themselves, so whatever you can do that helps you reach that point, I’m all for it.
ESSENCE.com: What’s the best fashion advice your mom has ever given you?
SIMMONS: My favorite piece of fashion advice from my mom is to remember that a smile on your pace is the perfect punctuation to anything you’re saying or wearing. Smiles arm us with confidence and good will and they disarm others. My mom said, ‘Whatever you’re saying, say it with a smile.’ I’ve held to that my entire life. I love it. I believe it.
Check out Kimora reminiscing with ESSENCE.com on past gifts she adored and fab suggestions your mom would love to.