Special thanks to my newspaper, the Sun Sentinel for this article:

South Florida retailers offer freebies for moms before Mother’s Day

Some South Florida moms think they deserve more than a day’s recognition for all they do.

That’s why Maria Bailey, a working mom from Pompano Beach, created Mom’s Nite Out (http://momsniteout.com) , an annual shopping, dining and pampering event for mothers away from the stress of their families. The event, which falls on the Thursday before Mother’s Day, is held in malls and hotels across the country.

“I’ve learned that the actual day of Mother’s Day is not really about me,” said Bailey, a mother of four. “It’s about the grandmas, the mother-in-laws, and all the other mothers that are in my kids’ life, which just means more work for me.”

The first Mom’s Nite Out event took place in South Florida five years ago, and since then, Simon Malls in Boca Raton, Coral Springs and other locations across the country have gotten involved. This year, the Town Center at Boca Raton will host a wellness- and health-themed event for moms, while Coral Square Mall in Coral Springs will focus on fashion.

“Based on a poll we conducted online, shopping is one of the top things moms want to do on their night out,” Bailey said.

Retailers will set up tents in the Boca Raton and Coral Springs malls’ wings where moms can stop by for free samples, demonstrations, makeup tips, massages and coupons.

The Aveda salon and store inside the Town Center at Boca Raton will have a licensed massage therapist and aromatherapist for the event and will give moms customized perfumes as a gift, said Billy Banovic Zannitto, Aveda’s store manager.

“We did Mom’s Nite Out last year and it went really well,” Banovic Zannitto said. “We try to participate whenever we can. Whether we see the result from it immediately, or six months down the road, it’s worth it.”

There are more than 130 Simon Mall properties in the country participating in this year’s event, said Elisha Sova, assistant director of marketing for the Town Center at Boca Raton. About 25 of the mall’s retailers are participating.

“The event is something fun and different for women who live healthy, feel good lifestyles,” Sova said. “We’ve been able to incorporate what that means through our retailers.”

Bose is running a meditation room, which is filled with audio equipment that will play soothing music and natural sounds. Williams Sonoma will run a juicing station and Bath & Body Works will be giving hand and foot massages.

Mom’s Nite Out events in South Florida:

Town Center at Boca Raton: Thursday, May 10, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

In the Nordstrom Wing

Belly dancing, Tai Chi, acro and suspension yoga classes taught on site.

Giveaways and services provided by Nordstrom, Bose, Yankee Candle, Works, Origins, GNC and others.

Coral Square Mall in Coral Springs: Thursday, May 10, 5 p.m.- 8 p.m.

In the central atrium

Fashion show with shopping and beauty tips

Giveaways and services provided by Francesca’s Collections, Macy’s, JC Penney, Build-A-Bear, Camilla Day Spa and In Style and others.