When I asked you to share the best piece of home or garden advice you’ve ever received from your mom (or stepmom, aunt, or grandma), you proved what we’ve always known:

Mom truly does know best.

After more than 100 entries, I have finally narrowed the field down to two winners, although, truth be told, it was not an easy process as there were so many insightful pieces of advice. To see all of the entries, click here.

Now, on to the good stuff…the PRIZES.

First prize
Judy Utsler is the winner of a 5-piece cookware set, consisting of 1 fry pan, 1 covered sauce pan, 1 covered dutch oven (Retail value $299.95).

“My Mom’s best advice: Family is first. The house doesn’t need to be spotless, and in fact, having it spotless makes it feel unwelcoming–but the people inside should laugh a lot, love deeply, eat wonderful food, dream exciting dreams, support one another and spend a reasonable amount of time sitting in the garden without doing much at all. That’s what makes it home.”

Second prize
Maggie Mannwieler will receive a 10 inch professional fry pan (Retail value $99.95).

“…My mom taught me how to stock my pantry, ie. what food items and condiments to always have on hand and she gave me the red Betty Crocker Cookbook! My Mom then explained to me what type of pots and pans to have and how many of each and the sizes. As I’ve gotten older, my Mom continues to advise me on which oils are beneficial, not only for cooking, but for my health, and I’ve learned to switch many of my “pantry” essentials to healthier, lighten versions. My Mom never used recipes when she cooked, and still doesn’t, so I’ve learned a lot just by watching or helping her in the kitchen over the years.”

CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH WINNERS!
And thanks to all of you who entered and shared your mom’s advice!

Thanks again to Danish cookware company Scanpan for providing our prizes, which are available in store at Sur La Table or online.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY FROM BLISSFUL HOME!

flickr image by Corey Leopold