If shopping in La Jolla is on your Mother’s Day agenda, then gather your favorite mothers and head over to Upper Girard Avenue. Several new shops have opened in the last year or two on Girard’s north end, between Pearl and Genter streets. At least 15 of these new shops – a majority – are owned by women. On Saturday, May 11, from Noon to 5 p.m., they are joining together to celebrate women with many special offers, from art and beauty, to fashion, fitness, and food.

If you like to stay fit with a personal touch, stop in at Armone’s Core Connection. On May 11, they are giving away a coupon for a free class and a discount on massages. Armone’s offers a variety of personal training routines and classes, including Pilates, spin, boxing and boot camp. Right across Girard from Armone’s you’ll find Arricia Italian Market, where you can enjoy any soup, salad or sandwich for $2 off. While you’re there, check out the new deli’s selection of olive oils, Italian seasonings, meats and pastas.

Home design expert Elizabeth Allen Atelier is giving away a free lip balm with every $30 purchase. Her shop includes an eclectic collection of gift and home décor items, such as custom bedding, baby clothing, jewelry, purses, bath lotions and potions, candles, cards and books. For the ultimate in Mother’s Day pampering, stop in at Girard Nail & Skin Care. Here you and the mothers in your life can enjoy manicures, pedicures, and facials. The salon is offering a coupon for $2 off any service over $10.You can also enter a raffle for a free haircut and blow dry at Talisa Beauty & Boutique, a full service salon.

At Gracie & Co, which just moved from the east side across to the west side of Girard, you’ll find a unique assortment of fashionable, elegant clothing and accessories. Owner Judi Shapery caters to slightly older women who still want to have fun with clothes. For Mother’s Day, she is holding a raffle for a $100 gift certificate. Next door to Gracie & Co, Rica Boutique caters to younger women with a constantly changing collection of unique, affordable and fashionable outfits and accessories. Owner Erica Alexander opened her shop a year ago and also sells the Stella and Dot line of jewelry. For Mother’s Day, her shop is offering a big sale, free drinks and a special surprise for every customer.

If you’ve always wanted to attend an iron chef competition or any type of cooking class, check out Harvard Cookin’ Girl. Here you can sign up for a variety of classes and events, no matter your age or skill level. The classes help you cook up cuisine from around the world, including Flavors of Indochina, Tuscany Meets Provence, and the Art of Turkish Coffee, Persian Tea and Eastern Delights. On May 11, Harvard Cookin’ Girl is giving away free cookies and a raffle to attend an iron chef competition. And just down the street, Pannikin Coffee & Tea will be celebrating mothers with a special $1 price on regular coffee. A popular spot to sit inside by the cozy fire, or outside on the friendly patio, Pannikin serves a wide variety of fresh-roasted coffees, white, black and green teas, hot chocolate, and baked goods.

Two home decorating shops on Upper Girard are participating in the Mother’s Day event. At Ross Thiele & Son you can enter a raffle for a one-hour design consultation. At Symphony Home Décor, you’ll receive 25% off and a $50 gift card to a neighboring boutique with a purchase over $500.
For fun coastal chic décor, check out The Faded Awning, where you can browse through an unusual collection of furniture, accessories, paintings, shells, garden items, and old signs. For Mother’s Day, you can enter a raffle here and a chance to win a $50 gift certificate.

Finally, if you want to encourage your inner artist, stop in at My Art Shed, which is giving away free family art lessons and other prizes on May 11. My Art Shed offers a variety of art classes for both children and adults. In addition, they offer special parties and seasonal camps for children and sell art supplies.