6 Mother's Day Ideas

Mother's Day is coming, and every year I try to make that day spectacular for my Mother, because she does so much for our family. Here are some easy gift idea's that won't break your budget!

1. A homemade card.
I use to think homemade cards weren't very special, but believe me... they are! They are so special especially to your Mother. It's something that she will cherish forever!

2. A recipe box.
If your Mom loves to cook or bake, this is perfect for her! Use a shoe box or a type of box that you think would work, and decorate it. My favorite way to do this is by decoupage. It's really easy and fun!
3. Homemade jewelery.
A necklace or bracelet made by you is something that your Mom will absolutely adore... And it's a great craft to do with your little sister!

4. Tissue paper flowers.
Tissue paper flowers are a great way to show your Mom you care! They're not nearly as expensive as real flowers, but they are just as pretty and you can spray a bit of perfume on them if you wish for them to be scented. The scent lasts about a day, but unlike real flowers, these can last forever.

5. Breakfast / Brunch.
Mom loves a good brunch! You can either do breakfast in bed, or make a lovely brunch for the family. You may have all your ingredients in your kitchen already - and it doesn't have to be fancy! When I was 8, I made my Mom toaster waffles and pop-tarts for her breakfast, and she loved it because it was from me - not because how good it tasted.

6. Mommy.
This one costs nothing at all, but makes a huge impact. Simply calling her "Mommy" for the day is a great way to make her feel loved!

Remember to let your Mom know you love her throughout the day and this Mother's Day will be spectacular!

-- This post was written by the lovely Grace Ward.

Gifts For Less

Everyone likes to receive gifts, especially when thought was put into them. Unfortunately, as a teenager with no job, it is hard to spend much money on gifts. What's the solution? If you are not very artsy, and always seem to be broke around Christmas, then this is the gift guide for you!


Cheap: Movie night kit. Buy popcorn baskets, usually found at target or the Dollar Tree (Buy some like this for $1 ) Then buy any type of bagged popcorn, and insert a bag into the popcorn bucket (like this Only $2 for 3 bags) Finally, go pick out a box of candy to put in the bucket. What is your total price for the entire gift? About $3, which is less than the average cost of a matinee, or a matinee popcorn, or even a matinee candy!
Optional: Go buy a $1 movie from the Dollar Tree (Just for fun)


Really Cheap: Celebration Calendar. *WARNING: this gift, though incredibly fun and cheap, takes a lot of time, so don’t do this on Christmas Eve :).
Go to the Dollar Tree, General Dollar, and Family Dollar, and they all have $1 calendars. As long as you have pens/pencils/sharpies at home, this gift only costs a dollar for the calendar. Next, go to this website.
This is where the fun part comes in. In every day of the calendar, write down a holiday for that day. Put a note in the beginning of the calendar saying, “Every Day is A Reason to Celebrate!” Who knew that February 21th was National Sticky Buns day? ANYONE would be happy to receive this gift, and it only costs a dollar!


Free: Everyone underestimates the power of a heartfelt card. Costing no more than 10 cents for a piece of paper, this is the way to go. Simply take a piece of paper (you could also use decorated paper, about 25 cents) Fold it in half, and inscribe your message. Just because this is very cheap does not mean your words have to be also. Here is an example of a bad letter:

Dear Grandma,
Merry Christmas! Have a great year!
Sincerely,
Me

If you are going to write a letter, put time and effort into it, write at least ten reasons that you are thankful for your grandma, or your best memories, or even write a poem!
As you hopefully have seen, even if you are out of money, your gift can still get 5 stars! If you put in the time, effort, and love into your gift, then it will definitely be a hit!
Libbi H.

Review: Target's Choxie Chocolate

Who doesn't love chocolate? Especially when it's wrapped in ultra-fab packages. Target's CHOXIE chocolate is advertised as "unique" and having "something for everyone", from "rich and creamy to peanut buttery". But is it too good to be true?
In May 2007, Consumer Report's testers sampled chocolates from three of Choxie's collections. "Each collection was different," they said. "It was very waxy. It was OK, but not stellar."

The Voice of Mom added about Choxie Flakey Truffles, "Smooth and creamy, these truffles have a delicate and soft chocolate taste, without being too sweet," but noted that they were too soft and melted instantly in your hands.

Taquitos reviewed that the inside chocolate wasn't as pretty as the box, but "the chocolate was soft and quite delicious."

The Girl Tastes fell in love with Choxie's many coffee-flavored chocolates but said non-coffee flavors were bland.

I recieved some Choxie truffles after performing in Pride & Prejudice and thought they were delicious. Rich, creamy, with a light flaky outside.

There are mixed reviews -- from bland to delicious -- so it's your call. Go to Target and try some Choxie for yourself!

p.s: they make pretty party favors and tag-alongs to gift cards for your friend's birthday...(and your mom will probably want some, too!)

Mother's Day

While it’s cool to buy a neat card for your mom, why not get her something from the heart? Yeah, that’s right. Your mom doesn’t care about how much money you paid for a gift – what she does care about is how much you love her. Handmade cards, just like you, are unique and full of personality. You don’t have to just right "I love you, Mom" and that’s it (even though she’d like that). You can really express yourself and your love for your mom with something handmade.

• If you’re making a card, use your mom’s favorite color, with a bit of yours, and go overboard decorating it. Bring out your artistic side and break out the colored pencil, crayons, markers, stickers, sparkles, glue, scissors, tape, and any other art supplies you can find.
• A bible bookmark. I made my mom one of these and she loved it. Just like a card, you can get it really artsy and dress it up with almost any material you can find. It could have an "I love you" note, or a bible verse, or whatever, on it. Your mom can put it in her bible or any of her favorite books.
• A coupon book. And these aren’t just any coupons. Make a bunch and label them "Good for one free back rub", "One free hug", (make a lot of these!), "one free housecleaning whenever you ask", "one free mac-and-cheese dinner made by me". You can make up some more, too.
• Photos are a great way to store great memories. Have someone take a picture of you and your mom together, or get an old photo of you two. Then make your own frame (and again, you can use lots of art supplies), and write your favorite Bible verse on the back.

Remember, your mom will cherish anything you give her for Mother’s Day, so come up with your own unique gift to thank her for all that she does.


Share some of your ideas in the "Girl Talk" section!