Mother’s Day On A Budget: Inexpensive & Thoughtful Ways To Celebrate Mom

Like all of us these days I am sure Mom has precious photos saved on a camera, computer or phone that she hasn’t gotten around to printing? Print them for her and maybe even frame a few. Moms love pictures of their family but rarely print them or are even in the photo! What’s more perfect than giving a framed photo of Mom with her little love bugs?

Flowers are an obvious choice, you can’t go wrong with this classic and timeless gift, but they can be expensive. How can you get her a beautiful bouquet on a budget? Stay on budget by choosing flowers from your own garden or a location that might have a special meaning for her. There are many locations that might have some beautiful flowers that are open to the public where you may pick a few. Trim a palm leaf to add some greenery and you can be sure to have something unique and thoughtful. You could even make it extra special by adding quality time, like a picnic or a date in the park. This is a great way to reconnect and spend quality time together.

If you truly want to tug on Mom's heartstrings, have your kids tell her how they really feel about her with a handmade card to express their love. You may be surprised with their sweet sentiments. You can have them create it on the computer if they are a bit savvy or go old-school with colored pencils, crayons and plain paper. The best way to do this is have your kids write out the words first and then draw pictures around them. You could even decorate it with glitter or photos taken during special moments over the past year.

If your Mom has a sweet tooth try an at home ice cream sundae bar. Indulge it by making an ice cream sundae with her favorite toppings. By having the bar at home it will be sure to not break the bank plus there might even be extra to have another day. An inexpensive way to create this sundae bar is to start at the dollar store, they have a variety of glass bowls and goblets to make the day extra special. Pick up some of Mom's favorite ice cream, goodies and voila, you have a perfect treat for everyone! Just don't make Mom do the dishes after!

There is another classic favorite, breakfast in bed. You may need to take the lead on this for really young ones, or even lay out some of Mom’s favorite foods the night before. A meal made with love is the perfect way to start the day. Even if you aren't the best in the kitchen, have no fear, just follow this simple recipe and you will be sure to have something Mom will enjoy and remember for years to come!

Easy Eggs Benedict

Ingredients:
6 Slices of Deli Ham
1 1/2 Tablespoons of Butter
3 English Muffins split and toasted
6 Eggs

Hollandaise Sauce:
1 Cup 2.75 Ounces of Butter
1 Egg Yolk
1 Tablespoon of cold Water
1 Teaspoon of Salt and Pepper
1/4 Of a Juiced Lemon

Equipment:
1 Frying pan
1 Glass bowl
1 Whisk

Method:
1. Sauté the ham slices in the butter for a couple of minutes.
2. Place the ham on the English muffins. Pour on any butter from the frypan.
3. Poach the eggs in salted, simmering water in a frypan. Spoon the water over the eggs. When set, remove with a slotted spoon. Place on top of the ham.
4. Sauce: Melt the butter and add the juice of a quarter of a lemon.
5. Place the egg yolk and the water in a metal or glass bowl sitting it over a pan of hot water on low heat with the bowl touching the water. Whisk the mixture while slowly pouring in the melted butter.
6. Whisk the yolk mixture briskly as it cools. It will thicken and double after five minutes.
7. Spoon over the eggs on the muffins.

You can substitute ham for bacon or smoked salmon. Baby spinach leaves under the eggs is also a nice addition. If the Hollandaise Sauce starts splitting, add a drop more water over the low heat, whisk it and it should come together again. You can also take it up a notch by adding some fresh fruit on the side with a dash of whipped cream.