Fabulous and Frugal Gifts for MomWritten by Cyndi Roberts
What to do? Mother's Day is just around corner and there's just no money in budget for gifts. Not to worry! Just look over this list of inexpensive gifts to buy or make and you'll be all set. These budget ideas with a lot of heart can mean more than 2 dozen red roses to a mom!1. Bring your mom a bouquet of flowers from your own garden. Use a vase you have saved from a time when you received flowers from a florist or spend a little on a pretty new vase. Tie a ribbon or raffia bow around it and add a card (make it yourself on your computer) and your gift is ready! 2. Buy a single bloom at florist. The florist in our town will put one carnation, daisy or other flower in a bud vase along with a little baby's breath and add a bow for around $5.00. And they will deliver. 3. Give your mom an afternoon with you! Not with your kids or spouse along, just you. How long has it been since you spent uninterrupted time with her? Look at old pictures, reminisce, or go window- shopping, whatever. The point is just being together. 4. Make your mom's favorite dessert and present it to her along with a gift certificate for a homemade dessert once a month. Especially if your mom lives alone, this can really be a treat.
| | 5-Minute Strawberry JamWritten by Rondi Hillstrom Davis
Nothing tastes better than fresh picked strawberries. For many people, making homemade jams and jellies conjures up memories of grandmother in kitchen preparing bushels of fruit, stirring and straining, and sterilizing jars. Actually, nothing could be simpler. The key to making jam is small batches. Do not double recipe. The jam will not set up. This strawberry jam keeps in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. But, we’ve never been able to keep it around that long! It’s also great as an ice cream topping. Try this quick and easy recipe with your kids. It makes a great Mother’s Day present for family and friends. And, if you’re lucky, they may even save some for you. Ingredients 1-pint strawberries, hulled and sliced 2-tablespoons fruit pectin ½ teaspoon butter 1-cup sugar 2 8-ounce jelly jars Directions 1. In a medium sized bowl, crush strawberries with a potato masher 2. In a skillet, combine crushed strawberries, pectin, and butter. 3. Stirring constantly, cook over medium-high heat, until mixture boils. 4. Add sugar and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute and remove from heat. 5. Pour jam into jars. Seal. Refrigerate until jam is set, approximately 6 hours. Keep jam refrigerated. It will keep for up to 3 weeks.
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