Quick Mother's Day Gifts

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Quick Mother's Day Gifts

Gift Suggestions for Mother's Day

Although there are so many neat gifts to be found at the market these days, I often find that I like to insert a personal flair into my gifts, particularly for special days like Mother's Day. Here are a few suggestions that are kind to the budget and that will bring a cherished smile to mother. We'll start with a neat project that takes very little time and money, then we'll end with a few tasty low calorie, delicious suggestions!

Print off an old photo of Mother & you on Photo Paper. Purchase a cheap frame. Next, visit the craft isle or a craft store in your neighborhood and look in the scrapbook section. For my gift, I put together small pictures of our family and centered them around a tree, placing old photos of mom and dad at the top of the tree. My frame cost $2. Since my Dad served in the Navy, I purchased a package that contained a tiny Navy uniform, a battleship, some stars, a ship's wheel, a rope and an anchor and then I simply stuck them onto the frame. Mine were from Wal-Mart and cost $3.47 plus tax. So for about $6.00, mom has a lasting memory. Best of all, the photo can be changed for updates.

If you don't have a printer at your disposal, simply cut out some old photos and glue them on a pretty back. A tree can be hand-drawn or made with sequins, yarn and other cute craft items. Cut the paper to fit the frame - and begin the decorating!

Make mom a beautiful Celebration Cake by slicing an anglefood cake and filling it with a mix of crushed strawberries and light whipped topping. 'Frost' the cake with more whipped topping, then decorate with fresh strawberries and mint leaves.

Dip a few large fresh strawberries into melted DARK chocolate. Okay - I know that there are a few calories there BUT dark chocolate has been touted as a heart-healthy addition to the diet. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with incorporating a bit of chocolate into the diet - whether it's dark, white or milk chocolate. Everything in moderation.

Make mom a fresh Fluff Pie in less than five minutes! We've got a couple of different variations which use the same base - light whipped topping, a store-bought vanilla crust (such as Keebler) (we like the vanilla crust better than the graham for these pies) and whipped yogurt. If mom isn't a yogurt fan, substitute low calorie, fat free, sugar free puddings.

KEY LIME PIE: Simply fold 1 small container of Cool Whip FREE with 2 single serving sizes of WHIPPED key lime yogurt (100 calories each) and spoon into pie shell. Decorate with mint leaves if desired OR sprinkle with a bit of green sugar granules.

CHEESEPIE: Fold 1 small container of Cool Whip FREE with 2 single serving sizes of WHIPPED vanilla yogurt (100 calories each). In a deep mixing bowl, blend 8 ounces of LIGHT cream cheese with a bit of fresh lemon juice and skimmed milk until fluffy. Add 1 Tablespoon of vanilla extract. CAREFULLY fold in the Cool Whip mixture. Fill pie shells. Makes two pies.

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"My job is a real gas."

Pent Up at Work With Pent Up Gas - There you are again - it's half-past two and you're regretting dining on those refried beans during a co-worker lunch to boost morale. Unfortunately, the beans have boosted more than your morale. click to continue

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