Mother's day gift ideas!

Every year, another Mother's Day rolls around and a million thoughts on what to do and what to get start running through your mind.

Flowers, cards, candies, chocolate, jewelry, gift cards, manicures, spa days (always a hit), maybe you decide to help her get gardening done or home repairs!? All those things are a great idea, but probably played out over the years!

However, no matter what you decide, you want it to be special, and memorable. After-all...who changed your dirty diapers? Who comforted you when you had a nightmare? Who tucked you in bed at night? Wiped your nose when you sniffled? Kissed your boo-boos? Mom. Even if you had your step-mom, or adopted parent, aunt or any other strong woman in your life that raised you, Mother's Day is a time to be thankful. And let that special woman in your life know how much she means to you.

Flowers are a must! So make sure you pick out a nice bouquet first. It doesn't have to be a $100 display from a floral shop, although promoting your local business is always a good idea, you don't have to break the bank. It's the thought that counts, an any Mom or motherly figure will appreciate what you do. You can easily get a lovely bouquet from your local grocery store for a few dollars and dress it up in a classic clear vase you probably already have.

Make sure, when you get your flowers home to trim stems on a diagonal direction, preferably with a sharp knife to avoid shocking the plant. But if you have to use scissors, cut slowly and gently.

Arrange your flowers in varying heights using the fillers on the outside of the vase and working your way in. Fillers would be things such as baby's breathe, fern, palm branches, golden rod, etc...place the larger flowers from the center out. Rotate the vase as you work to get an idea of its best "view".

Or layer the fillers toward the back working your way forward.

Single stems in a bud vase are always nice too and don't require elaborate arranging.

You can even put carnations or baby's breathe in a vase with food coloring for a few hours to dye the leaves your moms favorite color!

If you want to, you can even dress the table up with nice decorative table clothes or fabric, fancy place mats, or candles of various sizes. Even tea lights glass cups or candle holders look nice, simple is not a bad thing here. Sometimes simple makes everything appear more elegant. If your Mom worries about real flames, try a few LED tealights, they are inexpensive, and reusable!

A hand written poem or photos are nice touch as well.

None of this is needed, but makes things a little extra "special", and shows you put some extra thought into it. All women love that! Not just Moms.

God only knows Mom sure did cook for you enough as you grew up. Why not repay the favor with a home-made dinner? You don't have to go over-board with the menu, you know she'll appreciate your efforts. Hopefully, by now you live on your own and don't have to use her kitchen to do this!

For my mothers day (and I am a step-mom, I do not have any biological children of my own) my husband and stepson made me fresh grilled zucchini and squash. Medium rare New York strip steak, Alaskan crab legs with hot melted butter, and garlic mashed potatoes! I'm a very lucky lady! Having a man that can cook is amazing!

What made me so grateful for my dinner was that my husband and I both work full-time on opposite shifts, we have a very busy 6 year old boy, a cat, and household full of chores to take care of. This meal meant a lot to me because I know after working all day, it's tiring to prepare such a meal.

A simple recipe could be spaghetti and meatballs with crunchy french bread, fresh tossed garden salad, and rolls. You are only limited by your imagination when it comes to your menu planning! You could even prepare a crock pot meal that will cook while you are busy setting other things up.

Keep in mind, it's the thought that matters!

If you feel extra feisty, don't forget the dessert! Who doesn't love a bowl of vanilla ice-cream and a hot cup of coffee to top off the meal? Or even get store made brownies with whip cream, cheesecake, cupcakes or any other delectable dessert!

Rinse your vegetables well in cold water. Then slice in coins, then quarter them. Place the quartered size pieces into a large plastic bag, add salt, pepper, a dash of garlic powder, and about 2-3 table spoons of olive oil. Close the bag and shake well. Once everything seems well covered, create a "tin foil" shaped bowl. Use two layers of foil and wrap them well to prevent leaking.

Place this on your grill for about 15 minutes, or until they are soft and warm, but not mushy. You can even then sear them on the grill grates if you desire. Gives them some texture.

Prepare your steak and vegetables at the same time.

Take your thawed steak and place on a dish, or something portable to carry to your grill. Season generously with garlic powder and steak salt.

Grill on both sides for about 7 minutes each side for a medium rare steak. Slightly longer or less depending on your preference.

Alaskan crab legs will run $20+ a lb. depending on the season. But these are by far the best!

You should purchase them frozen. When you get them home, rinse well in cold water.

You will need a steamer to prepare them. Bring your water to a rolling boil and steam them for 10-15 minutes.

Use kitchen scissors at the table, or seafood crackers to cut open the crab legs. Saturate the crab meat in butter warmers and enjoy!

Home-made mashed potatoes are really easy.

Take 4-6 large potatoes and peel the skin off with a vegetable peeler.

Chop into small cubes.

Bring a pot of water to a boil, boil the chopped pieces for about 12-15 minutes. When they are done boiling drain the water and return to pot. Add salt, pepper, butter, garlic powder and some milk. Be careful and add what you want slowly, making sure you don't over salt. Then mix and mash well. And those are done!

Put everything on nice plates and surprise your mom with a dinner she'll love and a Mother's Day she won't soon forget!

This isn't a traditional Mother's Day gift idea, but it is one she is sure to love!