A P.R. person emailed me these tips, and this is one of those rare times where I actually think the information WILL interest my readers! I’m not getting any kind of compensation for sharing this with you. The following tips for pampering Mom without breaking the bank come courtesy of The Debt Diva, at www.TheDebtDiva.com. Feel free to share them with others!

Mani/Pedi
Why send Mom to a pricey spa when a mani/pedi at home is fun and frugal?

Step 1: Remove all old polish from your feet. Skip name-brand polish removers in favor of store-brand and save $1.

Step 2: Soak If don’t you have a foot bath great, a large salad bowl it a great alternative… be sure wash before using it for food purposes! Soak feet for 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Exfoliate Think ahead and mix up your own simple, inexpensive scrub made of sea salt and olive oil. (Basic recipe: 1 part sea salt or coarse sugar with 1 part olive oil). Rub gently but firmly into Mom’s feet, starting at the heel. Rinse feet well.

Step 4: Moisturize A foot moisturizer that Mom is sure to love is Norwegian Formula Foot Cream by Neutrogena… under $5 at drug stores and only $3.64 at Ulta.com

Step 5: Polish Instead of buying toe separators, wrap bath tissue around Mom’s toes to avoid a mess. Start with a base coat. Add two coats of toe color and finish with top coat to protect color and helps the polish last longer. Let dry for at least 20 minutes.

SAVINGS
· Mother’s Day Spa mani/pedi- $100 plus tip
· Debt Diva’s Mother’s Day DIY mani/pedi- $20

Mother’s Day Movie
Mom loves going to the movie theater to see her favorite flicks and indulge in yummy treats like popcorn and candy. But with tickets and over-prices concessions, a trip to the movies can really add up. Throw a movie party at home for a fraction of the price can make Mom feel special without breaking the bank

Snacks: Pop movie-theater style popcorn. Have Dad pick up Mom’s favorite candy from your local convenience store or grocery (buy in bulk to reduce costs even more). Offer an array of cold soft drinks

Set Up: Chose a room with lots of space. If there’s not enough seating for everyone, move the furniture aside and spread out blankets on the floor for a “drive-in” movie experience.

Screen: Broadcast your movie of choice on your home television or computer (the larger the screen, the better) or rent a projector from your local library

Watch: Any movie that shows Mom being the hero!
For Younger Kids: The Incredibles or The Sound of Music
For Older Kids: Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood or Erin Brockovich

SAVINGS
· Mother’s Day Movie in the Theater (including snacks)- $35 for 3 people
· Debt Diva’s Mother’s Day DIY mani/pedi- $25 for 15 people

Mother’s Day Brunch
Brunch is an important Mother’s Day tradition, but we all know that eating at home instead of going out is a tried-and-true money-saver.

Kids can make a delicious meal for the Moms in their neighborhood! Brunch classics like eggs and French toast can be made with a few ingredients, a few cooking tools, and a microwave. Walk kids through these simple steps until they learn to cook alone.

Elementary kids and older can cook their own breakfasts, as long as they can:
o Measure
o Crack eggs without getting shells in (or remove shells from) the bowl
o Use the microwave.

For kid-friendly recipes, see http://kids-cooking.suite101.com/article.cfm/easy_breakfasts_kids_can_make_in_the_microwave

SAVINGS
· Mother’s Day Brunch for four at a mid-priced restaurant – $60
· Debt Diva’s Mother’s Day DIY Brunch for four- $10

DIY Mother’s Day Bouquet
According to the About Flowers.com (a web site hosted by the Society of American Florists, the U.S. floral industry trade association), about one-third (32%) of adults (37% of men; 27% of women) bought flowers or plants as gifts for Mother’s Day 2009. But you can save money by making your own flowers that will show Mom how much you love her after even the freshest of blooms has wilted.

You’ll need: some colorful tissue paper and a healthy dose of imagination.

Learn how to make paper flowers for kids with the craft instructions on the following links:
o Paper Carnations These sweet, simple flowers will be the center of attention.
o Paper Roses These roses don’t wilt, they don’t have thorns, and they can be any color of the rainbow!
o Tiny Paper Flowers These tiny paper flowers make a big statement.
o Tissue Bouquet Why stop at just one? Craft a whole bouquet of beautiful flowers.

SAVINGS
· Mother’s Day Bouquet from florist- $35
· Debt Diva’s Mother’s Day DIY Bouquet- $5

TOTAL SAVINGS:
o Traditional Mother’s Day celebration: $370
o Debt Diva’s progressive “Mother’s Day Out”: $60

I hope all of my wonderful Mom readers have a terrific Mother’s Day!