Mother's Day: Thought not only counts, it saves $$
Ah, Mother's Day. The one day we remember to thank the woman who loves us unconditionally, no matter how many pain in the butt things we do. But like any Hallmark holiday, the thought can get lost in the rush to consumerism.
Don't be cheap about Mother's Day. Just smart.
Mom deserves to be honored well. But shelling out $50-plus for a palm-sized bouquet doesn't do her -- or your pocketbook -- justice. So here are a few ideas for getting the most bang out of your buck. After all, isn't that what Mom raised you to do?
DIY flowers: Buy a dozen loose roses, or two, or three, from a quality florist. They run about $10-$12 per dozen. Then arrange yourself in a simple vase from Michael's, which looks just as nice as what the pros use. Feeling crafty? Look for a unique flower container, like an antique tea kettle from a thrift store, or a decorative watering can from Home Depot or Lowe's.
Homemade sweets: Try making your own box, or bag, or chocolates. Check out these recipes from Cooking Light for mint-chocolate truffles and other gifts from the kitchen. You can find pretty bags and boxes at craft stores. Another idea:Buy fresh strawberries at the grocery store and a Hershey's bar. Finely shave off some chocolate into a microwavable bowl. Drip a tiny bit of water on top. Melt (15-30 seconds on high should do it) and drizzle on top of the strawberries, arranged all pretty on a platter. Chill in the fridge and deliver to Mom, with the platter as your gift. She'll appreciate the healthy treat.
Jewelry: No woman ever has enough. But I just can't seem to channel an inner Martha Stewart when it comes to more complicated crafts projects. So I bargain shop. You can buy a surprising amount of fine jewelry cheaper than you can make. I've been impressed by the prices I'm seeing in Macy's jewelry ads on gold earrings and even some diamond gifts. Look for a coupon in the daily paper before you shop.
Above all: Be on good behavior with your siblings. And don't forget to tell Mom you love her!
~ Deal Diva Letitia
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Katie Sanders foolishly spurned pretty dresses and shoes as a child, tossing new clothes over her shoulder at birthday parties with a totally rude "no, thank you." Her drab days of monocolor outfits are over now, and she certainly knows better than to turn down free stuff. Her wardrobe mixes classic with quirk. Think blazers with statement necklaces, and lots of patterned ballet flats. She can be reached at 850) 224-7263 or 
Kameel Stanley has never encountered a thrift store she didn’t like. Her mother taught her that the true value of clothes isn’t how much they cost, but how many outfits one can create from them. Having grown up in Michigan, she was delighted to learn upon moving to Florida that she almost never needed to wear socks or boots again. There’s a lot of turnover in her closet, and she’s obsessed with dresses, necklaces and wedge heels. She can be reached at (727) 893-8643 or 
A disciple of the little black dress classics school, Letitia Stein stretches her budget by looking for styles with staying power. She lives for 80 percent off shoes at DSW, floral sundresses and bohemian chic tops. She confesses to being a bit of a snob when it comes to handbags and jewelry. She can be reached at (813) 226-3400 or 
From camo pants and construction boots to sundresses, sweaters and sling backs, Keyonna Summers knows how to make all of it rock -- at rock bottom prices. A Detroit native, Keyonna delves into her urban roots to find fashion pairings that give a nod to street fashion while maintaining the class of the modern, professional woman. She believes in searching for affordable clothes that look expensive and can easily be dressed up or down. You won't find plaid shirts or fleece jackets in her closet; the only hiking Keyonna does is to the bargain basement. She can be reached at (727) 445-4153 or 
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