Mother's Day Without Breaking the Bank

Oh, boy. Mother's Day is just around the corner (again) and you know what that means. First, shopping for another gift that mom doesn't really want or need. Then, brunch with the family at some overpriced restaurant (probably a buffet that you don't want to indulge in) with poor service and mediocre food. And here I thought honoring your mother was something you did everyday. Silly me. Here are some suggestions to help you battle the need to buy in to what the greeting card companies tell you you must do.

"It's the thought that counts". You've heard it a hundred times, and it is especially true on Mother's Day. I don't know a mom that doesn't care more about the thought that went into the gift than the pricetag of that gift. So get something meaningful, like a photo, make a taped interview of the grandchildren, a box of mom's favorite candy, or just write a poem. These are the kind of gifts most mom's cherish. One of my most memorable Mother's Day gifts was a note one of my kids wrote to me. The gift is long gone, but the note is folded away in a safe place.

So now that you have mom's gift, how will you celebrate? You can always take the family out for a fancy brunch, say the Crown Room at the Hotel Del Coronado (http://www.hoteldel.com/). Their brunch will run you about $75 per person, plus tax and tip. Or, you could try Georges at the Cove in La Jolla (http://www.georgesathecove/), where they have a standard brunch menu that will cost you around $30 per person, plus tax and tip. Or, if you like buffets, the best value might be Belle Fleur in Carlsbad (http://www.bellefleur.com/) at $39.95 for a delicious, hearty meal. Another favorite is Jakes in Del Mar (http://www.jakesdelmar/) for a spectacular view and good food.


My favorite choice for brunch with the family is right at home, either my home or my mom's. To me, this holiday is all about getting together with family, sharing some good food and conversation. When did this holiday become such an extravaganza? A nice home cooked meal suits me just fine. Our family favorite is bagels, cream cheese, lox and other assorted salted fish, plus all the fixings (onions, olives, tomatoes) and fresh squeezed orange juice. There's little chance of getting that meal in San Diego, so I'm off to see family in Los Angeles. There's no shortage of great delis there!