Top Mom's Day Gifts with a Twist

Mother's Day is upon us once again. So, what unique, totally awesome gift are you planning on giving her this year? Why not give mom something she'll really appreciate like a picture of YOU or your family or your kids? We're not just talking about putting a picture in a frame! The list we've put together provides do-it-yourself ideas and web site purchases that turn your favorite digital pics into amazing Mother's Day gifts.

Bound to Please - Turn your favorite digital pictures into a professionally bound SmileBook photo book filled with favorite memories. Simply download the free software at Smilebooks.com, choose from a number of different sizes, pages and covers, select a layout or create your own, put your digital pics where you want them, click to order and within days you'll have a beautifully bound photo album that will preserve the memories of favorite times forever. This is the one gift mom will open again and again.

The Great Put-On – Surround precious pictures in precious gems. Create beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry. Build a necklace or bracelet using favorite pictures surrounded in a diamond frame on a beautiful chain. Or, choose a sterling silver photo bracelet with wavy-square photo charms, or diamond encrusted photo squares linked with 14K gold. PlanetJill.com has a number of beautiful ways to turn any picture into a truly precious gift…plus, you can order photo letter openers, paperweights and more.

Food for Thought – Make mom her favorite breakfast and set the table with an entire set of placemats you made yourself using favorite family photos. It's easy…cut out two sheets of clear contact paper around 20x26 inches each…peel away the paper backing…arrange one or more photos on the sticky surface and then cover it with the other piece of contact paper. Consider using more pictures back to back for a two sided placemat or choose a number of different photographs and create a collage. Once you get started you'll be surprised at just how easy it is to create a placemat for every member of your family.

Memories to Masterpieces – Take a favorite photo and turn it into digital pop art, Andy Warhol style. Choose from a number of different designs stretched onto canvas frames to adorn any room in the house. And don't stop there, at photowow.com you can order mousepads, pillows, puzzles, ceramic coaster sets and more adorned with your most prized photos.

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Snap to it If mom doesn't have a compact, easy to use digital camera, why not buy her one for Mother's Day? Check out cameta.com for great prices on all the leading brands. Plus, get mom a color photo printer like one fromBrother This year she'll take great pictures and next Mother's Day you can create one of the great gifts above. Smile...Mother's Day gift giving is a snap!

Top Five Places to Find Valentine’s Day Dinner Recipes on the Web

Think that taking your significant other out for dinner is the sure-fire way to spark the romance this Valentine's Day? Guess again. Experts on the topic agree that having a great home-cooked meal can provide for a truly enjoyable Valentine's Day experience. The problem is finding the perfect recipe, but don’t worry, we’re here to help! Below are five great places on the web where you can find one fabulous Valentine’s Day recipe.

1. finding Dulcinea

Also known as the Librarian of the Internet, finding Dulcinea is your one-stop ultimate resource for Web guides and topics of interest. The topic of Valentine’s Day yields plenty of links to not only the best Valentine’s Day recipes but some really great gift ideas for that special someone. Finding Dulcinea will lead you to the information and advice you need to find the best wine or cocktails to serve on this special occasion along with some recommended dishes from professional chefs and cookbooks.

2. AnswersTV’s Food Channel

AnswersTV’s Food Channel is available on-demand and is broadcast in HD bringing you the know-how to really spice up your Valentine’s Day dinner. The video recipes and resident expert demonstrations on the Food Channel are chef tested and viewer approved helping lovers across the nation advance their culinary skills this Valentine’s Day.

3. The Martha Stewart Home Page

The Valentine’s Day Workshop on the Martha Stewart home page provides a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner recipe for two that lovers can make right at home. The four course meal calls for stuffed-noodle soup as an appetizer, mushroom chicken serving as the main dish with a side of simple steamed spinach with raspberry –cream pavlovas for dessert.

4. MSN Delish

MSN’s Delish section is your Valentine’s Day headquarters with exclusive access to the best recipes, tips and tricks that will help you spark the romance in your relationship. Online viewers can pick from 18 romantic dinner suggestions along with a complete Valentine’s Day menu from salads and soups to delicious desserts.

5. Suite101.com

The recipe professionals at Suite101.com recognize Valentine’s Day as one terrific excuse to indulge in good food and fine wine. Couples can linger over a meal longer than usual on this romantic occasion while enjoying a two-course meal that kindles the fire in your love life. Most of the Valentine’s Day recipes are easy to make and can be cooked in less than 30 minutes.