She doesnt need a new design, she needs more quality traffic. How/where is the best place to spend it? I want this to be a big present, something that will help her blog substantially. Any ideas?
Really does depend on the niche. I was going to suggest Adwords or other PPC advertising, but if it's a saturated niche, then forget it. Maybe invest in the services in the Traffic forum under Buy, Sell, and Trade.
Women's health related, she makes the posts ever day, and they're damn good No ads, shes just out to help people.
No, I wouldn't suggest ad sense. Honestly, I'd put some money into SEO and hopefully get a bit done there to get more views. Besides that buying ad space for her on other like minded blogs would be good.
Buy links and ad space on blogs that has the same niche as hers. this would open new doors.. like new visitors and added exposure for her site.
Rather than buying a review on John Chow, why not spread it out, buy a few reviews on PR2 upwards blogs? I am sure there will be takers for $25 a piece... or go buy some cheap 125x125 ad, privately or through middle man company like AdToll...
You could do some advertising on Adwords to bring in some traffic. If the visitor likes her site and stays, then your Mom may have helped another person. Possibly pay a good (or great) designer to design a new template for her. Do some logo work, make it easier to use for the reader, etc. There's free things you may be able to do, such as writing bloggers that you think may enjoy her site. If you mention that you're her son, they may appreciate your efforts and take a look at her site.