What was the deal with Amanda's mom?!

Money problems maybe? Or maybe it remained her of her late husband

I chalked it up to poor writing. The Writers DID come up with some great bits and gems, but they never quite got it with the character of Carol Bloom. Ultimately Carol wasn't that great of a character (as far as her backstory, motivations, etc) Perhaps they intended to explore that more if they had more seasons, but as of now, Carol Bloom was just a foil to create drama (aka an irrational person who thwarts Amanda and Kyle's attempts to be together). Though I did enjoy seeing Teryl Rothery again, her character in the show is a far cry from the noble and heroic Dr. Janet Fraiser. :D

Dr. Kila Marr was right. Kill the Crystalline Entity.

In the same episode that she gets the bracelet back, her mom tells her it was because they were falling on hard times since the death of Amanda's father. Wether that's the truth or a lie, we will never know.