This Mother's Day, give mom a gift she'll really love: A chance to revive a damaged relationship.

I'll be the first to admit that my relationship with my mother has been less than perfect; my guess is any daughter who has lived through pre-teen and pubescent times can fervently attest to a rocky past with her parental units, particularly her mother. For some women, though, the rifts in the mother-daughter relationship are about more than high school wardrobe choices or too-loud music.

"I can't forgive my mother for her part in my arranged marriage. I'm unhappy in life and feel my mother, despite good intentions, is to blame."
-Asha, 32

"My mother was depressed for the bulk of my childhood, and I didn't understand why she was always recluse until much later in my adulthood. I now forgive her, but she missed out on a lot of years that we can't get back."
-Tara, 41

"I was wrong to abandon my child when she became pregnant out of wedlock. I now have to live with the fact that she wants nothing to do with me and I can't see my only grandchild."
-Cathy, 62

"I don't want to raise my child as my mother raised me. She was short-tempered, distracted and aloof. I pray I can foster a genuine relationship with her now, but am having a hard time getting past the feelings of regret for a less-than-perfect childhood."
-Amy, 24

When you feel like Mom has failed you -- or like you have failed as a mom -- is there any way to recoup what you've lost? Maybe. This year, think about approaching Mother's Day as an opportunity to rise above past feelings of guilt, regret and misunderstanding. Holidash spoke with etiquette and relationship experts to get concrete tips on how to move on --- and move toward a healthy relationship with your mother.

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Birthdays are a time to celebrate, and what's a celebration without a slice of birthday yum? Jazz up your birthday cake with our favorite accessory: the birthday cake candle!:

Make a splash at his next bash with lighter-inspired candles -- the perfect touch of color and quirk for any cake!
Flikz Birthday Candles, available for $8 at UMA.

Strike a chord with these matchstick candles and watch the sparks fly.
Matchstick Birthday Candles, available for $7 at Perpetual Kid.

Because after all, who's counting anyway?
Lost Count Candles, available for $5 at SpoonSisters.

For exciting birthday cake ideas to inspire your next event (and showcase your new candles!), check out Martha Stewart's Birthday Cake gallery on Holidash.

It's time to celebrate the birthday of your best girlfriend: the one who laughs, cries and downs chocolate chip cookie dough by the spoonful with you. Whether your favorite gal is a fashionista or fitness guru, we've got just the gift to make her shine.

Pack her favorite tunes and snacks for an impromptu picnic in the park.
Big Baggu, available at Baggu for $14.

Every girl should indulge on her birthday, right? Give her permission to treat her sweet tooth ... without the extra calories.
Soapsicles, available at Spoon Sisters for $8.50.



For the ultimate birthday gift, why not transform her daily duties into a runway?
Designer dish gloves, available at Elizabeth's Embellishments for $14.

Happy birthday to you and your's, ladies! And don't forget the card -- AOL Greetings has nice selection of e-cards, for all events and recipients.

We've covered budget-friendly weddings, so now it's time to celebrate springtime love --- on a budget, no less:

The couple that clicks together, stays together.
Vintage Camera Photo Album, available for $6 from Paper Posy.

For the lady that loves flowers -- and all things crafty. Get her both!
Poppies Paper Flower Kit, available for $18 from PaperSource.

Anything monogrammed says "I promise I didn't re-gift this."
Monogram Candle, available for $26 from Anthropologie.

Happy anniversary, spring chickens!

You didn't think we'd leave your pets out of the mix this Easter, did you? Never! Check out three of our favorite gifts for Fido, Frisky -- and well, whatever else you've got running around your home:

Admit it; this one's more for you than your dog, but how cute would your terrier look in full Easter garb? We think super cute.

Available for $16 from Scavenge Costumes.

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You've got a little over a week to err, aid, in the Easter Bunny basket coordination. Why not score a few of these last-minute international goodies to brighten your April showers?

Could you really let international shipping get in the way of this sweet, violet rabbit candle? I didn't think so.

Available for $14 at Donkey Products.

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Your good friend is getting married and with the cost of airfare, new threads and travel expenses, you have minimal cash left over for a gift. Why not surprise the couple with a sweet and sentimental (read: inexpensive!) gift? Check out three of our favorite options.



A set of placemats for them to plan their next getaway to Europe -- all from the comfort of their dinner table!
$14 via Velocity Art & Design.


A parking meter timer may seem like a lame gift, but for the city-bound couple, this could be the savior of their relationship.
$6.50 via Amazon.



Oh, look. Their first gig poster, dedicated to... themselves! Sweet.
$25 via Roll & Tumble Press.

Happy shopping!

March 17th is right around the corner; what are you gifting your Irish friends and family? Try these three great finds that are sure to turn your luck around (and make you the new favored one!)

Green hot chocolate that won't cost a ton of green moolah.

Available for $16 (pack of 4) at Amazon.

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Headed to a dinner party this weekend? Never enter a home empty-handed -- especially when hostess gifts can be this good-looking! Check out a few of our favorites:

For the culinary hostess who is constantly tweaking the recipes: Gift the pencil that is a spoon, and the porcelain spoon holder to keep it all neat. Your recipe process will never be the same. C'est magnifique!

Available for $34 at A+R.

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