HOT TIPS FOR MOM ILLUMINATING IDEAS.

Forget the candy; buy her candles.

If your mom seems stressed out this Mother's Day, do something about it.

One way would be to clean the house for her. But if that worries her even more, show your appreciation (and settle her down) by buying her a gift basket full of flowers, a favorite CD or two, and some aromatherapy candles.

Specialty retailer Illuminations sells candles that, when burning, scent a room with lavender, ginger, citrus and other natural aromas. The stores also sell tins, plates, tumbled glass and bath crystals. Prices range from $6.95 to $8.95.

Candles and gift sets can be bought at locations in Westfield Shopping Town Topanga in Canoga Park, the Glendale Galleria and Old Pasadena - or shop online at www.illuminations.com

- Mike Chmielecki

A garden-ian angel for Mother's Day

For the gardening mom in your life, how about a hand-painted plant pot, garden angel, and aromatherapy and herb garden?

Whether you're looking to spice up a recipe or a bathtub, Van Nuys artist Carol Donnelly says she has the item for you.

``The pots are perfect for patios, little porches and apartments,'' says Donnelly. ``It's a great gift idea.''

Garden signs start at $25. Herb and aromatherapy gardens and hand- painted pots start at $35. The pots come with a Mother's Day balloon. Each aromatherapy and herb garden comes with a garden angel.

For more information, call [phone].

- Evan Henerson

For a mom who's the cat's pajamas

You've cooked her a breakfast even your dog wouldn't eat, destroyed her camellia bush for a bouquet, and bought her a generic, bland box of candy.

Now show you really appreciate your mom this Mother's Day.

Designer Karen Neuburger has made sets of print pajamas that, among the floral patterns and stripes, feature snippets of Dr. Maya Angelou's poem ``Phenomenal Woman.''

The pajamas come in many styles, including short sets, gowns, nightshirts and robes. Proceeds go to the National Council of Negro Women, the Children's Defense Fund and the United Negro College Fund - three of Angelou's favorite charities.

The sleepwear, which costs from $44 to $66 retail, is available at Macy's stores. It can also be ordered on Neuburger's official Web site at www.karenneuburger.com.

- Mike Chmielecki

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