While you’re running around preparing for the holidays and buying gifts for everyone else this year, don’t forget a little something special for yourself as well. Or, better yet, if you have loved ones who are looking to pamper you for all the work you’ve put into being the best mom out there, here are a few hints you can drop that will make your inner cook, fashionista or workout guru happy this holiday season.
The Silver Art Citrus Press from KRUPS makes it tremendously easy to enjoy fresh squeezed juice whenever you want it. This stainless steel citrus press is gorgeous enough to leave out on your kitchen counter for easy access and is both juicer and pitcher, so that you can just squeeze and serve. It takes minimal effort – just place the fruit on the cone, and it starts to rotate as soon as you apply downward pressure. Rotation spins in both directions to really get as much juice out as possible. I’ve even used it to juice small limes will no trouble. A strainer keeps seeds and rind from slipping into the juice, and a plastic cover lets you save the juice for later if you don’t consume it right away. Mmmm…fresh juice made easy! Sells for $79.99 at popular retailers such as Amazon.com, Macy’s and Bed Bath & Beyond.
The Electric Wok with Steamer from T-fal makes dinner prep super easy while also ensuring a healthy meal. Preparing delicious stir-fry meals doesn’t get much simpler than just plugging in the wok to generate an evenly heated cooking surface at just the right temperature. Steaming your favorite vegetables or fish just requires adding water to the wok and placing your meal in the steamer basket above the wok. With T-fal’s Electric Wok with Steamer, there really isn’t any excuse not to eat better and get through dinner prep and cleanup faster than ever. So, get a jump on that New Year’s resolution and start eating better for only $99.99. More info at www.tfal.com.
Wearever Pure Living Ceramic Cookware is a welcome alternative to Teflon, as it’s scratch resistant while still offering a non-stick surface. It’s also free of cadmium, lead and PFOA (a potentially toxic substance used in manufacturing Teflon). Plus, it can be recycled! Giving the 12-inch pan the ultimate test, I scrambled eggs and was happy to find that the eggs not only cooked evenly and quickly but also cleaned up very easily. While I generally hand wash my pans, the Wearever pan is dishwasher-safe, which is always a bonus. In addition, the silicone handle has a nice, soft grip, and the pan comes in an attractive champagne red. Available for $24.99 at WalMart and Amazon.com, this pan is a welcome addition to any kitchen.
Stay warm this winter! Xob takes pride in giving clothing a second chance by upcycling wool sweaters into a new line of fashionable clothing and accessories that includes hats, mittens, handbags and scarves. Their Hand Warmers are especially wonderful as they provide a new mom with plenty of warmth while keeping her fingers free to tend to baby and keep up with the rest of the world via touchscreen and keyboard. By artistically piecing together scraps from various articles of clothing, Xob creates beautiful and colorful patterns that will make you look stylish while also feeling good that you’re keeping material out of landfills. Find a pair that you’ll love for $28 at www.iceboxknitting.com. As a Pregnancy Magazine reader, you can even score a 20% discount off of your Hand Warmers with code PREG20 and shipping is always free!
Hoping for a pampering gift in your stocking? As a mom who already has plenty to remember, I’ve been ecstatic to discover the Your Body Scrubber from Daily Concepts. It not only starts off my day with a gentle and invigorating exfoliating scrub, but also provides a clever reminder for when it’s time to replace it, with a label that fades over time. One less thing to remember! The scrubber comes with a loop and suction cup so that you can easily hang it on your shower wall. If you travel often or find yourself showering at the gym, a convenient carrying pouch makes it easy to take the scrubber with you. Get yours at www.dailyconcepts.com for $10.00.
Another fantastic stocking stuffer that will do wonders to help a busy mom relax is the Massage Ball from Merrithew Health & Fitness. Just the right size to throw in your bag and take with you anywhere, this spiky little ball is great at getting out kinks and soothing your back. You’ll also find that your little one is fascinated with the Massage Ball, giving it a dual purpose that provides yet another way for you to enjoy a few moments of calm.
If you’re looking for an even greater boost for your body, Merrithew Health & Fitness also offers the STOTT PILATES Pilates for Pregnancy Workout Kit, which has just about everything you need to keep a regular workout regimen both when you’re pregnant and after birth. This 7-piece set is based on the Stott Pilates school of yoga and is geared towards beginners who want to stay in shape both during and after pregnancy. The kit includes three instructional DVDs: Prenatal Pilates on the Mat, Prenatal Pilates on the Ball and Post-Natal Pilates. A Stability Ball, a pair of 2lb weighted Toning Balls and one Flex-Band Exerciser are also included so that the only additional props you’ll need are a yoga mat, a rubber pad and a foam cushion. Three easy-to-follow, 30-minute workouts make it simple to keep up this exercise routine. So, if you can’t make it to the gym on a regular basis no matter how much you intend to, this is a great way to maintain a fitness program that’s flexible and convenient. Both the Workout Kit ($79.99) and Massage Ball ($7.99) can be found at www.merrithew.com.
As a new mom, you may be wondering when you’ll ever see the inside of a movie theater again. While getting to a theater may be difficult, Epson’s Megaplex Projector makes it much easier to bring the movie theater home. The beauty of a projector is that you can make the screen as small or large as you’d like, and you can set it up anywhere inside or outside of the house (outdoor cinema!). With the quality of the Megaplex, you can clearly see the screen even in peak daylight, and sound is pretty incredible just coming through the projector speakers. Other features include the ability to plug your smart phone directly into the projector to run slideshows right off of it – a great way to share photos of baby with her adoring fans. So, now you can make your friends jealous that you don’t have to leave your house to have a great theater experience! Available for $799.00. Learn more at www.epson.com.
A company founded by pediatricians who also happen to be moms, MD Moms understands your desire to have only the gentlest baby essentials. They make it easy to pamper your baby while feeling confident that products are safe by pulling together their best products in a handsome Baby Basics 1.2.3.4 Gift Set that comes with four signature products: Gentle All-Over Clean Hair & Body Wash, Daily Skin Protection Moisturizing Balm, Soothing Bottom Relief Diaper Rash Cream and a super soft, all-natural Atlantic sea sponge. All products are certified hypoallergenic and free of phthalates, parabens, sulfates and other harmful irritants, so that they’re safe to use on even the most sensitive skin. Of course, these products are also great on mommy skin, so don’t feel shy about trying out some of the products yourself – baby won’t mind sharing! The products come beautifully packaged in a stylish gift box that you can use as a keepsake box after you’ve fully enjoyed all the products inside. The Baby Basics Gift Set can be purchased online at www.mdmoms.com for $50.
With all that you do as a new or expecting mom, you deserve something special, so go ahead treat yourself this holiday season. Enjoy!
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