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| I am throwing my sister-in-law a baby shower and am looking for a cool favor idea that isn’t too expensive. —Sherry, Hayward, WI | ||
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Yes! I love the idea of giving something that makes people happy, instantly. Skip the trinkets—they’re expensive and people just wind up throwing them away—and go for an indulgence with an immediate payoff, aka a cookie. Who doesn’t love cookies? There’s a company out of Washington state called My Kids’ Cookies (www.mykidscookies.com), which boxes individual cookies for any occasion. Fun and delicious equals ooey, gooey heaven! On a side note, they offer a Cookie of the Month Club ($315 for one dozen cookies each month for the year), which I think makes a superb wedding, birthday, housewarming or new-baby gift. Or you could just order a dozen or two for yourself and live la dolce vita! |  |
| My growing belly is itching like crazy. Is there a natural product that can help? —Tania, Burrell, PA | |
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You’ve got to lube up, my friend. I was too busy (or maybe lazy) to use all the creams and balms during my second pregnancy, and I can definitely see the difference—and it ain’t pretty. So, please heed my advice. I like Balmy Mommy ($24, www.honeydewskincare.com), an itch-relief belly balm. Made with all-natural ingredients like calendula, evening primrose and natural oats, this stick (it looks like a roll-on deodorant, actually) glides on easily over the bump, soothing it with rich vitamins and essential fatty acids that restore the skin’s elasticity. SYS, baby—save your skin! |
| I need to register, but am overwhelmed by all the different choices. Is there a good book that rates everything? —Sue, Marion, OH | |
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Check out Great Expectations: Best Baby Gear ($10.17, www.amazon.com). This expert-written baby gear tell-all gives detailed information on everything that new parents need, want and have to have for their little ones. In addition to the product reviews, the book offers tips and advice on parent must-knows like the latest on recalls and when and where to buy certain items. The comprehensive resource guide gets into what to avoid altogether and what to definitely put on your list—it even includes several helpful shopping checklists. I really this book; it is tidbit-packed and will keep you reading long after you’ve learned about strollers and car seats. |
