baby shower gift guide

Does everyone else have about sixty five pregnant friends who are all due in the next four months? Well, I do, so I have been thinking about gifts lately. Here is my opinionated opinion of which gifts to give to the Mama-to-be. I hope it is helpful.

Here is my first rule about baby shower gifts: throw out the registry. (Better yet, save a tree and never print it out... Is it just me or do they take up an unnecessary amount of paper?)

I totally understand why people use them, but I don't like them. I went to a shower a couple weeks ago for a friend who is having a boy and already has a girl. I told myself I had to use the registry. After all, the mother knows what she needs much better than I do, duh. So I went to Target, printed out the thing, and then attempted to decode what was on it. I couldn't seem to match the numbers up with any of the actual items on the shelves and, although I am well aware that there are aisle numbers listed, nothing seemed to be where it should have been. I could have called over a "sales associate" (what does that term mean, anyway?) to interpret the encoded labels and numbers, but I knew that would take longer than it was worth and I had both kids with me.
I ended up buying some stuff that seemed similar to what was on the list. But I was not happy with my purchase at all. I wish I had just gone my usual route, which is this: buy something for the mother. I mean, the kid is getting enough anyway. The baby will be fine without one more onsie or pair of socks. The mother, however, really could use a massage. Which brings me to number one on my list:

1. a massage gift certificate. Preferably at some place you know and trust, and not one of those chain places. If you are not sure if the gal likes massages (some completely insane people do not) you can always get a gift card for a spa that also does facials and pedicures.

2. yummy oils or lotions. I am not talking about those generic gift packs found at Ross. I mean the good stuff. I love Burt's Bees Mama Bee line.

3. a night/day/hour out. This is for the gal who is already a mom. She could use a break. Give her the gift of your time via babysitting for a date night, day to herself, or even a couple hours (so she can go get that massage).

4. this book. She could use a good laugh after that baby comes and her emotions go haywire.

If you must get something for the baby, I suggest purchasing something that the mom may not buy, so it still feels like a splurge. Like Burt's Bees Baby Bee line, or Sophie.

As for the gifts that are actually on the registry (you know, the practical ones), I say let the other shower guests worry about those.

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(edible) Summer host/hostess gift #2

I know its been a while since my first installment in the "series" of edible summer hostess gifts, but here (finally) is the second.

Just imagine: it's a hot summer day; everyone is full from burgers and potato salad, but craving a little something light, refreshing, and sweet. The host/hostess then announces: "Thankfully (insert your name here) brought Creamy Coconut Popsicles." You are now the hit of the party (at least, the popsicles are).

Yeah, you're welcome.

Also, there is no reason you need to tell everyone that the whole gift cost less than five bucks.

Creamy Coconut popsicles
makes 8 popsicles that are about 2 oz each
1 1/2 cups (12 oz) coconut milk (I used reduce fat)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (plus more for the popsicle molds)
Stir coconut milk well, measure out. Whisk sugar into the coconut milk. Add sweetened shredded coconut and mix well. Place a pinch of shredded coconut into the bottom of each popsicle mold. Whisk milk/sugar/coconut mixture again and then pour evenly into each mold. Freeze for a couple hours before bringing to the party. Remind the hostess that they will need to run the mold under warm water to get the popsicles out.
Enjoy.

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(edible) Summer host/hostess gift #1

I decided a couple weeks ago that I would create an entire post about some of the fantastic edible host/hostess gifts you can give at all those summer bbqs and dinner parties you are invited to. But then, we went to a couple parties and ended up just bringing six packs of Twilight (the seasonal Deschutes beer, not six DVDs of that teen drama gone Dracula.)
So instead I have chosen to present them to you one at a time. Here is the first installment:
Potted plant with chalkboard labels
you need:
chalk board paint (a small tub may seem spendy, but it goes a long way)
paint brush
duct tape
terra cotta pot
plant
chalk
Simply mark off on the pot the section you would like to be the label with the duct tape. Paint two coats, waiting for the first to dry completely before applying the second. Carefully remove the tape after the second coat has completely dried and ta da! a chalkboard label. Then plant the plant into the pot and write what it is on the chalkboard. This last step may seem unnecessary, but it is very helpful for people like me who know nothing about gardening. Also helpful is the erasable label for people like me who can't keep a plant alive for longer than a week.

Now I just need to be invited to a party.... hint, hint

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