Monday, December 26, 2011

Pregnancy Safe Cocktails for the Holiday

So, you're pregnant, New Year's Eve is fast approaching, and the thought of having another glass of water or soda while those around you are enjoying delicious elixers is enough to make you just want to stay at home. Don't despair! There really are lots of alternatives that will make you feel like you're still part of the party.


First, there are several varieties of sparkling juices available these days that are wonderful and, best of all, very affordable. Of course, we're familiar with sparkling apple cider and sparkling grape juice. Did you know you can also find sparkling pear and sparkling blueberry juices, too? The pear is really dreamy and the blueberry is my particular favorite. Think of all the wonderful antioxidants you'll be getting with that blueberry juice, too! Many of these can be found right in your local supermarket and generally for less than $5/bottle. That's a super deal for something that tastes so delicious!


Second, you can make your own beverages. It's as easy as mixing your favorite juice with a clear carbonated soda (7-Up or Sprite work well) or with soda water. I suggest using a frozen juice concentrate for this and just replacing the water you would normally mix with it with your carbonated beverage of choice. If you use juice that is already made up, mixing it with soda water or soda can tend to water down the juice and you'll lose the real flavor of the juice.


Third, if you're out at a restaurant and want a cocktail but don't want to order yet another virgin daquiri, tell your server/bartender what flavors you normally like and ask to have something non-alcoholic specially made for you. I got a great drink this way while I was pregnant with my second child. It was a combination of grapefruit juice, cranberry juice and soda water. It was delightful and I don't even like grapefruit juice! The key here is finding a bartender that really is experienced and creative.


And, don't forget good old gingerale. This is an often overlooked soda that is a real treat. We think of it mainly as something to calm an upset stomach but it really is a remarkably yummy soda.


Finally, and we think most importantly, don't let your inability to imbibe keep you from getting out there and celebrating with friends and family. There are lots of options and don't be afraid to bring your own beverage. We're sure no one will give it a second thought if you show up with a bottle of your favorite sparkling cider to enjoy. Whatever you choose this holiday season, though, we hope that your celebrations are full of joy.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Holiday Spice Body Scrub

No doubt about it, the holidays are one of the most stressful time of year. And, as women so often do, we spend a lot of time making sure everything is "just so" for everyone else but ourselves and that invariably leaves us burnt out by the end of December.  This year reclaim your holiday sanity with a little something special.  This yummy body scrub is easy to make (and I mean EA-SY!) and might just make you linger in the bath or shower for a few extra relaxing minutes!  It makes a wonderful gift, too! Just package it in a small jar, wrap some raffia or ribbon around it and you're done! 

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp vitamin E oil (optional)
  • 2 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tsp ginger
  • 2 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
Directions:
Mix all of the ingredients well.  Massage scrub over your body and rinse with warm water.