These are a few of my favourite things....

The Knocked-Up Knockout

Feb 2007: No. 2

www.beautyandthedirt.com

These are a few of my favourite things…

Hannah Claire Shapiro

Since the introduction of this column to beautyandthedirt.com late last year, I seem to be regarded as something of a Yummy Mummy expert by both friends and strangers alike. The biggest question on everyone’s lips is always “What is your favourite baby product? And Mummy product?” And so, I have decided to begin a somewhat regular “Favourite Things” rundown, which will alert you to my round-up of most-wanted products for knockouts and their cherubs.

This Little Piggy Went to Prada, by Amy Allen
Every copy of this book, billed as “nursery rhymes for the Blahnik brigade”, means a donation to Save the Children. But if that weren’t incentive enough, just think how entertained you will be while reciting Lee’s rhymes, such as her version of ‘I Had a Little Nut Tree,’ which begins “I had a little shoe tree, nothing would it bear/ But Manolo Blahnik and vintage Taittinger.” Not to mention, the illustrations, which are nothing short of stylish. Need I say more?! This is the perfect gift for any mother or mother-to-be on your present list.
www.thislittlepiggywenttoprada.com; £12.95

Belli Cosmetics
Every modern-day mother-to-be has one fear bigger than giving birth: STRETCH MARKS. To prevent these nightmarish scars, not to mention, minimising the other skin and health issues related to pregnancy, see itchy belly, chloasma (a.k.a “the mask of pregnancy”), and swelling, I relied rather heavily on the remarkable Belli Cosmetics products, from Day 1. As a result of my religious use of their belly oil, I suffered no pregnancy-induced stretch marks. So, it was no wonder that I turned to their post-partum line, once Asher arrived. The Body-Firming serum and Eye brightening cream are fantastic and a year later, I am still using them! I’m not alone in my assessment. These products, devised by husband-and-wife team, Annette and Jason Rubin, are now the #1 recommended skincare products by US-based OB/Gyns.
www.bellicosmetics.com

Rodial Stretch Mark Eraser
If you aren’t so fortunate in the stretch mark stakes, check out “the natural alternative to Strivectin,” which fades the appearance of not only stretch marks, but fine lines and wrinkles, too. The product does this by plumping the skin through increased collagen production. There are even clinical trials available to confirm the product’s effectiveness. The Rodial Stretch Mark Eraser ain’t cheap at £78 a pop but my friends tell me this stuff is nothing short of a miracle. I say you should try it out for yourself. And look out for my upcoming trial of the celeb-favourite in cellulite treatments, Rodial’s 3-in-1 Body Scrub and Body Sculpture.
www.rodial.co.uk
Egba Originals
These are just about the most fashionable invitations-cum-birth-announcements on the market; Sean “Diddy” Combs and Brooke Burke agree. Egba is the acronym for what everyone hopes for from their special event: “Everything’s gonna be awesome.” Despite the somewhat cheesy name-meaning, these are hands-down the most unique and interesting birth announcements or birthday party invites I have seen on the bespoke printing market.
www.egbaoriginals.com


Until next time,
Hannah xo