Let’s face it, pregnancy can create and leave behind pesky side-effects. But no worries, nature provide numerous remedies for anything, including stretch marks. Here are two simple and natural remedies to combat stretch mark as oppose to using cocoa butter. These simple yet efficient solutions leave you with a gentle and delicious scent by the essences of nuts, flowers and citrus oils:

ONLINE AND ON THE SHELVES

Elasticity Belly Oil

4 oz- $39.00

Belli , the number 1 recommended skin care by OB-GYNS, has a wonderful product called Elasticity Belly Oil. The product is a luxurious blend of essential oils and ingredients which nourish your skin while protecting against pesky stretch marks. With almond oil as its main carrier, this oil is easily absorbed into your skin and does not leave a greasy residue. In fact, your skin is left feeling soft like a baby’s bottom. The blend’s Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil’s calming scent is an added bonus. In published medical research* (referenced from Belli), the combination of it Gotu Kola extract, Vitamin E and Collagen Hydrolysates was shown to decrease the risk of stretch marks by 39% compared to placebo treatment.

IN YOUR PANTRY

Using either almond or sunflower oil as your base, add 4 to 5 drops of orange blossom essential oil and then gently massage into your skin. It’s that simple. As well, remember that eating good whole grains and organic fruits and veggies rich in nutrients will also help you keep your skin firm.

Aside from obvious tips like serving organic & local foods, using eco-friendly wrapping techniques, or sending out evites as opposed to paper invitations, here are a few tips to help you plan you or your friend’s baby shower.

LOCATION

Ambiance definitely sets the mood for your baby shower. If you have a large guest list and your climate provides, a park or garden is a wonderful setting for a shower. If you are like me and live on the east coast where it is currently very chilly outside, if an apartment or house is not available to host the shower, try contacting a local yoga studio. A yoga studio is a great modern venue to hold a shower for the location can also dual as the shower’s main activity. Make sure that the studios you scout out have enough props and chairs for your Guest.

ACTIVITIES

If you have your baby shower at a yoga studio, you can set up a deal with the studio’s manager to have either a reduced rate on a group yoga practice, meditation or even a belly dancing session. You can still have a belly dancing or lead meditation at a home or park, but just make sure that your instructor is prenatal certified. This is a great way to bond and share with friends and loved ones. If you want a more traditional shower activity, you can tap into everyone’s creativity and have guest custom design organic baby onzees using permanent non-toxic markers. It really is a great ice-breaker and fun for the participants and the parents-to-be could definitely use the onzees especially if it their first child. Lastly another great activity to include is to circulate an eco-friendly journal and have guest write letters and wishes for parent(s) and baby.

GIFT IDEAS/ & REGISTRY:

Quite often, many new parents or gift shoppers buy or register for gifts that are either not necessary or unusable for several months or years. Yes, it can be challenging to turn away from that cute little pair of shoes or dress, but at the end of the day parents and baby really can benefit from useful thoughtful gift and necessities. Before creating any registry list or buying gifts, I highly recommend checking out on-line boutique such as Maternitique and Ali Wing’s book, Giggle Guide to Baby Gear. It has charts, checklists, ages when products are necessary, etc.

At the same time, when it comes to gift registry and giving, one does not have to be limited to products. Cleaning services and food delivery certificates/packages can be a great relief for new parents.

GIFT FAVORS

Here are a few ideas for shower keepsakes for your guest.

BLOOMING BABY PLANTABLE SEED FAVORS
$21.00 per set of 12

PEA IN A POD PERSONALIZED SOY CANDLES TRAVEL TINS BABY SHOWER FAVORS
$4.25 each (15 order minimum)

ORGANIC OR VEGAN CHOCOLATES from INTERMPERANTIA
(From $4.65 each and up)