For new moms (and well, all moms for that matter), it’s essential not to let holiday shopping and prep get you stressed. The best way to stay sane during the holiday season? Treat yourself! Here’s a list of five great ways to make life a little more luxurious for yourself or any deserving parent in your life!
Let a hairstylist come to you. When you’re a new mom, getting out isn’t easy—much less for a hair appointment that can take hours. I don’t think I ever made it to the hair salon until my kids were at least 6 months old! I love the idea of having a stylist come to you. Among other things, you don’t have to worry about rushing back to nurse or nap your baby. (You can even arrange the appointment for when your baby is sleeping!) If your local stylist doesn’t do house calls, check out, GlamSquad, an app which sends a stylist to your house within hours. Choose from a range of blowout styles—they do makeup applications, too! glamsquad.com
Hire a cleaning service. When you have a new baby, everything piles up—the laundry, the dishes, the dust on your bookshelf. Instead of using your limited free time to clean, consider hiring a cleaning service. It doesn’t have to be every week—even once a month can make a difference. You won’t believe how good it feels to be in a neat and sparkling home knowing you didn’t have to lift a finger. Maid Marines is one of many local cleaning services that let you book a house cleaner online—sign up for just one time or on a regular basis. maidmarines.com
Sign up for a meal delivery service. Being a new mom is exhausting, and it’s often impossible to find the time or energy to cook. The best baby gift I ever received was from my sister-in-law: A week’s worth of home cooked meals delivered to my doorstep by a local chef. The food was so delicious—so much so that I signed up for two dinners a week for the next few months. It may sound indulgent, but having a healthy and delicious dinner delivered to your house once (or more) a week is totally worth it. It’s like going out to a restaurant without leaving the house. Here are just a few New York City-based options: Portable Chef NYC, Freshology, and Sweet Deliverance NYC (this one even has a new mom package). portablechefnyc.com & freshology.com & sweetdeliverancenyc.com
Get a style makeover. Not only is your body different after having a baby, but so are your clothing needs. You need stylish looks that can also handle a little spit-up! Not to mention, it’s nice to be comfortable when you are down on the floor playing with blocks all day. Hiring a personal stylist that can help you renovate your closet is a luxury that will make you feel great and that doesn’t have to break the bank. Not only that, but how nice is it for someone to bring looks to you without you having to go to the store? As one of our writers recently blogged, Karyn Starr with White-Starr Aesthetic Consulting and Rebecca Klein with The Restylists.com are two local moms who are also amazing stylists that will help you achieve the perfect new look.
Enjoy a manicure or pedicure without leaving the house. A manicure or pedicure can make any new mom feel pretty and fresh. But like every thing else, it’s hard to find time for yourself when you’re dedicating every waking minute to your newborn. Not to mention, it’s not always easy to bend down and reach your toes post-baby! That’s why having a nail service come to your home is such a great idea. Manicare is one of many local services that come to you—they also do makeup applications and body and facial waxing. mani-care.com
Leah Black is the former executive editor of New York Family. She and her husband are the proud parents of Avi and Lily.
