Traveling might seem like a luxury to most folks, but to a busy mom it’s not quite as relaxing-- even if there are no kids in tow.
This Mother’s Day, give your always-on-the-go mom something to make her life easier while on vacation or a work trip.
“What you need to do is minimize the stress in any situation,” said Nancy Trent, the founder and president of Trent and Company, a New York-based marketing communications firm. “Why would you add things to what you’re taking back and forth that will only stress you out.”
Trent, who is also a healthy lifestyle trend-spotting blogger and speaker, tells Fox News Traveler about seven must-have products for the traveling mom.
“The best thing you can do for your mom is get her into a new healthful habit,” Trent said. “One little habit. So if I can get my mom to think about therapeutic gemstones to calm her down or using a quality pillowcase instead of something that’s probably not very good for her hair or skin - then that’s the best thing you can do.”
Since Mother's Day, which is May 13, is right around the corner, there's no better time than now to get cracking. But no stress here.
Wallaroo UPF Scrunchie Hat
For the mom who is heading to a destination where she’ll be spending time under the sun, Wallaroo’s UPF Scrunchie Hat will give her shade and save her skin.
“Once you get into Wallaroo, that’s it,” Trent said. “I love my Wallaroo. You can roll it up. I stuff things in it when I’m packing... You just pull it out and it’s fresh. Some people are sensitive to some sunblock. You don’t have to worry about wearing a strong sunblock if you have it on.”
The wrinkle resistant hat has a ultraviolet protection factor of 50+, which Wallaroo says will block 97.5 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Whether the busy mom will be swimming in the pool with the kids or relaxing with a book on the beach, Trent says the stylish hat is fashionable and easy to pack without looking like it was crushed in a suitcase.
The hats are $38 and available at www.wallaroohats.com.
Polar Gear Portable Booster Seat
For the traveling mom with little ones, it’s always better when one item can serve two purposes. Trent says the Polar Gear Portable Booster Seat makes eating out with your baby easy, as well as functions as a bag when you’re carrying it through the airport.
“This is a total new-mom tip for ‘keeping it together,’” Trent said. “This bring-you-own-booster seat makes restaurant dining with a baby easy so you can show up to the table in style.”
It’s not just the moms who are happy with this product. Trent says babies like it as well since it doesn’t look like a high chair.
“It makes the baby feel like they’re sitting in a chair like everybody else,” Trent said. “It’s very convenient. It’s not a big clunky thing.”
The booster seat is $39.99 and available at www.aparentcompany.com.
Branche Silk Charmeuse Pillow Case
Trent says you can make almost any hotel bed feel like home with Branche’s Silk Charmeuse Pillow Case. Made with 18 amino acids and a high copper content, she says the pillowcase is great for mom’s skin and hair.
“The threads are much thinner than the typical one so that’s a real benefit,” Trent said. “You get rid of that cutting knives effect on your skin.”
She says another added benefit to bringing your own pillowcase is that you don’t have to worry about whether the hotel or airline uses strong detergents that might irritate sensitive skin.
The pillow case is $84.00 and available at www.branchebeautysleep.com.
GGO Wrap Dress
Made from 88 percent bamboo, the GGO Wrap Dress is anti-microbial - meaning it doesn’t have to be cleaned as often or ironed. Trent says the wrap style is complimentary on almost any body type.
"It’s very versatile and incredibly chic,” Trent said. “The material doesn’t wrinkle, so mom doesn’t have to worry about ironing in a hotel room or debating style vs. comfort – she gets both.”
Whether you dress it up with a fancy necklace for an evening dinner or pair it with casual flats during the day, Trent says the organic clothing is a must for any vacation.
The GGO Wrap Dress is $135 and available at www.ggoclothing.com.
Harvey’s Original Seatbelt Bag – Favorite Things Tote
“Complete with a lifetime guarantee, the My Favorite Things tote will not only stand out amongst the crowd with its bright and unique X-ray design, but the durability and indestructible seatbelt material are so strong," Trent said. "It will be the last bag you’ll ever have to buy.”
The Favorite Things tote is made out of real seat belts so there’s no need to worry about the traveling mom being rough on this bag. Trent says it is meant to withstand almost anything, and it’s sleek design makes it easy for going through security.
“They’re perfect because they’re fashionable, cool and interesting looking,” Trent said. “So whether you’re a fashionista or green goddess - this is right for you because this is truly eco-fashion.”
The bag is $154.00 and available at www.seatbeltbags.com/.
Tara Walker’s Dream - Rejuvenating Dream Serum
Traveling can be anything other than calming - especially for women’s skin. Trent encourages moms to use Tara Walker’s Dream - Rejuvenating Dream Serum as a way to heal your skin while away from home.
“When you travel, let’s face it, it’s really tough on your skin,” Trent said. “This all-natural beauty elixir features the essences of flowers, leaves, fruits, seeds and stems of plants and the finest marine ingredients sourced from every continent that will help your skin look flawless.”
The Rejuvenating Serum is $99 and available at www.tarawalkersdream.com.
Energy Muse Lotus Bracelet
Simple and pretty, the Energy Muse Lotus Bracelet will give more than just a sense of fashion to your mom on the road. Trent says the jewelry can calm her during the inevitable delays or inconveniences she’ll face while traveling.
“Crystal and Gemstone jewelry are incredibly powerful tools," Trent said. "Energy Muse’s Lotus bracelet brings new beginnings, awakening and beauty to its wearer. Pink Jade helps to bring emotional balance, renewal and peace to the body – which is very helpful for a mom with a travel-heavy schedule.”
The bracelet is $69.99 and available at www.energymuse.com.
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