Things We Can’t Live Without ~ No. 1

Things We Can’t Live Without is a new feature at PnP and every couple of weeks we’ll be sharing our own personal must-haves with you. This info will come in very handy should you ever wish to send us presents.

In the words of everyone’s favorite governess, these are a few of our favorite things…

Mary Can’t Live Without her Babyhawk Mei Tai baby carriers:

I keep one in the car and one in the house. They are great because the baby is secure and enjoys hanging out with me and is therefore not screaming, making me a much more pleasant person to be around and enabling me to actually get something done, like help my three year old on the potty or grocery shop or get the mail, because both of my hands are free. With the Mei Tai, he is secure enough that I can bend or squat with ease and don’t need to worry about him falling out.

Canape Can’t Live Without her set of Addison Bowls from Crate & Barrel:

They get used so much in my kitchen, I should probably own two of them. They are the perfect range of sizes, dishwasher safe and pretty, too.

Margalit Can’t Live Without her OXO can opener:

It is not electric and yet it opens cans quickly, quietly, efficiently and does so without stress on your hands or cans falling onto the counter. I’m a major fan of OXO Grips tools anyhow, and love their vegetable peelers and the various utensils like spoons and spatulas and pastry blenders, but the can opener has to be my all time favorite el-cheapo must-have kitchen tool.

Izzy Can’t Live Without her Peg Perego Aria stroller:

Why? Because it only weighs 10 lbs or so, it glides like no other stroller I’ve owned AND MOST IMPORTANTLY? It has a tray. I challenge you to find a high quality ultra-lightweight stroller that comes with a tray. I’m betting you won’t find one. I probably sound like a nut carrying on about the damned tray but I like to take long strolls and let my son munch on a snack while we cruise around so a tray was not negotiable.

Additionally, it has handles that are high enough for a tall person. Most lightweight strollers and umbrella strollers have handles that are simply too short for me and my husband and we’re not exactly giants.

Those are just a few of the many things I love about the Aria. It is, quite simply, the best lightweight stroller I’ve come across and believe me, I searched high and low for one that met all my requirements.

Now here’s a tip for you if you don’t feel like dropping two Benjamins on one of these lovelies… Go to BabyAge.com or eBay and buy a model from the previous year. They have generally changed very little, if at all, other than having new color schemes, and you can save a TON of money.

Emily Can’t Live Without her Clinique Clarifying Lotion #2:

Over 9 years ago I went with my cousin to get our make-up done for her wedding. The Clinique consultant gave us some samples and recommended I use Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion #2 (for my dry cheeks & oil in the T-zone complection). I’d never purchased expensive make-up or face products before using this and now I can’t live without it! A bottle of #2 has been present in my bathroom ever since.

It helps remove the dead skin cells, controls oil and refreshes my face every morning. I love that Clinique can custom-fit your skin type and I find the price reasonable. They offer a 3-Step Skin Care System, but I prefer just using the clarifier with my own face wash.