mother's day Archives - NAPPA Awards

April 28, 2022 by NAPPA Awards Team

Becoming a new mom is one of the most special times of our lives and we want to help celebrate all new moms this Mother’s Day. Here are a few of our NAPPA Award-winning picks. For more gift inspiration, visit nappaawards.com

Qeepsake: Capture your child’s milestones with this easy-to-use app. Members receive daily texts, prompting them to text back a moment or milestone with a photo. Qeepsake securely builds these texts and photos into a digital journal that can be shared with family and printed into a book. $95.88, Qeepsake.com

CLOUD ROBE: This buttery soft robe will make you feel like you’re lounging on a cloud. The perfect addition to your lounge wardrobe. Lightweight and airy. $118, bumpsuit.co

Mommy Goes to Work: A book celebrating working moms makes drop offs easier, one story at a time. Help ease the transition back to work after maternity leave. $19.99, entire family, amazon.com

Milkmaker’s Bath Tea + Foot Soak: Everyday stressors are no match for the physical and emotional toll that pregnancy can bring. Luckily, self-care is always on the menu with this calming soak. $10, munchkin.com

Milkmaker’s Rest + Rise Wellness Balm: Here to help you reset. Carefully formulated with shea butter and jojoba oil, these soothing pregnancy balms are infused with therapeutic essential oils that relax and awaken the senses. $20, munchkin.com

Milkmaker’s Belly Mask: Designed to help moms tackle self-care and deal with skin changes due to pregnancy. Made with nourishing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant-rich ingredients. $8, munchkin.com

Milkmaker’s Belly Balm: As you nurture your bump from the inside, nurture it on the outside. Made with 100% natural ingredients like coconut oil, rose hip oil, and shea butter. $15, munchkin.com

Signature Sublime® Contour Nursing & Maternity Bra: Bye-bye, bunched padding. This is the fixed padding nursing T-shirt bra you’ve been searching for, providing effortless contouring and comfort from pregnancy to postpartum. $44.99, kinderdbravely.com

Willow Go: Allows moms to quietly and discreetly pump hands-free with no cords, tubes, or dangling bottles. The two modes give a customized experience. $329, onewillow.com

Ultimate Nursing Bra: This v-cut, sculpting bra was designed to give you the extra support and confidence you deserve during the postpartum journey. Super supportive and versatile. $58, bumpsuit.co

The Lucy: The perfect addition to your Maternity Wardrobe. A tank top style full maternity bodysuit that is easy to style with any item in your closet. $130, bumpsuit.co

Sublime® Adjustable Crossover Nursing & Lounge Bra: Whether you’re pregnant, nursing, or beyond, this is perfect for lounging, running errands, and sleeping. The stretchy fabric and crossover design allows for pull-aside breastfeeding access. $39.99,
kinderdbravely.com

Velcro Waist Trainer: Whether for general shapewear, waist-training or just making it through the third trimester, this ensures you’re fully supported. Aids with postpartum and C-section recovery or wear daily under clothing as shapewear. $89, bumpsuit.co

Cloud Dress: This super soft maxi dress is the ultimate lounge dress. Featuring a 4-Way Stretch Fabric, this dress can be either dressed up or down. $98, bumpsuit.co

Bamboo Seamless No Rub Thigh Saver: Sometimes your thighs rub each other the wrong way. This perfectly protects you from chafing to stay comfortable and confident all day long. $19.99, kinderdbravely.com

Minimalist Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Plunge Bra: With dreamy fabric, a sleek profile, and fixed padding, this underwire-free bra is the perfect combination of style and functionality. $54.99, kinderdbravely.com

May 6, 2020 by

Zoe Nathan, part of the team behind the Rustic Canyon family of restaurants and author of “Huckleberry: Stories, Secrets, and Recipes From our Kitchen,” got this recipe from her dad. “My father used to make these almost every weekend when I was growing up, and then he proudly made them every weekend for Saturday Morning Breakfast at Rustic Canyon, she writes in her cookbook.

We think this makes them perfect for your Mother’s Day menu – or any day. Dads, you can do it!

Nathan does have one piece of advice about perfecting this simple recipe. “If these pancakes aren’t done on a super-hot griddle and they don’t get that deep brown color,” she says, “they become an entirely different, sadder animal. So please, cook these properly and make my Dad proud.”

Photo by Matt Armendariz

‘My Dad’s Pancakes’ from Rustic Canyon

Makes about 12 pancakes

1 vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 cups whole milk

2 cups/250 grams all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

4 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

4 eggs, separated

If using the vanilla bean, split lengthwise, scrape the seeds into the milk, and toss the pod in, too. Bring to a boil, whisking occasionally to help break up the vanilla bean. Allow to cool or refrigerate overnight. Discard the pod before using.

Place the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the butter, egg yolks and vanilla milk (or milk and vanilla extract). Whisk to combine.

In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites to soft peaks with an electric beater on medium-high speed, 3 to 4 minutes. Fold the whites into the batter.

About 5 minutes before you’re ready to make the pancakes, preheat a greased griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat; the griddle is ready when a few droplets of water sizzle and dance across the surface.

Drop . ½ cup of batter onto the hot griddle. When bubbles set on the surface of the pancake and the bottom is golden, flip and cook about 1 minute longer. Serve immediately, while hot, with butter and maple syrup or yogurt and fruit.

These are best the moment they leave the griddle.

The Rustic Canyon Family restaurants include Rustic Canyon, which is temporarily closed, and its sister restaurants Huckleberry, Sweet Rose Creamery, Milo + Olive, Cassia, Esters Wine Shop and Bar, Tallula’s, Milo SRO and Birdie G’s. All of the restaurants except Rustic Canyon are offering curbside pickup, takeout and delivery. You can also support the restaurants by purchasing gift cards used to dine at a later date.

May 6, 2020 by

Happy Mother’s Day!

While this year is a different kind of Mother’s Day, celebrating mom is not cancelled and we have some great gift ideas for the new mom or mom-to-be in your life.

VISTA V2

Meet the VISTA V2 from UPPAbaby — a stylish stroller that will grow as your family grows. VISTA’s intuitive design allows for multiple configurations, making transporting a second and third child a breeze — all while strolling like a single. Features include: a detachable bassinet that can snap into a Bassinet Stand for a secure place for baby to sleep; ventilated canopy and extendable UPF 50+ sunshade; reversible toddler seat; one-handed recline; adjustable, leather handlebar; extra-large, easy-access basket; shock-absorbing all-wheel suspension, and one-step fold for easy storage.

Popperton Boxy Backpack

Packed with style, the JJ Cole Popperton Backpack Diaper Bag is super cute, super convenient and super cleanable. With 8 pockets, including 4 easy access exterior slip pockets, there’s room to tuck everything you need while on the go with your baby. Diaper changes are also easier thanks to the included changing pad that stores easily inside the bag and gives you a safe place to rest your baby.

mbrio Clip-on Earbud Adapters

mbrio clip-on earbud adapters transform regular audio earbuds into “pregnancy headphones.” It takes just a second to push your earbuds into the adapters, and another to clip them to your waistband. There’s no easier way for you to share music with your baby. Made from medical-grade silicone and independently-tested, mbrio’s patented adapters are safe for baby’s ears, skin-safe, comfortable and ultra-lightweight.

‘I was the Perfect Parent…then I had kids’ Parenting Book

I Was the Perfect Parent…Then I had Kids will help you navigate the parenting journey will less guilt and more joy. Experience parenting with greater victory and less guilt. Save yourself guilt by learning to understand your why. Read each topic and agree or disagree and ask yourself why you agree or disagree and now you will “Parent with Purpose” and start to realize your full potential as a parent. Heal from past guilt as well by reading the “Guilt- Not always your friend” chapter.

Dream On Me Nursing Chair

Let’s face it, both mom and baby benefit from breast feeding but it can be hard work! The Dream On Me Nursing Chair is designed to add more convenience and comfort to feeding time. And it can be used later on for playtime and reading time. The portable nursing chair requires no assembly and is 6-position adjustable and lies flat for easy storage.

Emmaline Robe

The Emmaline Robe is a must-have for every stage of motherhood, from pregnancy to postpartum. This cozy and stylish robe has two places to tie the belt, offering an empire or traditional waist. The ultra-soft fabric will keep mom comfy, and the satin trim and belt add a subtle, feminine touch. Plus, extra-deep pockets provide storage for anything you need to have on hand while you’re breastfeeding or carrying your little one from room to room.

For more great mom and baby products visit nappaawards.com

May 7, 2019 by

We moms know to-do lists well. Keep going, keep doing. Take care of everyone and every project – that’s the mom life. But recently, I’ve been granting myself permission to embrace a different mindset: Treat yourself; no guilt allowed. Trust me: Your mind, body and especially your family will thank you for it.

The quiet room at the Spa at Four Seasons Westlake Village.

For my recent “treat-yourself” solo date, I was seeking relaxation and pampering. For me to truly recharge, I need to be somewhere that feels “away” but is still close to home. The Four Seasons Westlake Village is an oasis of tranquility just off the 101 Freeway. The hotel is surrounded by the Santa Monica Mountains and has beautiful gardens, great restaurants and a staff committed to making sure you’re taken care of.

My day began with a veggie omelet and 33-layer croissant slathered in strawberry-and-thyme jam at the hotel’s recently opened Coin & Candor restaurant. The California brasserie features rustic, seasonal and locally sourced creations by executive chef José Fernandez. Warm, fresh bread is my glass of wine – the ultimate relaxation food. Starting my day with the delightful aroma of fresh croissants and house-milled Red Fife grain sourdough bread created by executive pastry chef Patrick Fahy (formerly at the French Laundry in Napa) was definitely the beginning of something wonderful.

Breakfast at Coin & Candor

After breakfast, I headed to the Spa at Four Seasons, where I slipped into a cozy plush robe. I tucked my phone – along with my to-do lists, emails, texts, responsibilities and world news – into my bag, zipped it closed and left it in the locker. My only companion was a book.

I poured a cup of chamomile citron herbal tea and headed to a lounge chair by the spa pool. My focus turned to the author’s words as I enjoyed the sun on my face. Before my treatment, I headed to the quiet room, where comfy sofa beds look onto a cascading waterfall filled with orchids. This is the kind of room you wish you could escape to every day.

Tea by the Spa pool

By the time I walked into the massage room with my therapist, Nancy, my mind had already stopped racing, and thanks to Nancy’s expert hands, I felt every knot in my back and neck untie. I asked Nancy to leave the door to the small patio outside open so that I could enjoy the fresh air and the subtle rustle of leaves.

Post massage, I enjoyed the steam room and a long, hot shower, then headed to the luxe salon, Rhythm & Hair, for a blowout, which began with a wonderful scalp massage and ended with soft waves that I enjoyed for several days. It turned out that hair stylist Ryan (at left in the photo with me) and I had a lot in common. We chatted about our favorite “Friends” and “Gilmore Girls” episodes, growing up in L.A., food and culture.

When I went back to the locker room to get dressed and grab my bag, I felt like I was leaving a week-long beach vacation. I had no makeup on, but my hair felt soft and wonderful, and I looked refreshed and relaxed. I thought about grabbing one of the signature drinks at the lively new bar inside Coin & Candor, but opted instead to take a walk around the property, soaking in the lush mountain views and gardens before heading home.

The happy, relaxed me was ready to dive back into my to-do list.

A walk around the Four Seasons Westlake Village

♥ play learn connect

May 7, 2019 by Elena Epstein

Mother’s Day is almost here and we have gathered some of our recent NAPPA Award winners that will make mom or a mom-to-be very happy!

Kids N Such Diaper Backpack

This high capacity diaper bag from Kids N Such is beautifully designed and has space and pockets for everything you need. The designers of this bag really know what moms want and need in a bag! Includes stroller clips and an insulated pacifier pod. $49.95

TWELVElittle On-The-Go Backpack in Stripe Print

Stylish and super practical! Designed with multitaskers in mind, the TWELVElittle On-The-Go Backpack in Stripe Print can be carried for any occasion — family outings, work functions and travels. Includes a separate opening for a fully padded laptop sleeve. $165

Frankie Cameron Braid Bag

We never thought we would use the words “luxurious” to describe a diaper bag, but the Frankie Cameron Braid Bag has made us a believer! Handcrafted from buttery-soft genuine leather with brass hardware accents and a matching detachable tassel. Fully detachable and washable liners transform this bag for baby to toddler stage and then work, travel and beyond. $395

June & January Mama Swing Dress

Designed for all stages of motherhood, the June & January For Mama collection is perfect for growing bellies, nursing mamas, postpartum bodies, “I’m so done having babies” and everything in between. The buttery soft stretchy cotton blend fabric is the ultimate level of comfort, while still being stylish. $31

The Clara Criss Cross Nursing Top

All moms need a versatile piece like the Clara Criss Cross Nursing Shirt from Kindred Bravely. A must-have for postpartum and nursing mamas, this one-piece, super soft infinity cardigan is both stylish and comfortable. $24.99

JJ Cole Outdoor Mat

Summer is coming and that means outdoor concerts in the park, beach and picnic time. These stylish and functional JJ Cole Outdoor Mats are designed for easy transport — perfect for families on-the-go! Features an adjustable carrying strap, quick-fold design and durable water-resistant fabric in a variety of fun designs. $34.95

ErgoErgo

Because we are made to move! ErgoErgo is the healthy and fun way to sit. Active sitting strengthens your core, encourages good posture and stimulates the mind/body connection to keep you alert and energized. Comes in adult and child sizes.$75 (KidsErgo) and $100 (ErgoErgo)

“Stories for my Grandchild”

“Stories for my Grandchild” is a keepsake journal that gives grandparents an opportunity to connect with their grandchildren and share memories, family history, personal feelings and experiences. $11.72

♥play learn connect

May 6, 2019 by Elena Epstein

We were so thrilled to be with L.A. Parent chatting about Mother’s Day Gift Ideas. Check out our video segment featuring recent NAPPA Award-winning products perfect for mom!

Products featured in this segment:

TWELVElittle On-the-Go Backpack, Kids N Such Diaper Backpack, ErgoErgo, Frankie Cameron Bag, Stories for My Grandchild by Honey Good, Kindred Bravely Criss Cross Nursing Top