Musings About Life... After Birth

This afternoon at 2:15 p.m. EST on XM 155 or Sirius 102, I’ll be joining Broads Molly and Christine to share some of my favorite hostess and teacher (or really, anyone who you feel needs a small token of your appreciation) gift ideas! Here’s what we’ll be checking out:

1) Fresh Frankincense, Myrrh and Gold Oval Soap and Petite Candle Trios, $45 each, neimanmarcus.com or fresh.com.

I get the gold, but who knows what the deal was with the original gifts of frankincense and myrrh? These collections of artisanal, triple-milled, pure vegetable soaps and candles with lead-free wicks, however, leave no room for interpretation. Laced with absolutely delicious, season-inspired scents , each set, which comes in a gift-ready box, is undoubtedly a precious gift.

2) “The Best Casserole Cookbook Ever” and Slow Cooker: The Best Cookbook Ever, $16.47 each, amazon.com.

Don’t hate on the way your mom used to make dinner — casserole and slow-cooker cooking is very 2010 (not to mention, convenient. These two books make 70’s-era cuisine gourmet again, and offer tasty, healthy recipes for quick and easy, yet totally elegant meals.

3) Jo Malone Tea Box Deluxe Candle Collection, $395, jomalone.com.

The perfect “from the whole office” gift, this limited-edition keepsake is extremely indulgent and luxurious. Nestled in a beautifully textured cream-colored tea box are three uniquely scented deluxe candles complete with engraved Jo Malone candle lids and a silver-plated wick trimmer and candle snuffer. The candle scents include Eau de Cologne, Parma Violets and Sweet Almond Macaroon.