After Using This Hugaroo Weighted Neck and Shoulder Heating Pad, All I Can Say Is, Ahhhh . . .

Just look at a close-up of that velvety, ultraplush texture. It feels super soft neck to my skin, like a cosy blanket. The inside is filled with flaxseeds, wheat, and a blend of lavender, chamomile, peppermint, spearmint, lemongrass, and rosemary. It smells amazing!

I love that this heating pad is microwaveable. Since it's cordless, you don't need to be near a plug to use it. I usually pop it in for four minutes (time depends on your microwave), and once I put it on, I'm able to walk around my house if I need to, wear it in the car, or my favourite: just sit on the couch with a book or while watching TV. I'm excited to wear it to bed once the winter months set in. Since there's no plug, it gradually loses its heat after 15 to 20 minutes, so there's no chance of accidentally leaving it on, which makes it safe for my kids to use, too.

This heating pad weighs 3.5 pounds and wraps all the way around my neck, upper back, and shoulders, and even around the top of my chest. It offers relaxing pressure coupled with the enveloping moist heat that feels like a warm, comforting hug. It helped relieve the neck and shoulder soreness I had from an upper-body workout, but also helped alleviate the muscle tension I had from stress. I've also used it the past few mornings when the temps have been cooler, just to take the chill off while working.

I love wearing this close to my skin and will sometimes even wear a sweatshirt over it to make the heat last longer. The warmth lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, but I'll often wear it for 30 just because the gentle pressure feels so good.

What makes this heating pad so amazing is the unique shape that allows it to conform to my body. Since all our muscles are connected, this is way more effective than a thin, tube-like microwaveable heating pad, since it rests on so much of my upper body. And the fact that it's weighted is a huge benefit.

Although this heating pad is designed for your neck and shoulders, I've also enjoyed warming it up and placing it on my belly to help with menstrual cramps and bloating. Since it's such a large heating pad, you could lay on your belly and put it on your lower back, use it for sore legs, or place it on your chest to help relieve congestion. This can also be placed in the freezer and used to reduce inflammation, or just to feel cooler on a hot day.

You can order a Hugaroo Weighted Neck and Shoulder Heating Pad $36) from Amazon. It makes a great gift idea for the person who has everything, or for someone you know that could use a little relaxation in their life. They'll always think of you when they use it!