Tiffany Merritt - Stuff Parents Need

Why Dollar General Is On My Errand List Today

August 11, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 3 Comments

This post brought to you by Dollar General. All opinions are 100% mine.

This morning I have a few things that I need to pick up at a big box store. On the way to that store, there is a Dollar General. Today I’m going to be stopping at that Dollar General to pick up some items that I likely could also find at the big box store, but that I can save big on by shopping here!

KRAFT products have made their way into Dollar General stores, and the prices are smokin’ hot!

KRAFT for School Lunch Prep

The KRAFT line is particularly helpful as we head back into the school year and I have to start thinking about school lunches, as well as meal and snack ideas that are easy and delicious. On my shopping list today are the following:

Maxwell House K-cups. They aren’t an iced coffee version, but these will be perfect for my afternoon coffee, which I can make about an hour in advance and get cooled down enough by the time I’m ready to drink it. Refueling for the second half of the day is critical for this working mama!
PLANTERS nuts. Dollar General has a terrific selection of this line, and nuts provide a BIG energy boost. I love including them in Darah’s lunch to help her power through her day. They are also a healthy snack option for me (much better to reach for some almonds when hunger strikes than some chocolate chips!).
CAPRI SUN Big Pouch. This will be the last year that Darah still comes home at lunch. But she LOVES getting to have a packed lunch when she gets home. It is hilarious! CAPRI SUN products are one of her favorite things to find in her lunch box, so it is time to get stocked up!
A.1. Dry Rub. I have really come to realize that a good rub can make even the cheapest cuts of meat come alive with flavor. That’s good for my wallet! And bonus, these types of recipes usually do really well in the slow cooker (which is nearly effortless) or on the grill (I do the marinating and leave the cooking up to Tim!). Either way, it is easy for me! 🙂

Additionally, I’m going to check out the KOOL-AID LIQUID product, which is brand new, and available at Dollar General. I’m not sure yet if I’m going to buy it, but I am feeling tempted on account of the yummy sounding Frosty Strawberry Pops recipe I saw on the Dollar General site and that uses the product. I’ll decide if I want to go for it after I see it in person! You can find this recipe, as well as information on all KRAFT products at Dollar General online.

The Price is Right

I mentioned earlier that the deals were smokin’ hot at Dollar General on KRAFT products. Right now, if you buy any 2 KRAFT items you can save extra with their special coupons. New deals are happening all the time, so be sure to check the website regularly and download your coupons!

What are you purchasing for school lunches this year? Did you know that you can find KRAFT items at Dollar General? Be sure to go check them out and make lunch and snack prep easier for yourself!

Philly Cream Cheese Cannoli Dip Recipe

August 11, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 21 Comments

I have joined forces with Philadelphia Soft Cream Cheese to create what I believe to be the ULTIMATE snack. It is simple. It is super yummy. It is really pretty. And it’s also quite inexpensive! I’m so excited to show you how to make a snack that will have EVERYONE talking!

So, are you ready for the awesome? Let’s do it!

Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cannoli Dip

1 (8 ounce) package Philadelphia Cream Cheese spread

1 cup heavy whipping cream

3 Tbsp plain yogurt

15 oz Ricotta cheese

2/3 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Pour heavy whipping cream into a bowl and beat with a mixer until stiff peaks form (2-3 minutes). Set aside roughly half the mixture into a separate, smaller bowl.

To the remaining mixture add philly soft cream cheese. Mix well to combine. To make the mixing process easier, I recommend cutting the cream cheese into 8 sections. At the same time that you add the cream cheese, also add the plain yogurt.

Next, fold in the ricotta cheese. Then fold in the remaining half of the heavy whipping cream.

Now it’s time to sweeten it up! Add the 2/3 cup powdered sugar and gently fold it in. Your dip will start to look a bit glossier (and it will start to taste like the inside of a cannoli, too!).

How about some color? Fold in those delicious mini chocolate chips! Don’t use the larger chips…it will be too overwhelming when you take a bite.

To serve, sprinkle the top of your dip with more chocolate chips, and dust with a bit of powdered sugar. The perfect dipping instruments, in my opinion, are strawberries and graham crackers!

I made this recently while Tim and the girls were outside doing some chores. They were all thrilled to find this waiting for them when they came back in. It looks super fancy, but honestly, it was quite simple to put together. And the taste? Lean in a little closer and I’ll scoop some for you…

How cruel of me! I bet you could ALMOST taste it, though! Head on out to your nearest grocery store and get started making this delectable snack. You will have a new favorite dish to bring to parties and potlucks, as well as a go-to snack for your family!

My Favorite Bathroom Cleaning Products

August 11, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago I shared some of my very favorite products to use in the laundry room, and based on some emails I received, it seems that you all are really curious about what other people use to keep clean and tidy around the house! So I thought I’d also share with you my very favorite products to use when I do my very least favorite chore: cleaning the bathroom. Some of the links are affiliates. Click here for more info on the little girl you are supporting with your purchases!

Shaklee Basic H2. One bottle of this concentrated formula will make DOZENS of bottles of glass cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, and de-greaser. I use the de-greaser to clean the sinks and the counter in the bathroom. Works like a charm. One of the most economical cleaning purchases I’ve ever made, and it is eco-friendly, too! Don’t forget to pick up the spray bottles!

Skoy Cloth. These are a GREAT alternative to paper towels, especially for cleaning up messes. They are more durable, they are washable, and they can handle big messes like cleaning bathrooms. My Skoy cloths have been doing strong for 2 1/2 years, and are just now nearing the end of their life cycle. I’ll be buying more, for sure!

Emily Scrub by Eco-Me. Affordable, fume-free alternative to Comet. Works great, too!

Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner. Been using it for 2 years. It works just as well as my old (harsh chemical) stuff. Never switching back!

What are your favorite products to use when cleaning the bathroom? Have you tried any of my favorites??

Save for Kids’ College While Shopping for Back-to-School Items with Upromise by Sallie Mae

August 10, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

Special thanks to UPromise by Sallie Mae for partnering with Stuff Parents Need to help us all make saving for college easier than ever! If you aren’t signed up for Upromise yet, I strongly encourage that you do so. Those savings add up surprisingly fast!

With a new school year around the corner, approximately 86 million students from pre-kindergarten to college are about to begin the next chapter of their academic careers. As they gear up, families with children of all ages can earn cash back to save for their kids’ future education by making back-to-school purchases via Upromise by Sallie Mae.

From notebooks, to jeans, to backpacks and colored pencils, Upromise is a free rewards program that harnesses the purchasing power of parents, extended family, and students to earn rewards to pay for college when you shop at hundreds of popular retailers such as Target.com, Staples, Bed, Bath & Beyond and more. Even if you’re ordering a new computer or dorm essentials, you can earn 5% or more back towards Sallie Mae savings accounts, 529 plans, student loan repayment or even returned in CASH.

To date, Upromise members have earned more than $750 million in cash back for college, simply by spending money on the things they need.

Back to school is the second busiest shopping season of the year, with the average American family spending $634 on school supplies, according to the National Retail Federation.

Before hitting the mall or making online purchases, here are tips from Upromise on shopping smart this upcoming school year:

Plan ahead – before you begin shopping for back to school, gather your school supply lists and take an inventory of items you already have.
Create a budget – monitor your spending and involve your children so they know the boundaries and benefits of budgeting.
Research sales and deals – scope out online sales and deals to get the best bang for your buck. Download RewardU, a free toolbar that reminds you of cash back opportunities from Upromise and alerts you to additional coupons and deals.
Create a family calendar – post a calendar in the kitchen or family room to keep track of extracurricular activities and school project deadlines.
Reach out to new roommates – as the approximately two thirds of the high school class of 2013 become college freshmen, they can save by coordinating with their new roommates before heading off to campus. There is no need for two dorm refrigerators, microwaves or televisions in a tight space.

For more information on saving and planning for college, visit Upromise.com and CollegeAnswer.com, or visit us at Facebook.com/Upromise.

Show Me Your #FABSmile and Win!

August 10, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 11 Comments

Thanks to FlossandBrush.com and the Mom It Forward Network for providing complimentary products for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Want to see what makes me smile? This kid, right here:

She’s having the time of her life at her superhero swim party (hence the combo of a hello kitty swimsuit and a superman belt!).

Also, her sister:

Layah is the chief mischief-maker in our home. But I can’t help but smile as I chase her around the house. Her adorableness definitely works in her favor!

These two definitely keep a smile on my face daily, and since I’m flashing my pearly whites all the time, I need to make sure I’m taking good care of them. I’m excited to share an excellent program that is helping me do just that in an affordable and effective way. Check out . This is a subscription serve that will send toothbrushes and floss for your family straight to your door every 3 months, right when it is time to swap out your old brushes for new ones. You don’t have to remember when it is time to change (I NEVER remember) because they will handle that for you And the cost? You won’t believe it! Just $1 per family member per month! Total bargain, folks!

Here’s the kit my family was sent to get us on the road to better oral health and to a #FABsmile!

I’m all about products and services that make life a bit easier in some way. FlossAndBrush.com is doing just that by providing high quality toothbrushes and floss right to my doorstep, right when I need it, and for a price I can afford. That’s definitely something to make me smile!

FlossAndBrush.com has four packages for every need.

1. Adult Floss and Brush Package ($1.00 per month per family member):

Made in America
Micro Tip
Compact Soft
Dome Trim Bristle Design
Micro Feathered Bristles
Interdental Bristle Design
Floss is made in America, Mint, Waxed, 60 yd, Shred Resistant, and Clinically Proven

2. Youth Floss and Brush Package ($1.00 per month per family member):

Made in America
Micro Tip
Compact Soft
Dome Trim Bristle Design
Micro Feathered Bristles
Interdental Bristle Design
Floss is made in America, Mint, Waxed, 60 yd, Shred Resistant, and Clinically Proven

3. Kids Floss and Brush Package ($1.00 per month per family member):

Made in America
Micro Tip
Compact Soft
Dome Trim Bristle Design
Micro Feathered Bristles
Interdental Bristle Design
Floss is made in America, Mint, Waxed, 60 yd, Shred Resistant, and Clinically Proven

4. Adult Brush and Whitening Gel Package ($2.00 per month per family member):

All the perks of the adult brush
Gel made in America
Same high-quality sold in dental offices
Uses carbamide peroxide
Fast results
Gel contains potassium nitrate, which helps eliminate sensitivity

How does your family keep up with when it is time to switch out toothbrushes? And how’s that whole flossing thing coming along for everyone? Need a little help! FlossAndBrush.com has got you covered!

Win it! One lucky Stuff parents need reader will win 1 Free Annual FAB Membership (every three months, a new toothbrush and 3 month supply of flows will arrive at your doorstep), as well as 1 Free Annual FAB + White4Life Membership (this includes not only a toothbrush and floss every three months but each shipment will also include FAB’s professional grade whitening to be used in custom whitening trays).

There are two steps to enter this giveaway, so please read carefully to make sure you follow the rules!

Step 1. Visit FAB’s and repin an image from any one of the “Smile Boards” that makes yousmile. Include a description in your pin that explains why it makes you smile. Include the #FABsmile hashtag in the pin. Come back to this post and share the link to the pin, as well as your email address (can’t let you know that you won if I don’t have your email address!)

Step 2. Sign up for FlossAndBrush.com’s .

Rules: The contest will run until 12:01 am on August 15th when a winner will be selected using a random number generator. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning notification before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States. Limit one entrant per household, please. Stuff Parents Need is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Be sure to enter my other giveaways, found on the sidebar of my page.

Neuro Bliss and the #BlissandTell $10K Dream Vacation Giveaway!

August 9, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

Friends, we need to have a little chat. It’s about how stressed you’ve been lately. How stressed we’ve ALL been, lately. Consider this:

This report was recently published by neuro drinks, after the company surveyed more than 1,200 consumers. It showed that Americans are stressed to the max, and that the need for some serious vacation time is in order! And while we can’t all just run away on the ultimate vacation at the drop of the hat, we can carve out a moment of bliss in our days. Hence, the launch of the BLISS and Tell campaign, which is all about encouraging us all to take time and relax, and share your blissful moments!

My BLISSful Moment

I’ll go first and share my #BLISSandTell moment with you all. Here’s a little background on some of the current stressors in my life:

1. I’m currently trying to find a home to rent in another part of the country, over part of the holidays that will hold 15 people and that isn’t already booked. Which is REALLY hard, as it turns out.

2. The house we own in Memphis has some rather serious damage to some of the wood under the floor in one room that needs repair. Someone hold me!

3. I’m flying out to New York Monday morning to film some cooking videos and I do NOT feel prepared.

4. The state of my home. If you have ever had young kids, you know what they can do to a house. It looks like the Tasmanian Devil lives with us. Junk EVERYWHERE!

5. I have 14 resumes in my inbox for a new babysitter. I have no idea how I’m ever going to get through them. I need to hire a babysitter just to give me time to hire a babysitter!

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. And I bet you have lists that might look a little different from mine, but that are equally, if not more stressful!

And yet, in the midst of all this craziness, my daughter asked me to watch Mary Poppins with her. She was just introduced to it a few days ago, and she absolutely adores the movie. I looked at my to do/to freak out about list, and then I looked at my daughter. I knew just what to do, friends! I went over to my fridge and got my neuro Bliss. I plopped down in front of my laptop and closed all my work tabs. And I sang “spoonful of sugar” with my daughter and enjoyed sharing of my favorite movies from my childhood and making new memories with Darah.

So why did I grab some neuro Bliss? This beverage is specially designed to reduce stress and relax the mind. I knew I needed a little help to get my head out of the list of things I needed to do and to just be present with my child. And you know what? I really did feel more relaxed after sipping on this lightly carbonated, very tasty drink! It contains chamomile and a blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that enhance focus, produce relaxation and reduce stress. It was exactly what I needed to just put all that work aside and enjoy special time with my big girl.

And after our movie session, I sat down and finished up this post. I didn’t feel stressed about it, but rather, pretty darn happy to have the chance to tell you about neuro Bliss! I definitely think you should give this a try on your next stressful day and see if you think it helps. It has just 35 calories per bottle, so there’s not much to risk by giving it a try! And I think you’ll find it to be effective! You can pick this up at Target, Walgreens, Safeway, 7-11 and other national grocery, convenience and drug stores.

Before you head out to pick some up, be sure to print a coupon to save $1. See, neuro Bliss is even making the process of buying the product a happy one!

Once you have your neuro Bliss, be sure to enter the BLISS & Tell contest and weekly giveaway for your chance to win….wait for it….a $10k dream vacation!!!!

What are you waiting for? Adding, “get some neuro Bliss” to your to do list might be the best thing you’ve done in a long time! 🙂

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Still Need the Perfect Lunchbox??? I’ve Got You Covered!

August 7, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 1 Comment

I recently went on camera to talk about ISeeMe.com and their SUPER cute personalized lunchboxes! Check it out, and listen out for the coupon code at the end!

WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather

And if you are still looking for a backpack, don’t forget my best backpacks for little girls roundup!

How to Wear a White Sweater in Summer

August 7, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 1 Comment

Wearing a Sweater in Summer

If you live in the South, then the idea of wearing a sweater during the summer is beyond crazy. It is muggy, the heat index is often in the triple digits, and the sun is beating down on you without mercy for about 12 hours each day.

That is, except for this summer. Here in Chattanooga, we’ve had days in July that barely got past 80 for the high. And we’ve had evenings and early mornings in the low 60s. It has been pure bliss, and has inspired me to go outside of my summer wardrobe comfort zone and try something that folks further up north get to experience: the summer sweater!

My friends at Fresh Produce, a clothing company for women that I will tell you more about shortly, sent this cozy retreat top and I was SO nervous to even try it on. I mean, it’s July, people! This just can’t be happening!

But look at me! I went outside last week in this outfit early one morning, and I felt super comfortable in it. What a treat!!!

I paired the sweater with a white tank top I’ve had for ages (something underneath it is a must, as it is semi-sheer). I added a necklace from LOFT (no longer for sale, sorry) and my rockin’ aqua pants from Stitch Fix.

This is my first time ever wearing Fresh Produce, and if the brand is also new to you, let me tell you a little bit about it. The brand has been around nearly 3 decades (so we are contemporaries, though I’m a bit older!). It has a few key trademarks: vibrant colors, original prints, and comfortable clothes. This company is proudly made in the USA, and it also has a line of clothing for children.

The color inspiration for Fresh Produce comes from the coast, and the vibe is everyday style that all shapes and sizes can feel confident and comfortable in.

I will say that when I first received the piece of clothing in a size medium/large, it was MUCH too big on me. Now, I typically wear a size 10 or 12, so I was confused about why it was so huge. We exchanged the piece for a size extra small/small and I sweated it out while I waited for it to arrive. Because you guys, I NEVER wear those sizes! But that’s the size I’m wearing in the photos.

I asked the representative I was working with if this was vanity sizing to the extreme, and she explained that the sizing might have to do with the unique dying process at Fresh Produce. Everything is first pre-shrunk, and then it goes into a very high heat dying process. Each piece of clothings is individually dyed, and sometimes pieces that are closer to the heat source will vary in size from pieces that are further away. The process they have is what gives their clothing that amazing vibrancy, but it also means that from time to time, a piece of clothing might not seem consistent with its labeled sizing. Exchanging the product was an absolute piece of cake, just in case you were wondering!

From Summer Sweater to Winter Whites

Now that I have broken through a fashion barrier and worn a sweater in the summer, I fully plan to break another fashion barrier and rock this sweater throughout the fall and as much of the winter as the weather will permit. White sweaters just might be the new white t-shirt!

Do you live in a part of the country where you can wear a sweater during the summer? Or will you wear white in the fall and winter months? Definitely add a white sweater to your wishlist if you don’t already have one. They are surprisingly versatile!

Thanks to Fresh Produce for providing the cozy retreat top in exchange for me sharing my honest opinions, which I have provided.

Diaper Cakes Like You’d Never Seen Before!

August 6, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 2 Comments

Special thanks to Laura, diaper cake maker extraordinaire, for partnering with me to make this post possible.

One of my very favorite shower gifts I received was a diaper cake. It was made with organic diapers and had a cute yellow and brown giraffe theme. I used every item included in the gift, and I also enjoyed it as a cute centerpiece on our table in the weeks before the baby was born.

Diaper Cakes: The Next Level

I recently learned about AllDiaperCakes.com, and have had a conversation with the owner, a mom of one (and one more on the way!) named Laura. She has a passion for creating diaper cakes that are really at a whole new level in terms of theme, overall design, and the quality of gifts included. I loved my diaper cake but I REALLY love hers! I know many of you out there are expecting or have loved ones that are expecting. Please take a moment to check out these unforgettable diaper cakes, and don’t miss out on the coupon code at the end of the post!

Laura has dozens of diaper cakes, but I especially want to point out her limited edition designs. With these cakes, you will see high end baby brands featured, such as The Honest Co. diapers, Noodle & Boo baby products (some of my favorites…they are so luxurious!), Swaddle Designs swaddle blankets, and gifts from wubbanub. The diaper cakes Laura makes become one of the most creative and beautiful ways to give gifts that will be used and loved immensely by the parents as well as by baby.

Let’s just take a quick look around the shop, shall we? I want to show you a few of my favorite cakes!

Nautical theme diaper cake. I love everything about this cake. It could set the whole tone for the baby shower (clambake!).

Ruffles and dots diaper cake. What a festive design! Notice how Laura’s designs don’t just include ribbons. She incorporates very useful gifts as part of the design (the bottom polka dot layer you see is actually a swaddling blanket!).

Bumble bee diaper cake. Laura makes cakes in many different themes, as well as in different sizes. This cake is more petite, but it still packs a visual punch. Love that onesie that is incorporated into the design!

Laura is constantly creating new designs. In the coming weeks, you’ll see monkey cakes, elephant cakes, football and Christmas themed cakes making an appearance!

Custom Made Diaper Cakes

Each and every diaper cake at AllDiaperCakes.com is custom made to order. Satisfaction is guaranteed and the selection is unparalleled. Where else will you find diaper cakes that look this awesome?

AllDiaperCakes.com has something unique and wonderful to fit your needs. And if you use coupon code FREESHIP at the end of checkout, you get free shipping on your order (no minimum!!!).

And just because I absolutely cannot resist (so much cuteness, people!), one more for the road: