Stuff Parents Need

Easing the chaos in the nest, one find at a time.

(New Post!) Shenzhen Ceramic Knife Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

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My sister is getting married in about 8 months. She recently asked me for a list of household items that I absolutely love but that might not be on her radar to add to her registry. One thing that immediately crossed my mind was high quality knives.

We received Cutco knives as a wedding gift 9 1/2 years ago, and to this day, they have not needed to be sharpened. They get used constantly. I absolutely love them.

But let me tell you what I DON’T love….the hoops you have to jump through to buy them, and the expense. While I think the price is ultimately justified by the quality, it really stinks having to fork over so much money for a knife. I don’t even dare to dream about owning a full set of those bad boys. But what is worse than the price is the fact that Cutco knives are difficult to buy. There is NO option for buying directly online. You MUST contact a local sales rep and work through that person.

And I’ve already explained how ambivalent (at best) I feel about working with direct sales reps. The pressure to buy more always feels like it is there, and that just makes me uncomfortable. And then you get asked to consider hosting a party, which can be tempting because it would be nice to get a hefty discount on your own purchase. But then you’d have to host a party. When all you want to do is buy a knife. Sheesh.

I recently had the opportunity to try out some high quality knives that are very easy to buy and that are much more affordable than Cutco. They are called Shenzhen, and they are ceramic knives. I’d never heard of ceramic knives until learning about this company, but I was really intrigued to try them out.

There are a few key benefits to using a ceramic knife:

1. Ceramic knives’ hardness means that the ceramic blade will resist wear and remain sharper than a steel blade.

2. non-stick surface makes the ceramic blade easy to clean.

3. No metallic taste or smell. The ceramic blade will not interact with your food’s taste, as metal can do.

I have used our chef’s knife to cut through butternut squash, and it slices with complete ease. I’ve been very impressed! Right now you can buy a 3 piece ceramic knife set which includes a 6″ ceramic chef’s knife, a 4.8″ ceramic slicing knife and a 3.2″ ceramic paring knife (exactly the knives you need the most when starting a collection), all for $64.98 which includes free shipping. That’s a great price for high quality knives that will go a long time without needing to be
sharpened!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win a chef’s knife from Shenzhen (ARV $34.99)

 

Technical Difficulties: Hold Tight!

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Some of you may have noticed that Stuff Parents Need was offline for a few days, and now that it is back online, I’m missing about 20 days’ worth of posts. What a mess!

I’m working to get it resolved as quickly as possible, but won’t be posting anything new until all the old stuff is restored…don’t want those new posts to disappear, too! Hopefully we’ll be back in business by this evening. I apologize in advance if you get notified of all the new posts being re-instated through your email or RSS feed. Hopefully we can avoid that.

Tropical Traditions Organic Coconut Water Vinegar Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

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Tropical Traditions has a very cool product on the market that I want to highly recommend you add to your pantry. It’s called Organic Coconut Water Vinegar, and I think it makes an excellent alternative to distilled vinegar for your recipes. It’s got a great flavor and it is PACKED with nutrients. If left on its own to ferment and turn into vinegar, those nutrients are retained in the vinegar. Most vinegars, coconut or otherwise, are pasteurized using a heat process which does kill off most of those great vitamins and minerals that it normally possesses. Tropical Traditions has worked closely with scientists for use to produce an incubation system that is truly safe and that retains all the goodness that coconut water has to offer.

Additionally, Tropical Traditions is dedicated to making sure their harvesting practices are sustainable. Most other coconut vinegar products are made by harvesting a coconut flower bud, which if left alone would produce coconuts. Trees dedicated to this process will never produce coconuts, as a result. Tropical Traditions uses the coconut, itself for a more natural and healthy final product.
So what do you do with coconut water vinegar? I took the same approach to using this product as I did to using coconut oil, which was a new product to me when I first started using it. I simply started reaching for my coconut water vinegar when I would have normally reached for traditional vinegar. The results have been absolutely delicious! I personally find the flavor to be brighter, though not at all overpowering. And I love knowing that I’m using something that is so very good for my family and the environment.

Buy it!: A 16 oz bottle of Tropical Traditions Organic Coconut Water Vinegar retails for $10 and a 32 ounce jar retails for $18.50. I know our 32 ounce jar is going to last a really long time since recipes that call for vinegar usually don’t call for more than a tablespoon.

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a bottle of Organic Coconut Water Vinegar!
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BrillKids Little Reader Learning System Review: Getting Darah to Read (Again!)

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I don’t think I ever mentioned it here, but last Christmas, my parents got Darah the dvds and flash cards that are constantly being advertised on tv to teach babies to read. My mom happened to score the entire set from someone who had purchased it from her grandkids, and the parents weren’t interested in using it. So everything was still in its original packaging, but mom got it for a really good buy!

To tell you the truth, I wasn’t super excited about the system, either. It all sounded like more of a parlor trick than something of substance that would stay with Darah forever and truly give her the ability to read. What I also didn’t like about the system was that you were supposed to let your baby watch the same 20-30 minute DVD every day, twice a day. That was more tv than we liked Darah to watch at that time (by a long shot).

But, we decided to give it a try. Darah did enjoy the videos for a while, and lo and behold, it wasn’t too long before she started reading the words on her flashcards. Even though I still didn’t feel confident about how much she had actually learned (versus memorized), even I had to admit that it was pretty cool to see a 17 month old read the word, “chimpanzee.”

But after about 3 months, Darah had been through all of the DVDs (MANY, many times) and she stopped wanting to watch them. She was bored with them. And she started resisting reading her flashcards. I think the work just got too repetitive and old to her. It probably won’t surprise you to hear that her “reading” skills started to decline, as well. Without those daily video drill sessions, she couldn’t remember as many of those words, anymore. She can still read many of them, but not nearly as many as she could when she was watching her videos, and she doesn’t seem to have nearly as much fun reading now.

So, we’ve been in a reading slump. I’ve wanted to keep moving forward with her on reading, but I haven’t known what to try. Then I learned about BrillKids, another company that has worked hard to develop a system for teaching reading skills very early. Their products are more expensive than what you find on the tv commercials, but after seeing their first semester of english reading for myself, I understand why. BrillKids is actually computer software, as opposed to a DVD. You have the option of buying just the software, or you can buy a deluxe reader kit that also contains flash cards and storybooks and other helpful resources. While the $250 price tag for the kit is tough to swallow, the sheer volume of material you receive really does blow the competition out of the water. I have just been reviewing the software alone, and what really impresses me is that a semester has roughly 6 months of lessons (meant to be taught 5 days each week). Each lesson is different! You are meant to give the lesson to your child 1-2 times, and then you move on to the next lesson. Yes, of course you will see many of the same words, but I love that they switch up their presentation so that children are not simply memorizing.

Another thing I love about BrillKids early reader software is that parents need to be involved. With the dvds, there was really no role for me in helping Darah. You just pop it in and push play. All I could help with was the flash cards. With this system, an adult is needed to click through the lesson, and you go at the speed you desire, so you can stop and have conversations about the words you are learning, you can manually use the arrows to point to the different letters in the words, and you can help make the experience much more fun. I can tell you that Darah absolutely LOVES having mommy involved with her lessons. At this age, it just feels like an extra-special treat for a parent to sit with a child and read, and I love to encourage that. BrillKids allows me to be part of the learning in a way that I just couldn’t with the other system.

If the price tag for the year’s worth of material is just more than you can handle, BrillKids does offer the software download for $150 for a semester. That might be a good way to start to check it out and make sure you like it. I can tell you after trying it for just a few weeks with Darah, I feel much more excited about the BrillKids approach to teaching reading, and I think that boredom is not going to be a problem moving forward, since the lessons always change!

Also, don’t miss the BrillKids offer of a free trial! You can score 9 days of content to check out on your computer, and you can keep it for 14 days while you decide if you want to make the investment. You’ve got nothing to lose but your fears! Definitely check it out.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product for review purposes. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This post contains affiliate links. 

Llama Llama Home with Mama Review and GIVEAWAY (3 Winners!!!)

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We LOVE the Llama Llama books written by Anna Dewdney. The first book we bought in the series was Llama Llama Red Pajama. It’s all about Little Llama’s lack of patience as he is waiting for Mama Llama to come upstairs and tuck him in to bed. Let’s just say some llama drama ensues, but it all works out in the end!

The next book we purchased was Llama Llama Mad at Mama. This book is all about having to run errands when all Little Llama wants to do is stay home and play. I can relate to what Mama Llama has to put up with in the pages that follow!

We were recently contacted by the publisher to let us know that a brand new book is about to hit the shelves. It is called, Llama Llama Home with Mama. Here’s what it is about:

“Ahhh…CHOO! Llama Llama wakes up feeling under the weather. His head is feeling hot and his throat is sore. No
school for little Llama today. What is there to do all day? Being sick is such a bore. But when Mama begins to feel
sick, Llama knows just what to do. He gets her tissues, fluffs her pillow, and finds a book to read together. Spending
time with each other may be just the thing to help Llama and Mama feel better!”

We absolutely love this book. Darah asks me to read it almost every single day! We’re also loving that you can find great printable resourcesonline to combine with the book so that you can extend the learning and the fun.

Buy it!: Llama Llama Home with Mama is available at bookstores all over the nation as well as online for $17.99. If you aren’t already a huge fan of Little Llama, you will be soon!

Win it!: THREE lucky Stuff Parents Need readers will each win a copy of Llama Llama Home with Mama!
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Using Art to Remember a Loved One

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In late August, my mother unexpectedly lost her brother, my Uncle Steve. It turns out, he had been battling stomach cancer for the past year, but the family was unaware. He passed away very suddenly, and my mom didn’t get a chance to even say goodbye before he was gone. It was a very shocking experience.

I spent some time over the next week thinking about my Uncle Steve, and the light he brought to the world and those around him. That’s the way I wanted to remember him; full of joy. It then occurred to me that art would actually be a fantastic way to keep Uncle Steve’s memory alive, and I knew just the way to do it.

My Uncle Steve was among the most loyal University of Alabama fans in the country. He lived and breathed that football team, and could tell you anything and everything about the players and the coaches. It was his passion. Nothing brought Steve more joy than game days, and the thrill of victory when Alabama won was always the icing on the cake.

 

I did some searching online for a great photo of Bryant Stadium, where the University of Alabama plays at home games. I found a terrific shot with a creative commons license that I could use, and then I headed over to Gallery Direct to turn a photo into a beautiful piece of art.

The original photo size was not the standard requested size for Gallery Direct, but they have incredible customer service, and worked with me to make the piece work in a setting. This is something I absolutely love about this store: if you have a question or problem, just email or call them and they will work with you to resolve it. They want to make sure that you get exactly the type of custom framed art that you want, whether it be using a print they have in stock, or a photograph of your own.

I decided to put the photo in an aluminum floated frame option, and I really love the result. It’s sleek and modern, but also timeless. It also really lets the excitement of the image shine through as the star.

When I look at this picture, it’s impossible for me to not think of my Uncle Steve. It’s also impossible for me not to smile. This proudly hangs in my parents’ home as a reminder of Steve and of the happiness that football brought to him. I can’t think of a better way to remember him than on game day, and this piece of framed art helps my family to remember him exactly that way, every day.Your turn: Do you have any creative ways that you remember loved ones who are no longer with you? Have you ever thought of using art as a way to keep memories alive?

Disclosure: I serve as a blog ambassador for Gallery Direct. Product samples are provided as part of the program. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

My Baby Clothes Boutique New Fall Line: Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

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There are certain events in life where it’s really great to have an extra special outfit. In my opinion, the first day of school is one of those days. Darah headed back to her Parent’s Day Out program a few weeks ago, and even though it isn’t officially “school,” it felt like it to both of us. I had a supply list and everything as we prepared to head back. And, of course, I got her a “first day of school” outfit.

There’s one place online that is a must to check out anytime you are looking for a special outfit but also aren’t looking to break the bank in order to purchase. My Baby Clothes Boutique has the best selection of baby clothes (and toddler clothes) that are unique and special, and they are all at price points that won’t cause you to hyperventilate.

We selected this Bonnie Jean jumper and couldn’t be more pleased with it! It was a very reasonable $22.99, and looks absolutely fabulous. It has also held up beautifully in the wash! Darah asked to put on her “cute outfit” as soon as it arrived in the mail, and then we went out to the back porch to wait for daddy to come home. I wish I had taken video of how that child twirled around with delight when he saw her. She was SO proud of her new dress!

My Baby Clothes Boutique has an outstanding selection of fall merchandise, but don’t forget the products that have made them famous, either (I’m talking about tutus, baby headbands and baby hats…the cutest on the internet! And also don’t forget to check out their sale section, where you can get incredible deals on precious clothes for your little one, or pick up a great new baby gift for a friend who is expecting!
Win it!: One lucky Stuff  Parents Need reader will win a $25 gift certificate to My Baby Clothes Boutique to pick out whatever you like! Woo hoo!
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Getting a Handle on Facebook, the Dummies/Idiot’s Way: Review and 50% Discount

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I love social media. I mean, I’m a blogger…hello! Social media is where my news, my inspirations and my tips and tricks for everyday life come from. I get most of my information from blog posts 0r from the occasional dip in the Twitter stream (more like VAST ocean, but you get the idea).

And then there’s Facebook. I totally get how to use Facebook.

Kind of.

Ok, not really.

Embarrassing to admit? Yup. But that’s the first step I need to take to start to master this beast of a tool that can help make or break you as a business and that can keep you connected with your friends in a really manageable way…if you know what you are doing.

I was asked to review two popular guides to understanding Facebook and to give my overall thoughts about which one I like best. I have read through The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Facebook and Facebook for Dummies.

Um, wow. I really learned a lot about Facebook after getting through these two books. I’ve got plenty of stuff highlighted that I need to go back and re-read or just execute in my own personal and professional Facebook pages. I think both books can teach anyone a thing or forty about how to get more out of Facebook.

But what if you don’t really want to read 579 total pages about Facebook? Fair enough. I can tell you which book to get if you need to choose.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Facebook is the winner for me, for the following reasons:

1. It’s a bit shorter, with fewer pages and the book, itself, is smaller, so that means even less text. Yes, in this case I do believe less is more. This is a guide for people who want to important info, and then want to move on. Facebook for Dummies sometimes wanders down a rabbit hole and you are left wondering why you need so much background.

2. While both books offer step-by-step instructions, I noticed that The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Facebook offered more of those guides. This is exactly what the reader needs. Tell me exactly how to do it instead of going on and on about why I should do it!

You aren’t going to make a huge mistake if you pick up Facebook for Dummies, but I think you’ll master Facebook faster and with fewer moments where you actually feel like an idiot if you go with The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Facebook.

And now for the great news: I have a coupon for 50% off any regular price purchase from www.idiotsguides.com to celebrate my verdict! Use code CIGBlog11 to get that hefty discount on the Facebook guide or any other title that strikes your fancy! Woo hoo!

Disclosure: I received complimentary copies for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own. 

California Raisins Day in the Sun Recipe Contest: Win a $10,000 Playground!

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All the children of the ’80s raise your hands! There are so many fun things that stand out from this decade, but one really big one would be the introduction of the California Raisins. I remember collecting all the figurines from Hardee’s, as well as the collectible glasses. And I remember doing the California Raisin dance all over my house while wearing a pair of over-sized sunglasses and white gloves!

I’m so glad that the California Raisins were not simply a fad from that decade, but that they continue to be around to remind us all of the goodness of raisins; they are so sweet, and so good for you!

In celebration of the natural, solar-powered goodness of California raisins (and their nearly 3,000 raisin growers!) there is a fabulous (and easy) recipe contest taking place right now. It’s called, “Give Kids Their Day in the Sun.” You have until October 5th to submit a healthy snack recipe you love that uses raisins. What’s up for grabs? A premium playground structure (valued up to $10,000) and a year’s supply of California Raisins, plus a $1,000 donation in the winner’s name to the food bank of your choice. Wow! Even if you don’t win the top prize, five finalists will be selected to each win $100 gift card. That will buy a lot of raisins! For a full set of rules, click here.

Head on over to the California Raisins Facebook page and submit your entry! Somebody is going to win; why shouldn’t it be  you???

Disclosure: I will be receiving a California Raisins swag bag as a thank you for the time I spent writing this post. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.