Tiffany Merritt - Stuff Parents Need

How to Clean Those Hard-To-Clean Surfaces with Ultraviolet Light

June 26, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 332 Comments

I can hardly be called a germ-a-phobe. If you have ever been to my home, you will see that I’m not afraid of the occasional (ok, frequent) dust bunny, or of a kitchen sink that isn’t sparkling. Our time is limited, and I know when Darah gets older I will only wish I had played with her more, NOT mopped the floors more often. Different strokes for different folks, but around here we are pretty laid back about housekeeping.

With that said, however, I am concerned about how to keep germs at bay, especially with a baby in the house. Pre-baby, if I wanted to disinfect something, I would simply break out the heavy-duty chemicals and go to town. That just won’t do, anymore, because now I realize how harmful those chemicals are to inhale and especially to ingest (remember, babies lick/chew on EVERYTHING). Furthermore, we now have items in our home that are just difficult to clean, either because of their shape, size or material. But that doesn’t mean that they aren’t getting dirty. So what’s the solution?

Cleaning with Ultraviolet Light

Check out my video below where I show you!

The Verilux Clean Wave Sanitizing Wand is an amazing product, and it is such a nice addition to our cleaning routine. In the same way that we are relaxed about our housekeeping, in general, we are relaxed about using the ultraviolet light wand. But we will generally pick one room to attack each week, and it feels great knowing that we eliminated some seriously gross stuff that was hanging out, waiting for the opportunity to potentially make us sick!
I have also taken the wand to Darah’s daycare, which of course is a den of gross since the babies take turns drooling on all the toys and each other. I’m going to make a habit of dropping it off in her classroom at least once each month so that the ladies there can disinfect the room throughout the day. I think all the parents will be grateful for any efforts we can make to eliminate germs in that room.

Buy It!: If you are looking for a way to disinfect your home without chemicals, or to clean surfaces that are otherwise hard to clean, the Verilux Clean Wave Sanitizing Wand is a terrific choice. Plus, you totally feel like a Jedi when you use it! That really does make cleaning fun! It’s on sale right now for $69.95, so don’t miss out on a great buy!

Edit: This giveaway is CLOSED.

Win It!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader needs to put the germs in your house on notice, because you are going to win a Verilux Clean Wave Sanitizing Wand of your very own! The contest will run until July 4th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be drawn using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me the item/surface in your house that you would clean first with the Verilux Clean Wave Sanitizing Wand!
Additional Entries:
1. Follow Verilux on Twitter
2. “Like” Verilux on Facebook
3. Sign up for email updates from Verilux (bottom left corner of this page)
4. Subscribe to Stuff Parents Need by RSS, email or Google Friend Connect (only 1 entry, total, even if you subscribe multiple ways)
5. If you are a blogger, add my button to your blog (must be the new button, and not the old pink one). Include a link so that I can see it.
6. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter
7. “Like” Stuff Parents Need on Facebook

Be sure to check out all the other current giveaways (look on the sidebar of my main page for a full list).

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Gift Idea for the Eighth Anniversary

June 25, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 174 Comments

In May, Tim and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. You probably know that each year of an anniversary has a “traditional” gift associated with it (paper, wood, silver, gold, etc.). Well, the eighth anniversary traditional gift is bronze. That’s a tricky one, folks! When I was thinking of gift ideas for Tim, I immediately gave up on getting him the traditional gift. Tim, on the other hand, did not.

The morning of our anniversary he brought me to the computer and showed me this multi-stranded bib necklace at A C ommon Thread (he had already purchased it, but it was not here yet). When I saw it, I thought it looked bold, and not really like something I would typically wear. I was curious about why he picked it out for me. It turns out, he’d put a great deal of thought into this purchase. This necklace has some bronze in it, and he said he wanted to get me bronze for a few reasons. First, bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. Combining two metals together reminded him of how we have grown together as a couple over the last few years. Also, he pointed out that bronze, itself, is not a very strong metal. However, as it interacts with the elements in the air, a patina forms over it, which turns it into a very strong metal. This is also similar to what can happen in a marriage. On your own you may struggle, but with your partner, and over time, you develop an unbreakable strength.

Isn’t he amazing?

I wear my necklace with a great deal of pride, because it is an outward symbol of the strength and beauty of my marriage. This piece of jewelry is a treasure to me, and a work of art. What an amazing eighth anniversary gift!

Now I have the opportunity to not only introduce you to this wonderful company, but also to the woman behind it! Meet Stefanie, the crafter who creates all the pieces featured on A Common Thread. She is a one woman business, and makes everything by hand herself in her Brooklyn studio. She makes beautiful, bold jewelry and weaves together new pieces with vintage materials to make something unique, classic, and fashion-forward.

Edit: This giveaway is CLOSED

Win It!: I told Stefanie about my blog and my wonderful readers, and she offered to do a giveaway just for you! One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will receive her choice of either the Vintage Gold Ball Locket or the Vintage Gold Heart Necklace, both of which are absolutely perfect for new moms! The contest will run until July 5th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry: 1. Tell me if you prefer the locket or the heart necklace (winner will get what s/he chooses for this entry) and 2. Tell me one other piece you love in Stefanie’s shop.

Additional Entries:
1. Join Stefanie’s mailing list to learn about upcoming sales in her shop
2. “Like” A Common Thread on Facebook
3. Add A Common Thread to your Etsy Favorites
4. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter
5. “Like” Stuff Parents Need on Facebook
6. Subscribe/follow Stuff Parents Need via email, RSS, or Google Friend Connect (only one entry, even if you subscribe multiple ways)

Be sure to check out my other giveaways (listed on the sidebar of my homepage)!

Earth Mama Angel Baby Happy Mama Body Wash Review

June 24, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 114 Comments

I recently had the opportunity to try a refreshing body wash from the company Earth Mama Angel Baby. The product I tried is called Happy Mama Body Wash, and I love it! It has a fresh, ginger-fruity smell, yet it is not overpowering. While I’m not pregnant, this body wash is absolutely perfect for those of you out there with a bun in your oven. From the website, “Earth Mama Angel Baby’s exhilaratingnew body wash is safe for pregnancy and ideal for noses that are sensitive from morning sickness. With fresh Ginger to combat queasiness, Happy Mama Body Wash is USDA Certified Made With Organic ingredients, including zangy organic Lime and organic Pink Grapefruit essential oils to give spirits a lift, in a naturally safe organic olive oil castile soap base. No harsh detergents and zero toxins mean it’s safe for pregnant women and the whole family.”

I remember so well that I had to be careful which products I used in the shower during pregnancy, lest I have to leap out suddenly and run to the toilet to vomit (sorry, there’s just no polite way to write that!). When it is time for baby #2 later, this baby wash will be on my “must-have” list, for sure.

Even if you aren’t pregnant, though, this is still a wonderful product. I love that all of the ingredients are safe for everyone. If you have a baby and are short on space in your shower, you can both use this at bath time! You can also take it with you when you are traveling and want to save on space in your suitcase…it’s gentle enough for the little ones and has a smell that grownups will love!

Buy It!: Happy Mama Body Wash can be purchased at Earth Mama Angel Baby for $10.95. While you are on the site, check out all their other terrific products for pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding and baby!

Edit: This giveaway is CLOSED.

Win It!: Now is your chance to win a little slice of happiness for your shower routine! One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win Happy Mama Body Wash! The contest will run until July 3rd at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me one other product that Earth Mama Angel Baby makes that you’d also like to try (or have tried!).
Additional Entries:

1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS, email or Google friend connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe more than one way)

2. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)

3. Follow Earth Mama Angel Baby on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)

4. “Like” Earth Mama Angel Baby on Facebook

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own.

Jungle Gym by Justin Roberts; Capturing Childhood in Song

June 22, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 62 Comments

I have had the privilege of listening to some really fun family music over the last 6 months. There are so many wonderful bands out there who are making albums for kids, but who also keep the parents who have to listen to them in mind. I have had a blast discovering new groups and new songs that I love, and that as Darah grows a little bit, will make her giggle.

Today I’m bringing you another album. Justin Roberts has just released his seventh album, called,Jungle Gym , and it captures the magic and wonder of childhood like nothing else I have heard.

Check out the playlist, and you’ll get a sense for the topics covered:
1. We go duck
2. Sleepoverland
3. Trick or Treat
4. Sign My Cast
5. Gym Class Parachute
6. Obsessed by Trucks
7. Cardboard Box
8. Snow Day
9. Never Getting Lost
10. New Haircut
11. Fire Drill
12. 2 x 4

The songs are so fun, and the sound is ever so slightly reminiscent of some classic Weezer, in my opinion. I’ve been rocking out to this cd a lot lately. It has brought back some of the excitement that I used to feel for things like snow days, playing with a cardboard box (the possibilities were ENDLESS!), and of course, the day that the parachute came out during p.e., which was hands-down my favorite day. I especially loved Never Getting Lost, which is such a sweet song about getting lost (and then found) at the mall. It is just so innocent, and it totally nails what a child feels when s/he get lost in a store, and what a relief you feel when your mom finds you. Now, of course, I can think about this scenario from the perspective of a mom, and I just cried the whole way through that song!

Buy It!: You can buy a copy for you and your children to enjoy today at Justin’s website for $15.00. You can also snag it on Amazon for $11.99! I assure you that it is worth every penny.

Edit: This giveaway is CLOSED.

Win It!: Awwww yeah! Here’s your chance to win your own copy of Jungle Gym (and seriously, if you don’t win, you need to buy it…it’s a must have, I’m telling you). The contest will run until July 2nd at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is drawn. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me the Justin Roberts music video that made you laugh the most!

Additional entries:
1. Follow Justin Roberts on Twitter

2. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter

3. “Like” Justin Roberts on Facebook

4. “Like” Stuff Parents Need on Facebook

Be sure to check out my other current giveaways (there’s a list on the sidebar of my homepage!).

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

Pinwheel, Pinwheel, Spinning Around (GIVEAWAY!!!)

June 21, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 65 Comments

This giveaway is CLOSED.

There are so many fun things about being part of the blogging world. It is so much fun to get to know other wonderful moms and dads out there who are going through some of the same things my family is going through. It is really awesome to get to learn about the latest (and truly greatest) products from other parents who have taken them for test drives. AND…it is SO MUCH FUN to win something every once in a while! A while back I won a custom dress that was featured on Wee Share (you seriously should subscribe to this blog if you don’t already, by the way!). I won the Moo -la-la dress from Thread & Jam!

This dress is out of control crazy and awesome! It is honestly something I would have never picked out, but let me tell you, now that I have it, I am bonkers about it! The cows are precious, the design of the dress is fun, and I just can’t help but smile every time Darah wears it. It is so unbelievably cute, people! And even though this may seem silly of me, it is really REALLY fun to dress up your kid in something that can’t be bought at the local mall or at Target. Her moo-la-la dress can’t be bought anywhere (she actually got the very last one that Preetha, the owner of Thread & Jam, ever made).

Before you start to feel sad about not getting one of these dresses for your own little love, let me offer some comfort! Thread & Jam still has an awesome selection of dresses in fun, bold prints and patterns that are anything but ordinary. Two of my favorite dresses are the vibrant scallop tunic dress with bow and the lopsided swoosh neck dress! Preetha’s outfits are also very reasonably priced, with pretty much everything ranging from $15 to $38. That’s amazing for handmade clothes! Check out what Thread & Jam has to offer today, and pick out something extra special for your little one!

Win it!: In addition to making rockin’ skirts, dresses and jumpers, Preetha also makes these adorable pinwheels that can help you snazzify an outfit or a headband! They can be made from any fabric that you see in the shop. One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win a set! Hooray! The contest will run until July 2nd at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forefited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me your very favorite piece at Thread & Jam!

Additional Entries:
1. “Like” Stuff Parents Need on Facebook
2. “Like” Thread & Jam on Facebook
3. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter
4. Follow Thread & Jam on Twitter
5. Subscribe to my blog via RSS, email or Google Friend Connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe more than one way)
6. Mark Thread & Jam as a favorite on Etsy

Be sure to check out all the other current giveaways so that you don’t miss your chance to win (on the side bar of my homepage!)

Laws of Illusion by Sarah McLachlan: Review

June 20, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 1 Comment

Well, Sarah McLachlan’s first album of new material in 7 years (!) has finally hit the stores and Itunes! I’m one of millions of women (and men, but let’s be real, mostly women) who listened to Sarah’s haunting voice in college and beyond, just loving her beautiful melodies and her soft, laid-back style of music. I still really enjoy listening to her. Every time she pops up on my Itunes play list, I stop and just listen. She’s such a delight to hear.

I was sent a copy of Laws of Illusion to review and tell you all about. Well, what can I say about it that will surprise you? Probably nothing. This album sounds just like the Sarah McLachlan we all know and love, and it is really fun to have some new material to listen to. Her songs are mostly about love and relationships, just like always. But that doesn’t mean that this album is tired, by any stretch. I’ve played through it and found track after track of spell-binding music and lyrics that are so simple, yet capture some seriously complex matters (growing apart with your partner, forgiveness when it isn’t deserved, and finding yourself again after being seriously lost).

I think the song that speaks to me the most is track 12, Bring on the Wonder. She says,

I can’t see the stars anymore living here

Let’s go to the hills where the outlines are clear

Bring on the wonder

Bring on the song

I pushed you down deep in my soul for too long

That may or may not resonate with you, but it hit me at my very core. That’s just where I am right now…longing to reconnect with some of the sources of joy in my life that are currently buried under my day-to-day tasks and duties. I predict that I’ll be playing this song over and over for the next few weeks.

Anyway, back to the album. It gets 2 thumbs up from me. I can see myself having this on in the background when I’m home with Darah on Fridays, or playing it on road trips. It is calm and cool. Just like Sarah.

Have you heard any tracks from the album? What do you think about it?

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this review. I did receive a complimentary album to facilitate the review, but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. Thanks to One2One Network for this opportunity.

Twinkletoes Diapers: Discovering AI2 Diapers

June 19, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 370 Comments

Bloggy friends, I am delighted to have the opportunity to introduce you to another fabulous mom who has developed a great business that helps her stay at home with her children. Meet Vanessa, the owner of Etsy shop Twinkletoes Diapers. Vanessa specializes in AI2 diapers, and she also has a nice variety of diaper covers for those of you who prefer fitted diapers.

Vanessa sent me the cutest AI2 diaper ever, because it is made from Supergirl fabric! When the diaper arrived, it came with really helpful instructions for prepping the diaper before its first use (for those of you who are new to cloth diapering, the vast majority of cloth diapers have to be washed anywhere from 1-8 times before they are fully absorbent, and the number of times depends on the material that is used). For Twinkletoes diapers, the liner only needed to be washed once, and the inserts need to be washed 4-6 times. I’m impatient, so I only washed them 4 times before I put them to use!

After reading over Vanessa’s instructions for prepping, usual washing and general use, I realized that this diaper offers something distinct from the other AIO diapers I use. The shell can be reused all day long, provided that the elastic isn’t soiled. You just unsnap the insert and wipe down the shell, and then snap in a clean insert and put it back on the baby. I think that’s really cool! Her diapers come with one insert, and you can purchase additional ones if you’d like to use the shell more than once before washing it. They are only $3.00. This is a terrific way to essentially turn one diaper into two or even 3 for very little extra money!

Twinkletoes diaper inserts are made with some really cool fabrics: bamboo fleece, suede cloth and ZORB…this fabric is new to me, but it rocks! Zorb soaks up wetness faster than any other material out there. I love it! I have found AI2 diapers to not be as effective for Darah during nap times, because she sleeps on her side and the inserts aren’t quite able to keep her dry at that particular angle. But during the day, they work like a charm and I would highly recommend them. If your baby sleeps on his/her back or tummy, I can’t imagine that you’ll have any leak problems during nap times with these diapers.

Buy It!: If you are looking for a way to get a lot of bang for your buck when it comes to cloth diapers, without compromising the cuteness factor or the ease of use, Twinkle Toes diapers are the way to go! Check out what Vanessa has to offer, and purchase a few diapers and several inserts today! You’ll not only be getting some very nice diapers, but you’ll also be helping a mom live her dream!

Win It!: Twinkle Toes Diapers knows that once you try them out, you’ll come back for more. That’s why they are offering 1 lucky Stuff Parents Need reader the AI2 diaper of your choice from those listed! So generous!

The contest will run until June 29th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me which diaper you would choose, and choose wisely, as the winner will get what s/he selects in this entry!

Additional Entries:

1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS, email or Google friend connect (only 1 extra entry, even if you subscribe more than 1 way)

2. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)

3. “Like” Twinkletoes Diapers on Facebook

4. “Like” Stuff Parents Need on Facebook

5. If you are a blogger, add my button to your blog (and leave your url so I can see it!)

6.Add Twinkletoes Diapers to your Etsy favorites

7. Make a purchase at Twinkletoes Diapers and you’ll get 10 extra entries!!! Just include the email addressed you used at the time of purchase in your comments here. (purchase must be made during the contest being live, so June 19th – 29th).

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own.

Bacon Neck: What is It? How to Avoid It

June 18, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

Does your significant other like to wear Hanes shirts? They are Tim’s very favorite brand. I think it’s because they tend to last longer and have an overall nicer feel than most of the other brands he has tried.

I recently learned about a brand new undershirt that Hanes is putting out, and it is definitely something that Tim needs in his wardrobe! Check out the new Hanes commercial featuring Michael Jordan and the Hanes Lay Flat Collar Undershirts! (The commercial is funny, I promise you’ll like it!)

So the idea of this shirt is that the collar doesn’t stretch out and wrinkle/crinkle and then look terrible under a collared shirt (especially one that hasn’t been buttoned all the way). I thought it was hilarious to refer to this as “bacon neck.” Tim wears dress shirts without ties almost every single day at work, and it would be great to have a set of shirts that he could count on to look good under them.

Look for the “lay flat collar” from Hanes in order to avoid bacon neck!

1 800 Flowers Promo Code Offer

June 18, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 1 Comment

When I got home from work on Monday, there was something really special waiting for me at my front doorstep. 1-800-Flowers sent me a bouquet, and I absolutely beamed when I saw it. It is one of several gorgeous arrangements that 1-800-Flowers.com is offering in their wonderful summer gift guide. There are so many great options for Father’s Day, graduation, or my personal favorite, just because!

The It’s Your Sunny Day bouquet I received has a beautiful mix of white and yellow flowers in a gorgeous glass container. In my experience getting flowers, they often come in rather unfortunate vases that you don’t wish to keep. This vase is a winner, and I know that I’ll be using it for years to come to hold short stemmed flowers and to make other cool/fun arrangements in my home! The vase is like a seriously sweet bonus since the flowers themselves are so beautiful!

1-800-Flowers.com has been in business for over 30 years (ok, the “.com” part of the business hasn’t been around quite that long!). They know how to deliver smiles and how to use flowers to express all those feelings that can be hard to put into words. What I love about 1-800-Flowers.com is that you can use their services to get flowers to people all over the country without having to find a local florist. You also can pick out exactly what you want a bouquet to look like without either having to explain it (which is difficult if you are like me and don’t know the names of most flowers!). If you are working with a florist you don’t know, you also don’t have to take the risk that they will put something nice together. After all, what is “nice” to them might be tacky to you! 1-800-Flowers.com ensures that you will get exactly what you asked for!

I had a wonderful experience as a recipient of a 1-800-Flowers arrangement, and I would recommend them to anyone who might need to send flowers to someone in the near future!

Discount opportunity: If you “like” 1-800-Flowers.com on Facebook, you will get 20% off your next purchase. Score!