Stuff Parents Need - Easing the chaos in the nest, one find at a time.

Controlling Your Thermostat: There’s an App for That! (Giveaway!)

April 12, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · 134 Comments

Complimentary review and giveaway products provided. All thoughts are my own, as always.

Until last week, I had a very typical looking digital thermostat. It was nothing to write home about, but it was just fine. An upgrade from the really old-school types where you manually adjust with a dial, I suppose.

We have always had Honeywell thermostats in our homes. They are a very reliable brand; a gold standard for thermostats, if you will. Our thermostat was installed in 2007 when the house was brand new. But can I show you what a new Honeywell thermostat looks like in 2014, just 7 years later?

Check out the Honeywell Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat. I never thought I’d be wowed by the beauty of a thermostat, but this one is definitely a looker!

There are SO many things I love about this product. I’m going to highlight a handful of them now, but trust me when I say there’s even more to love than what I tell you about!

1. Installation is easy. I personally get intimidated by any type of work that involves dealing with electrical stuff. Honeywell has an installation video that walks you through the process so you can install with confidence. We had our old thermostat removed and our new one installed in just 15 minutes.

2. Manage your house temps from your phone or tablet. Oh yes, there’s an app for that! When we travel we like to keep the temperature in our house such that it is unlikely to need much heating or cooling, and with the app, if we forget to make those adjustments before we leave, it is no problem. What I love even more is that we can get our house to start cooling down or warming up while we are on the road coming back home. This past winter we were gone for 7 full days, and we kept the temperature really low, but when we got home, we were freezing for several HOURS while the heater worked overtime to try to get the temps back up. This app makes that problem a thing of the past!

3. Pretty colors. I know the color background should be the least important aspect, but it is the feature I play around with constantly. You can customize the color so that it blends with your decor, or even with your mood. I just swoon over that, you guys!

4. See the outside temps. The thermostat connects with the internet to provide the temperatures outside the house. This is SO nice, you guys! You can even get the 5 day forecast right from your thermostat.

So it turns out that Honeywell, our favorite thermostat company, has some models in their line that will really blow you away and show you that not all thermostats are created equal. This one is pretty much a dream! To find where Honewell Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostats are sold, click here.

Win it!: One very lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a Honeywell Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat!

Be sure to enter my other current giveaways, found on the sidebar of the page.
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Need New Tires? Save Money, Win Big with Cooper Tires Spring Savings Event

April 11, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

This post brought to you by Cooper Tire. All opinions are 100% mine.

Tim and I purchased a new set of tires last fall, and I'm going to be totally honest with you: I thought it was one of the LEAST satisfying big ticket purchases I've ever made. I never really think about my tires (although obviously they are super useful…I use them every single day!). But since they aren't front of mind, when it is time to replace them, it can really just sting to have to fork over all that money.

If it is almost time for you to replace your tires, Cooper Tire actually has something fun going on that will make it MUCH more fun to buy that set of tires! Right now you can earn up to an $80 prepaid Visa back with your purchase of several different popular tire models. You can check out Cooper Tire Rebates for ore details to see what you could qualify for. Let me tell you, if I had at least been earning some cash back on my purchase last fall, I wouldn't have been as grumpy about it!

#RollWithCooper $1000 Prize Pack Sweepstakes

Even if you aren't currently shopping for a new set of tires, you'll definitely want to head over to see Cooper Tire on Facebook, because they are having a sweepstakes! You can post favorite car travel memories there, and if you tag #RollWithCooper on Twitter or Instagram, you'll be entered for the grand prize, which is a gas card and some sweet Cooper merchandise by way of a $1000 prize pack! Hello, summer gas money!

So what would you do if you won free gas money for the next several months? Go on a big road trip? I'd take my crew down to Disney World, for sure (I know that sounds cliche, but I've got Mickey on the brain big time, and that gas money would sure help make it more feasible!). I'd also tuck away the savings for the next few months and put it in a tire fund, so that the next time we have to purchase tires, the money will waiting for us! That would DEFINITELY make me smile! 🙂

photo credit: K·FREE via photopin cc

Hit the Beach with a Metal Detector for Kids (Giveaway!)

April 10, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · 107 Comments

I always wanted a metal detector as a kid. When we would take family trips to the beach, I’d do some digging for buried treasures on my own, but became quickly discouraged at the sight of those old men with metal detectors.

They probably beat me to all those lost diamond rings and really old coins that I just knew were a few feet under the sand. RUDE.

So when Learning Resources informed me that they could help today’s little ones best those old gold diggers with their new metal detector for kids, I was all over it!

We took it with us when we visited the beach for the first time, and while we didn’t find any treasures, it was still a major hit. I may or may not have had a wee bit of trouble sharing it at first, but now I am totally comfortable letting the kids run around in our yard with it. As long as I get my turn, too.

What? This is totally normal, you guys. TREASURE MAY BE LURKING!!!!

My kids love this great outdoor toy. And yes, it really does function as a metal detector. It requires batteries to run, and it lights up and makes noise whenever it gets near metal. Pretty awesome!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a Learning Resources metal detector for ~~themselves~~ their children.

Be sure to enter my other current giveaways, found on the sidebar of my page.
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6 Vehicle Safety Tips for Spring Travel

April 10, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

Thanks to Express Oil Change for providing a complimentary oil change. Other services used on site were at my own expense. All thoughts and opinions are my own, as always.

Spring Break is happening for a lot of folks this week and next, and many people are gearing up for car trips right around Easter, as well. I know my family will be doing some traveling in the next two weeks, so we need to take a moment to make sure our car is ready for a road trip. You might be in the same boat, so I thought I’d share what I had checked out at Express Oil Change & Service Center (yes, they do more than oil changes!).

photo credit: Hamed Saber via photopin cc

1. Have your battery tested to ensure it has plenty of life in it for your trip. The last thing you want is a dead vehicle hundreds of miles from home.

2. Tire check needed: make sure tires have plenty of tread, are balanced and not in need of rotation. And do you have a spare? If not, now is the time to get one!

3. Belts, hoses, and the engine coolant needs a thorough check. When we were at Express Oil Change, were were advised to change one of our belts. Since they had the belt we needed on hand could take care of it in 10 minutes, we went for it! It wasn’t fun to spend $80, but it was a great feeling to know that something that could break at any time was taken care of. The mechanic also showed us the old belt after he replaced it. And wow! It was VERY cracked. He definitely made me feel better about our decision to get it replaced on the spot by showing us just how bad it was.

4. Check your oil levels. If you are going to be due for an oil change during your trip, it is better to get it taken care of before you leave. Either way, I recommend checking out Express Oil Change & Service Center if you have one in your town or the place where you are visiting. They were SUPER fast…we didn’t even have to get out of the car!

5. Make sure your air and fuel filters are clean. You want fresh air and an efficient gas tank on the road, and Express Oil Change & Service Center can make sure you have both!

6. Time for a light check! In addition to making sure your brake lights and blinkers are working, Express Oil Change & Service Center will also turn off any maintenance lights that might be on. They reset one for ours that was on because it was time for an oil change, and it was SO nice to see that light go away!

Express Oil Change & Service Center offers free travel inspections for their customers, so it just makes sense to have them look over your vehicle for you while you are getting your oil changed. Additionally, this month $1 will be donated to Childrens’s of Alabama (a pediatric hospital) for every car serviced at one of their 42 Birmingham area locations. Just one more reason to head in!

This was my first visit to Express Oil Change & Service Center, and I can say with confidence that I will go back. I was very impressed with their speed, their great customer service, and the variety of things they could help with on the spot. It was so nice to take care of a problem that was on our horizon without having to drop off our vehicle at a mechanic’s garage for the day. Like I said, I didn’t even have to get out of the car!

Where do you go to get your oil changed? Have you ever tried Express Oil Change & Service Center?

Home of One of the World’s Best Beaches: Puerto Rico

April 9, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

This post brought to you by Puerto Rico, The All-Star Island. All opinions are 100% mine.

I'm feeling pretty much set on heading to Puerto Rico for our 15th wedding anniversary, which will be happening in just 3 years (better to plan ahead, friends…we didn't pay too much attention to our 10 year anniversary, and by the time we realized it was coming up, we had a baby on the way with a due date just days before our anniversary!).

I know from experience that my very favorite vacations involve sandy beaches, warm water, and gentle waves. I'm always drawn to those lists of the best beaches in the world, and have it on my bucket list to visit most of them. Unfortunately, so many of them are on the other side of the world.

But did you know that one is oh-so-very close to home (relatively speaking)? Friends, you'll find it in Puerto Rico! It's called Flamenco Beach, and it is where we will be stationed during our trip there, for sure.

photo credit: blucolt via photopin cc

Puerto Rico has over 270 miles of beaches, so it has LOTS of space for rest and relaxation among the waves. And when you are ready to have some adventure time, just head over to El Yunque, the incredible rain forest you'll find on the island!

You can Live your own 5-star vacation story in Puerto Rico.. From historical tours of old San Juan to horseback riding in Camuy Caverns (the third largest subterranean river in the world) there's a little something for everyone, and enough to keep you occupied for quite a long time. Even if you plan to be super busy with all that lounging at the beach, with some of that famous rum in hand, of cours

If you are dreaming of a beach vacation but think exotic locations aren't possible, Puerto Rico will surprise you. It is so easy to ge there (no need for a passport or for different currency) and yet, it can help you feel a world away. Be sure to Like SeePuertoRico.com on Facebook and Follow @PRTourismCo on Twitter to keep up with all the great things to see and do in Puerto Rico!

And tell me, have you ever been? What would you say is a "must do" while there? What would you want to do first if you have never been? Check out SeePuertoRico.com for some ideas!

DIY Makeup Remover Cloths: Happy and Healthy Home Hacks!

April 9, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · 4 Comments

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. #WalgreensOlogy

Did you know that one of my very favorite places to go shopping is Walgreens? Two years ago, it was the ONLY store that I went to on Black Friday (and it was LEGENDARY!). When I make a shopping list, I always scan it to see how many things I can get at Walgreens without having to trek over to a larger store, and often it is enough so that I can put a larger shopping trip on hold. That saves me time and money, as you know that walking into a big box store means you will be spending $50, at a minimum. It’s like the law of nature, or something. Basically, Walgreens is my jam! It’s also become a great resource for outfitting my healthy home. Here’s a little sneak peek of a DIY project I’ll teach you with a great product I found at Walgreens, too!

Happy and Healthy: Ology

One thing that I LOVE LOVE LOVE about Walgreens are their awesome house brands. Ology is one that I have been purchasing for a while. Do you know about it? It’s all about providing happy and healthy products for your family. That means ditching toxic chemicals, using sustainable raw materials (tree free!) and including natural ingredients. Here are some of the places where you can find these products on the shelves at Walgreens.

I feel totally comfortable using their cleaning products around my kids; good thing, because they are always underfoot!

And as for their paper products, I dig that they are made from materials that renew quickly. Trees take about 35 years to regenerate, whereas sugarcane and bamboo husks, which Ology uses, take about 6 months!

And as for the softness and strength, I’ve been very pleased on both accounts! In fact, let me show you how I took my Ology paper towels and made a totally indulgent and super affordable makeup remover!

DIY Makeup Remover Cloths

1. Gather materials. You will need high quality coconut oil (this is going on your face, so please don’t buy the cheap stuff! Get organic!), paper towels (Ology is ideal because it is soft and non-toxic!), water, a lidded glass container, and essential oils (optional, but a nice touch).

2. Tear off roughly 22 paper towels. You guys, it is TOTALLY satisfying to get to rip off that many sheets in one sitting! 😉

3. Now cut each of those sheets in half using a pair of scissors. I found it easy to cut 4 sheets at a time so the job goes faster. Now you should have 44 smaller sheets.

4. Fold each of those sheets in half, and stack in such a way that the folds are not all lined up on the same side, like this:

Now it is time to get the oil and water mixture ready! You may be wondering why on earth you would wash your face with an oil product. That probably sounds like an all-around bad idea! Well, coconut oil actually is moisturizing without clogging pore, and it contains anti-microbial properties, which make it ideal for fighting blemishes! Trust me, it’s good stuff!

5. In the microwave, heat 1/4 cup of coconut oil (it will be solid at room temp) with 2 cups water. Mine was melted after 3 minutes.

6. If desired, add 3-5 drops of essential oils. I opted for lavender for a nice, calming scent. Thoroughly mix the oil and water mixture.

7. Slowly add your stack of paper towels into the well combined mixture. Make sure you have enough space in your bowl for the paper towels, and go slow! Let the towels absorb the water a little at a time, and don’t try to force it. It will all be absorbed in just about a minute! Store in a container with a lid. If you did use essential oils, it is important to use a glass container, as essential oils can actually eat away plastic. Yuck!

I made enough for 2 people to use twice a day for about two weeks (factoring in that we’ll forget to wash our faces on occasion). Even though I think these are great at removing makeup, they are also just really good face wash cloths, in general, which is why Tim plans to use them, too! I wouldn’t recommend making more than a 2 week supply at a time, but really it only took a few minutes to get these made, so it isn’t too cumbersome. And my goodness it is budget-friendly! 🙂

So friends, have you tried the Ology brand, yet? Are you thinking about giving harsh chemicals the boot in your house? And have you ever thought of doing a DIY version of those fabulous-yet-pricey makeup remover cloths? Give my recipe a try and tell me what you think!

Want more info on Ology? I totally loved this video showcasing some of their cleaning products. Check it out!

How to Make Clouds with Soap (Giveaway!)

April 8, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · 80 Comments

Review and giveaway copies provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own, as always.

I’ve got a REALLY fun and RIDICULOUSLY easy science experiment for you to do with your kiddos after school today. I’m going to show you how to make soap clouds. I found this super cool trick inside Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments, a truly great book with 30 experiments that will be fun for the whole family, and that will help you teach your kids science concepts.

Let’s get started!

This is really all you need! I would suggest using a dinner plate instead of a salad plate, though. The soap cloud gets REALLY big! And there’s simply no substitution for the Ivory soap. The book explains why it has to be this particular brand, but just trust that it must be Ivory! 🙂

Get your child involved by having them unwrap the soap and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, and setting the microwave for no more than 2 minutes (1:30 was enough for us).

Then watch this happen!

Tim and I were every bit as excited as Darah as we watched the bar of Ivory soap turn into beautiful, fluffy cloud-like shapes. It was awesome! And for the frugal folks out there, don’t you worry…you can totally still use this as soap…it just looks a little different and probably needs a plastic bag to hold all its contents. Or you can just plop it into the bath and let the kids have a whole lot of fun and get majorly clean. I think it is worth every penny of the .75 that the bar costs. 🙂

As for the science behind the experiment, I’m going to leave that secret in the book so you can read for yourself. This is just one of dozens of fantastic science experiments you can do with your kids at home. We are enjoying Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments and definitely recommend it, especially for the price (currently $13.74 or just $9.99 on Kindle!).

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a copy of Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments!

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

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Pillow Pets Now Have Matching (Tooth)Brush Pets (Giveaway!)

April 6, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · 97 Comments

Today I want to show you two products that we are happily using as part of our bedtime routine. And it’s been a while since I’ve done a video, so I thought it would be fun to actually talk instead of write while I showcase Pillow Pets Glow Pets and Pillow Pets Brush Pets! Check them out!

Do you have a pillow pet at your home? It seems that most families with young kids do! 🙂

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a year’s supply of Brush Pets (4 total)!

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

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Fashion Friday: Mint and Peach Accessories On MEGA Markdown!

April 4, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · 2 Comments

Affiliate links included. I only promote AWESOME, as always! 🙂

I’m all over today’s sale, and hopefully my little sister is, too, as My Cents of Style has all things mint and peach half off. Those were the colors of my little sister’s wedding (mint and coral…close enough) so this combo will always make me smile! Use code PEACHY to get 50% off and FREE SHIPPING!!!

My top pick is the Easter Infinity Scarf. Straight to your door with the coupon code for $5.95! Click on the links below or just on the photos. All roads lead to a great sale! 🙂

Flower Stud Earrings – Reg. Price- $12.95, Fashion Friday Price- $6.47 SHIPPED.
Peach & Mint Ballet Flats– Reg. Price- $32.95, Fashion Friday Price- $16.47 SHIPPING.

Tell me what you pick up during this awesome sale!