Stuff Parents Need

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

12 Amazing Cheesecake Recipes You Will Love (31 Days of Unforgettable Recipes

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In our house, we are obsessed with cheesecake. I would eat it for every meal, every day if I could. It forms such a smooth and creamy base on which to add your favorite flavors. We’ve compiled an ultimate list of some of the best cheesecake recipes out there. They include easy no bake versions as well as more elaborate and decadent recipes. From almond cheesecake to pecan pie, pumpkin spice and, even cheesecakes made with Greek yogurt, these recipes are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

cheesecake recipes


We want to know, do you have a favorite flavor of cheesecake?

Stephanie Keeping is mom to a boy named Sam, a blogger, and an Etsy-preneur. She celebrates boyish charm at Spaceships and Laser Beams, where she talks about all things boy and birthday party. You can connect with her on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Want to see the entire 31 Days of Unforgettable Recipes series? Just click the banner below to see the full list!

31 days of unforgettable recipes

 

 

How to Clean Makeup Brushes: Simple DIY Formula

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I try to take good care of my makeup brushes, since they play the most significant role in whether or not my makeup looks decent. I have researched how to clean makeup brushes and have found MANY different approaches. One stood out to me as simple, very inexpensive, and highly effective, though, and I’m going to share it with you today!

how to clean makeup brushes DIY

All you need to clean your makeup brushes is some water,  a washcloth or paper towels, 1 Tbsp shampoo and 1 Tbsp olive oil. You are ready to go!

how to clean makeup brushes 2

First, mix your olive oil with your shampoo. I just used the back of one of my makeup brushes to get them mixed together.

how to clean makeup brushes 3

Then, dip your dry makeup brush into the solution. Now it is time to get to work. Use your fingers to gently but firmly massage the mixture down into the brush. That’s where all the makeup is trapped! Don’t move past this stage too quickly. For my large kabuki brush, I spent about 2 solid minutes massaging in the solution to really get all that makeup to come loose.

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Then run your brush under water. I am using a cup of water here because the lighting by my sink is atrocious. But I do recommend running water over a cup of water. But do what ya gotta do!

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One tip: try really hard not to fully submerge the brush in the water. Your brush bristles are glued onto the brush handle, and if that area gets too wet, the glue could come loose. Don’t freak out over this…just be aware and therefore, don’t try to get the handle super wet.

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Blot your brushes dry with your washcloth or paper towel. If you are seeing as much residue coming off as I did in the picture above, then you need to go back in for another cleaning session!

Allow your brushes to dry overnight and they will be ready to go in the morning!

So why the olive oil, you may be wondering? The olive oil does play a role in the cleansing process, but it also conditions your brush bristles to help leave them in even better shape than they were in before! Clean and conditioned…that’s the ideal outcome for any time you clean your brushes. No need to go buy expensive makeup brush cleaner; this works wonderfully!

I hope this helps you learn how to clean your makeup brushes in an affordable and effective way! And if you are looking for some new, affordable makeup brushes, I make mention of my favorite (and crazy cheap!) bamboo concealer brush here.

You might also enjoy:
What’s in my makeup bag?

what-is-in-my-makeup-bag-12

Best Dark Circle Concealor

best dark circle concealor

Gluten-Free Diet? Try These Fall Favorites!

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It’s fall and that means it’s time for some yummy and delicious comfort food and sweet treats. If you’re on a gluten-free diet it doesn’t mean you need to feel deprived! There are tons of great recipes full of warm and appetizing recipes for any occasion. These cozy recipes, with rich fall flavors, are perfect for keeping your gluten-free bellies warm and full this season!

gluten-free diet and gluten-free recipes

  1. Paleo Cranberry & Raisin Bars
  2. Coconut Flour Mini Donuts
  3. Pumpkin Waffles
  4. Pears with Cacao Ganache and Cinnamon
  5. Buffalo Chicken Dip
  6. Bacon-Wrapped Chorizo Jalapeno Lime Poppers
  7. Gluten Free Gingerbread
  8. Gluten-Free Brownies
  9. Keep it simple! Mix up a 3 egg omelette! It can be filled with just cheese and roasted veggies, or whatever tidbits you have around. Packed with tons of protein, it’s a quick & easy fall-friendly gluten-free meal!

Brandy blogs at MommySplurge and reviews subscription boxes and anything else she finds delightful. Don’t forget to check out the list of subscription boxes perfect for gluten-free eaters! She is also brand rep for Bona Clara, a gluten-free line of skincare products.

Want to see the entire 31 Days of Unforgettable Recipes series? Just click the banner below to see the full list!

31 days of unforgettable recipes

 

 

19 of the Best Brunch Recipes Online!

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Brunch, at this particular season of my life, brunch is a particularly awesome luxury. If I get to go out to brunch, it means someone from out of town much be visiting and staying home with my children so that I can go join the ranks of the civilized for an hour or two.

What I love the most about brunch is the leisure of it. There’s no rush to get started. No rush to finish. It isn’t even an official meal time, but rather, somewhere in the middle. And the food is breakfast, only more grown up and sophisticated. Oh, it’s so much fun!

Most of the “brunching” I get to do these days is happening at home, and when we have brunch, it is because we’re hungry by 10 am (understandable if you’ve been awake with your brood since 5 am, which is not exactly abnormal around here).

Whether you get to break out your china or if you have to eat on paper plates so that nothing will get broken (shout out, sisters! I feel you!), I’ve compiled some simply mah-velous brunch ideas. Invite your girlfriends over, and lock your kids in their rooms, relax, and enjoy!

Just kidding. Sort of.

brunch recipes

Mimosas/Stuff Parents Need

Breakfast Casserole/Giving up on Perfect

Easy Lemon Pull Apart Rolls/Six Sisters Stuff

Avocado, Feta, Tomato and a Poached Egg/That’s so Michelle

Cinnamon Fruit Dip/Giving up on Perfect

Monkey Bread/Vanderbilt Wife

Peanut-Apple Crunch Balls/Reynolds Kitchens

Bacon, Ham and Spinach Quiche/Joshua Trent

Banana Bread/Giving up on Perfect

Strawberry Bruschetta/Tim Vidra Eats

Sausage Gravy Cheese Grits/Vanderbilt Wife

Mini Bagel ‘N’ Salmon Delights/Sunkist

Lemon Monkey Bread/Chew out Loud

Easy Brunch Quiche/The Village Cook

Whole Grain Apple Fritters/Texan Erin

Orange Julius/Joshua Trent

Tropical Mango Banana Bourbon Bread/Foxes Love Lemons

Chicken Pocket Pies/Janes Adventures in Dinner

Cake Mix Orange Sweet Rolls/Number-2-Pencil

Want to see the entire 31 Days of Unforgettable Recipes series? Just click the banner below to see the full list!

31 days of unforgettable recipes

 

65 Easy Vegetarian Recipes You Must Try!

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My family loves to try vegetarian recipes, especially if they are easy! I have a HUGE collection of great ideas that are all meat-free. These are great to try out because they can help you stretch your food budget (meat is expensive if you haven’t noticed!) and they can also help introduce some yummy veggies and protein sources other than meat in new and exciting ways. Check out the list and see what you’d like to try!

easy vegetarian recipes

  1. Farmer’s Market Slaw with Bok Choy by Stuff Parents Need
  2. How to Cook Beet Greens/ by Stuff Parents Need
  3. Recipes for Black Beans by Vanderbilt Wife
  4. Summer Bow-Tie Pasta Salad by Vanderbilt Wife
  5. Sweet Beet and Heat Salad with Mustardy Vinaigrette by Vanderbilt Wife
  6. Greek Style Pizza by Slap Dash Mom
  7. Baked Falafel with Tahini Garlic Sauce by Supper For a Steal
  8. Penne alla Vodka by Supper For a Steal
  9. Black Bean Chili Stuffed Baked Potato by Supper For a Steal
  10. Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Zucchini by Supper for a Steal
  11. Farro Stuffed Eggplants with Pickled Jalapeños & Tahini Yogurt Sauce by What Jew Wanna Eat
  12. Pumpkin Butter and Caramelized Fig Rugelach by What Jew Wanna Eat
  13. Vegetarian Pear-Cranberry Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash by Mom Endeavors
  14. Indian Spiced Slow Cooker Stew by Color Me Pink
  15. Miso Sweet Potato and Broccoli Bowl by Smitten Kitchen
  16. Creamy Wild Rice Cranberry Soup by Hot Eats & Cool Reads
  17. Cavatappi Pasta with Tomatoes, Pesto and Mozzarella by Hot Eats & Cool Reads
  18. Fall Harvest Vegetarian Corn and Butternut Chowder by A Family Feast
  19. Roasted Asparagus with Garlic and Balsamic Vinegar by One Creative Mommy
  20. Roasted Delicata Squash with Sage and Ameretti Cookies by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
  21. Tomato Cobbler with Rosemary and Gruyere Biscuits by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
  22. Veggie & Tofu Noodle Bowls by Wine & Glue
  23. Penne with Spinach and Rosemary Gorgonzola Cream by Because I Like Chocolate
  24. Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette by Because I Like Chocolate
  25. Buffalo Cauliflower by Persnickety Plates
  26. Lentils with Brown Rice & Veggies by Persnickety Plates
  27. Spinach Unstuffed Shells by Persnickety Plates
  28. Creamy Corn and Pepper Taquitos by Life & Kitchen
  29. Creamy Cauliflower “Alfredo” Sauce by Life & Kitchen
  30. Crispy Tofu Bites by Life & Kitchen
  31. Apple-Quinoa Breakfast Muffins by Ricki Heller
  32. Pumpkin Caramel Swirl Brownies by Ricki Heller
  33. Holiday Nog (Egg-free, Dairy-free, Sugar-free, Soy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan) by Ricki Heller
  34. Beet Burgers by Ricki Heller
  35. Squash, Mustard Greens, and Chick Pea Curry by Farm Fresh Feasts
  36. Pumpkin and Black Bean Pizza on Roasted Pumpkin Dough by Farm Fresh Feasts
  37. Fattoush Dip with Kale Hummus by Farm Fresh Feasts
  38. Sautéed Beet Greens and Spring Onions with Sherry Vinegar by Farm Fresh Feasts
  39. Baked Spaghetti Squash Gratin by The Kitchen is My Playground
  41. Eggplant Parmigiana Pasta Casserole by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
  42. Two Cheese Butternut Squash Macaroni & Cheese by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
  43. Mexican Black Bean & Quinoa Burgers with Homemade Guacamole for Kids by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
  44. Sesame Glazed Cauliflower “Wings” by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
  45. Gluten Free Vegetarian Pumpkin Quinoa Bowl by Wonky Wonderful
  46. Veggie “Meatballs” by Diethood
  47. Zucchini Goat Cheese Pizza by Diethood
  48. Baked Eggplant Penne Pasta by Diethood
  49. Saag Paneer (Curried Spinach with Cheese) by Crumb
  50. Roasted Vegetable Lasagna by Crumb
  51. Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry by Crumb
  52. Meatless Mexican Stuffed Peppers by Crumb
  53. Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza by The Pinning Mama
  54. Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette by The Pinning Mama
  55. Cinnamon Almond Sauteed Cantaloupe by Thirty-One 10
  56. Spicy Peach and Watermelon Salad over Fresh Tomatoes by Thirty-One 10
  57. Healthy Pumpkin Pie by Thirty-One 10
  58. Black Bean Brownies by Thirty-One 10
  59. Lemon and Garlic Pasta with Squash by JaMonkey
  60. Parmesan Spinach Bites by My Frugal Adventures
  61. Quick & Easy Mexican Black Bean Wrap by My Frugal Adventures
  62. Cauliflower Pizza Crust by Little Red Window
  63. Caramelized Onion & Barley Soup by Little Red Window
  64. Roasted Eggplant Pasta by Little Red Window
  65. Butternut Squash Pasta with Fresh Basil by Little Red Window

Want to see the entire 31 Days of Unforgettable Recipes series? Just click the banner below to see the full list!

31 days of unforgettable recipes

Vintage Style from Shabby Apple: Truman Dress

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For several years now I have admired the vintage clothing looks that are offered by Shabby Apple. I even own a few pieces, and they provide very distinct looks in my wardrobe, always having a nod to decades of the past, which I think is fun.

I also find that Shabby Apple garments, in general, tends to have a more modest look to them. They are less revealing, but still full of design details that make the pieces very interesting.

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Truman dress, which is in many ways an excellent dress option for the fall and winter. My dress does need to be hemmed to have quite a few inches removed in order to hit me at the right length, so do keep that in mind when checking out the photos!

shabby apple vintage clothing: truman

Based on the reviews online, I went a size up from my normal size for this dress, and I’m glad I did. While it feels a bit large in the sleeves, I feel comfortable in the dress, overall, and like I can use the belt to accentuate my waist, rather than just having tight fabric clinging to my body. That would NOT be a great look for me, personally, but more power to you if you can rock it!

I absolutely love the cowl neck, which is one of my very favorite necklines to wear. This one doesn’t dip down nearly as low as other cowl necks that I own, though, which makes it different.

shabby apple vintage clothing 2

The sleeves hit me a bit lower than I think they should (remember, I’m only 5 foot 1, and I’m sure the model on the Shabby Apple website was something closer to 5 foot 10). And the sleeves, altogether, do leave me a little unsure about the overall look. I’m just not used to wearing sleeves that hit so far down. Basically, there’s a lot of fabric here, and it is such a departure from the normal look for me that I am having trouble discerning if I’m wearing the dress, or if the dress is wearing me, know what I mean?

I did really enjoy pulling out my vintage screwback earrings that I bought at an antique store for my best friend’s wedding 8 years ago. They are from the 1950s, and they add a pop of shine that I think the outfit needs. I also think this is the type of outfit that pairs well with a bold red lipstick. I think a dress that is modest in its nature really helps bring attention up to one’s face, so it is a good time to wear that power color (but just one…don’t go crazy with your lipstick AND your eyeshadow!).

Here are my little models-in-training out with me on the shoot. They are getting very used to heading outside in the morning to “take some pictures for Stuff Parents Need.” They are such cuties, and I often laugh about the impression I give them of what it means to go to work! As my blogging friend Brandy says, “Blogging makes your life weird!” But I adore it and get a lot of joy out of being a “real life, real body” clothing model for you guys!

shabby apple vintage clothing 3

So friends, I’m curious, what do you think about this outfit? Is it interesting to you, or just too much dress? Should I get it hemmed and rock the look this year, or is this a style better left to a different body type (i.e. much taller)?

Want to see more from Shabby Apple? Be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook!

Healthy Smoothie Recipes Everyone Will Love!

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Guest poster (and one of my very favorite bloggers) Kayla Aimee spends a lot of time whipping up smoothies for her former 25-week preemie. They are a great way to get some healthy calories into tiny toddlers and picky eaters. If you have any dairy-free smoothie recipes to share, she would certainly love to see them! And when making smoothies, don’t forget the super cute straws, as they definitely make the smoothie experience more fun! 

It’s time to start thinking about some fast and easy snacks to have during this back to school season and the rest of the school year! You want to make sure that your kids are fulfilled and nourished, all while providing them a great tasting snack.

One easy way to do that is by making healthy smoothie recipes! Smoothies can be prepared ahead of time (just freeze the ingredients together) and they can be made very quickly so when your hungry kids get home from school they will have a snack ready for them in just a few minutes.

Here are some of my favorite, healthy, and kid friendly smoothie ideas!

easy smoothie recipes

  1. Strawberry Peach Smoothie via Love Makes Good
  2. Orange Julius Banana Protein Smoothie Shake via Moments With Mandi
  3. 3 Simple Smoothies For Back To School Breakfasts via Kayla Aimee
  4. Strawberry Orange Avocado Smoothie via This and That
  5. Berry Lovin’ Smoothie via Glued To My Crafts
  6. Green Toddler Smoothie via The Grant Life
  7. Kiwi Smoothie Bowl via Stuff Parents Need
  8. Healthy Fruit Smoothies via Measured By The Heart
  9. Cherry Vanilla Smoothie Shake via Glued To My Crafts
  10. Triple Berry Protein Smoothie via Stuff Parents Need
  11. My Favorite Immunity Boost for Smoothies via Stuff Parents Need
  12. Top 5 Meal Replacement Shakes for Busy Mornings via Stuff Parents Need

Want to see the entire 31 Days of Unforgettable Recipes series? Just click the banner below to see the full list!

31 days of unforgettable recipes

 

 

Truvia® Snack and Sharing a Sweet Future

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This post brought to you by Truvia® Natural Sweetener . All opinions are 100% mine.

Lately I’ve been indulging in this mid-morning snack:

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This is my very necessary iced coffee, and its companion is some plain yogurt with a few banana slices.

I have quite the sweet tooth, so the banana slices alone aren’t enough to make this yogurt yummy to my tummy. But by adding a packet of Truvia®, the no calorie sweetener that I also added to my coffee, I’m in business!

The snack idea is super easy to make, but it isn’t the real reason I’m writing this post. I want to talk about Sharing a Sweet Future. This is a charitable initiative that Truvia® has launched, and it is poised to make a huge difference in the country of Bolivia, where 2/3 of the population lives below the poverty line, and where every single day, 40% of Bolivian parents struggle to meet the most basic needs for their children.

As a parent, that statistic sends me reeling. Nutritional deficiencies are rampant in Bolivia, and so are health problems associated with smoke inhalation from primitive stoves that are used to prepare meals.

Truvia® has partnered with World Food Program USA, and they have already made life sweeter for so many in Bolivia. To date, 37,405 children in Bolivia have received more balanced school meals, and 68 fuel efficient stoves have been distributed, which have allowed more than 3,500 students to eat in safer environments.

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Truvia® wants to do so much more, though, and they need your help! you can Learn even more about the Truvia® brand’s initiative here and then spread the word like wildfire! The Truvia® team created a video series that details the life of some of the Bolivian citizens they are seeking to help. Please consider helping Truvia® get the word out about their #SweetFuture campaign. Share the Truvia® brand’s video to support their Sharing a Sweet Future initiative. $1 feeds 4 kids. You can also Share the Truvia® brand’s video on Facebook to support their Sharing a Sweet Future initiative. $1 feeds 4 kids.

You can also Follow Truvia on Twitter to stay updated on all the latest with Sharing for a Sweet Future. Who knew that using a zero calorie sweetener could have an impact like this???

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How to Plan a Chuck E. Cheese Party on a Budget

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Planning birthday parties can be almost as stressful and hard on your budget as a wedding can be these days (doesn’t it feel like it?!), but if you make the simple choice of going to a great place like Chuck E. Cheese for your party you will find much of the planning taken care of for you and the budget issues disappear.  If you are worried about the expense of having parties at a restaurant check out these tips on How To Plan a Chuck E. Cheese Party On A Budget.  Not only can you give your child a special event that includes games, characters, fun foods and prizes you can sit back and not worry about them running around and being loud because that is expected at a location like Chuck E. Cheese.  Additionally, since you are not hosting at your home, you get the joys of leaving the mess behind for someone else to clean up.

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HOW TO PLAN A CHUCK E. CHEESE PARTY ON A BUDGET:

  • USE CHUCK E. CHEESE COUPONS.  One of the reasons we prefer Chuck E. Cheese over other fun play zone type venues is because of the frequent coupons we receive not only with weekly coupon inserts in our newspaper but also via email.  These offer great package deals that can save up to 50% off regular price for routine visits as well as party packages.  Check out my recent post regarding how to get Chuck E. Cheese coupons for more tips on savings.

    chuck e cheese coupons

  • ASK FOR A PARTY PACKAGE.  Call your local location and ask what packages they currently offer.  Although the chain of restaurants has similar pricing and product available individual location managers have the choice of creating their own special packages.  You may be able to pay a flat rate for a select number of kids and adults that will include a private room, a bucket of tokens, cake and even have the Chuck E. character appear for a bit to say hi to the kids.  Do be mindful of what the packages include & what add on options are.  As listed below, providing some of add on options yourselves will save more in the long run.

  • BRING YOUR OWN CAKE.  Check with the location policy but often you can cut cost by bringing your own cake or cupcakes to the party.  Whether you make your own or purchase at a local store you can easily shave $20-$25 off the Chuck E. Cheese birthday party package cost by bringing your own dessert.

  • ASK FOR SPECIAL PRICING ON BULK TOKEN PURCHASE.  Most packages include a set amount of tokens but when you have several children in attendance, those don’t go very far.  Remember most of the games require 1-2 tokens to play and if each child only has 20 tokens they will quickly disappear.  There are often coupons for “Buy 100 tokens get 100 free” available as well as options within their party packages.  Be sure to ask in advance for bulk pricing, and remember for every hour they will have of “play time” you should expect to need 25-50 tokens per child.

  • BRING YOUR OWN FAVORS.  Although there will be prices awarded in exchange for tickets earned on the games not every child will win the same amount.  Make sure to have a bag of prizes for each attendee so nobody leaves empty handed.  I recommend checking out stores like Dollar Tree or $0.99 stores (even Amazon has you covered) for bulk inexpensive favor bags and ribbon then ordering the prices to be included from someone like Oriental Trading for cheap, fun and inexpensive favors that will be suitable for whatever age group you are planning for. Don’t forget to make use of Ebates when you are shopping online, as that is a very easy way to get cashback on the purchases you were making anyway (it’s completely free, and new members get $10 after using the system when you go through my referral link!).

The most important part of planning a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party on a budget is to make sure you ask a lot of questions of the staff ahead of time to see what your options are.  There are often hidden packages, deals and special discounts you can get you just have to ask in advance.  Include using the coupons you can readily get any time of the year and bringing a limited amount of your own supplies and you will be able to throw an unforgettable party on a limited budget.

You might also enjoy my blog post about planning a superhero-themed birthday party for girls, so be sure to check that out! Good luck with your party planning!

superhero party for girls