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

My Stair Climber and My Pick for Best Baby Gate

March 13, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 6 Comments

Ok, so about 2 months ago this happened:

Layah started climbing the stairs. Like, out of nowhere. She climbed the entire flight in one attempt. Which left us dumbfounded, and also scrambling for a plan. We most definitely needed a baby gate for the bottom of the stairs, and we needed one NOW.

Finding the Best Baby Gate

But since the stairwell was just at the edge of the main room of our house (the living room/dining room/kitchen), I really didn’t want to get something plastic and ugly. Are baby gates and stylish decor simply destined to be at odds with each other?

NOPE!

Look at this gorgeous extra tall decor gate from The First Years!

Here are the reason I believe this is the best baby gate on the market.

1. It is pretty! How many beautiful baby gates have you seen in your life? Not many, I’m guessing. This one is made of metal, has an attractive aesthetic, and blends in with the rest of my house (at least as much as a gate can blend!).

2. Great for wider areas. The bottom of the stairs is where we needed a gate most of all, since we seem to have a little Sir Edmund Hillary on our hands. Many gates we considered just wouldn’t allow for such a wide space. Not a problem with this gate!

3. It is extra tall! Should Layah’s climbing skills go vertical in the future, we are in good shape. This also makes this gate an excellent choice for folks with pets you are trying to corral.

4. Easy to open. I can open this gate with one hand, which is often all that I have free!

5. Hard to open. Even though it can be opened with one hand, it requires that you push down the top button, lift the lower button, and lift up the entire gate door all at once. Not as hard as it sounds, unless you are a child, and then it is pretty darn tough!

6. Simply put, the gate does its job. It keeps Layah off the stairs, and that is so important. More than once I have taken my eyes off of her for less than 30 seconds to put a dish in the dishwasher or get started prepping for a meal, only to find her 1/3 of the way up the stairs. I’m totally over having those heart attacks, folks.

The First Years Home Décor Extra Tall Gate is available right now on Amazon for $67.52, down from $79.99. If you are looking for a new baby gate, I think you will love this one. We certainly do!

I received a complimentary product for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

Baking Cups Aren’t Just for Cupcakes! (Time to Vote!)

March 13, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 14 Comments

It’s week 4 of the Reynolds Real Moms competition! I can’t win this thing without your help! Could you take a quick moment to vote for me on the Reynolds Facebook page? Just click on my face (bottom row, second from the left…I’m Tiffany!) and then click the orange button on the left side of the screen. This won’t work on mobile devices, unfortunately. Thank you SO much!

A few weeks ago, I was preparing for Darah to have one of her closest friends from school over for their first play date. Her mom was coming over, as well, which meant that I got to have a play date, too! I knew I wanted to do something special, so I bought ingredients to make some delicious cupcakes that the girls could decorate as an art activity before we ~~devoured~~ enjoyed them.

And then this happened:

The day before our playdate I had a serious run-in with my food-processor blade. It was a “4 stitches needed” kind of run-in. Cooking can be dangerous, friends! Anyway, I was told that I couldn’t get this hand wet AT ALL for 48 hours. That meant that cooking would be pretty close to impossible. At the same time, I was also dealing with this:

This little monkey decided to cut 3 teeth at the same time. This was her second outfit of the day, soaked with drool after only 45 minutes. She wanted to be snuggled and cuddled ALL. DAY. LONG. So as the play date hour drew near, I had to face facts: there would be no cupcakes. But I was having a tough time letting go of the idea of using those cute Reynolds Baking Cups. Time for plan B!

I got out my muffin tin and filled them with two different types of baking cups.

Then I headed to the pantry and the fridge to gather all the snacks I could find. I was really surprised by just how many things I found that could be fun in a muffin tin once I started digging. Here’s what I put in the baking cups:

I had a nice variety of fruits and nuts and sweets and even veggie puffs. Not only did the girls enjoy this, but the moms snacked on it, too!

I was even able to use the foil lined baking cups to hold hummus. It worked wonderfully as the dip bowl. These two items were gone in a flash!

The girls had a fantastic time playing with each other upstairs in Darah’s room. In fact, they ONLY came downstairs to get more snacks. At one point, Darah asked if she could take one of the baking cups back upstairs to save a trip. I managed to snap a shot before this little fairy flew off with her treasure!

Despite not being able to cook a single thing, I still managed to put together something special and fun thanks to my Reynolds Baking Cups. Who said entertaining had to be hard? Give this idea a try the next time you have company. I bet it will be a hit!

I am a Reynolds Real Moms finalist, and as such, have received complimentary products. All thoughts, opinions, and hand gashes shown here are strictly my own! If you enjoyed this post would you take a moment to vote for me (voting happens every Wednesday!). Just click on my face (bottom row, second from the left) and then click on the “vote for me!” button on the left side. I’d also be grateful for you sharing this post (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.). Thank you!

And don’t forget about the giveaway for the 6 month supply of Reynolds products! Find the link over on the sidebar and get yourself entered!

How to Keep Your Personal Information Secure While Filing Taxes Online

March 12, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 5 Comments

This weekend Tim and I will be filing taxes online. Have you filed yours, yet? You still have a bit of time, but I think the sooner you can rip that band-aid off, the sooner you can start to feel a little bit better.

Proud to be an American

On the one hand, I don’t mind paying my taxes at all. I am happy to make my contribution to the greater good in this country. I’m grateful for reliable infrastructure in my home, on my street, in my city, and all over this country. Those things cost money! I use those things, so I should help pay for those things.

On the other hand, I feel like this about paying taxes:

This is largely because the income I contribute to my family is from freelance work, and when I get paid, the taxes haven’t been taken out. I have to pay them at tax time. I wish I could tell you that I was extremely disciplined and squirreled away every cent I would need to pay later. But I haven’t. I think I have about half of what I need saved up. The other half is going to come straight out of savings. I hardly even remember what it is like to get a refund check. I’m one of the folks who owes quite a bit this time of year. Even though I am willing to pay what I owe, it puts me in grouchy mood, to say the least!

Death and Taxes…Both Certain, Both Annoying

Whether you anticipate getting a refund or writing a check this year, filing taxes is still a pain in the rear. Even the EZ file for those of you with very uncomplicated tax prep needs still requires you to take a little bit of time and submit all of your information. For those of us who itemize, have small businesses, or just a lot of different assets or deductions to claim, filing can take hours and hours.

So just imagine how much insult would be added to the injury if your identity was stolen as a result of filing your taxes online. Wouldn’t that be INFURIATING??!!

It’s happening. A LOT. Just think about all the sensitive information you have to provide in order to file your taxes. I’m not saying that filing online is a bad idea. Not at all! That’s how I’ve filed for the last 8 or 9 years and it is how I’ll be filing this year. BUT…you do need to take some precautions!

filing taxes online securely

How to Prevent Identity Theft While Filing Taxes Online

1. Go with a reputable company. Make sure you are using a reputable tax preparation service. I happen to use Turbo Tax. Many others use H&R Block. And there are other reputable options out there, as well. Please don’t use something you’ve never heard of or that you can’t find strong recommendations for online. You can also use the IRS website for filing. Make absolutely sure that you are on the official IRS website and not some other URL trying to make you think it is the right spot.

2. Software check. Ensure that your virus protection software is updated and turned on. Even the best anti-virus system does you absolutely no good if it isn’t running!

3. File only from a secure network. Do not file from a public setting. You can never be certain about the security level of the network other than one you have set up. Remember, you are sending out your social security number, so you need to be EXTRA careful about it.

4. Be wary of tax-related emails. Do not respond to unsolicited emails from the IRS. The IRS NEVER EVER initiates contact with taxpayers via email. So if you get an “IRS” email informing you of great new rebate offers, or even of missing information, DO NOT respond to it. It is a scam.

5. Enroll in a identity theft protection service such as LifeLock. I receive monthly updates from this company, as well as alerts if anything suspicious is happening with my accounts. LifeLock can alert you very quickly to any problems that may have occurred. This is an extra measure of peace of mind, not just during tax prep time, but all year long.

Is anyone else out there going to be writing a check this year for taxes? Anyone else out there NOT IMPRESSED by having to do it? Tell me I’m not alone! Or if you are getting a refund, go ahead and brag…I’ll celebrate with you since I can’t celebrate the same outcome for myself! Are you filing taxes online or taking a different route?

I am a compensated ambassador for LifeLock. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

How to Take the Ick Out of Potty Training (Giveaway!)

March 12, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 45 Comments

Any parent will tell you that one of the many joys of this job includes having to deal with lots and lots of poo and pee. There’s just no nice way to put it, people. You’ll be wiping it off bottoms for YEARS. Potty training, for this reason, is a very exciting time for many parents. You are inching your way toward freedom from this job (sort of…you still have to do a LOT of teaching about how to wipe, but that’s a topic for another post…).

However, potty training is also sort of gross, because if you have one of those potty seats, which we used and highly recommend, you have to deal with what has been deposited there every day. Multiple times a day. You dump, you flush, and then you have to wipe. It’s pretty nasty. But what choice do you have?

You actually DO have a choice, as it turns out! There’s a fantastic ECO-FRIENDLY product on the market called ToddleGreen Flushable Potty Liners, and oh my goodness I wish they had been around while Darah was potty training.

ToddleGreen is the very first flushable potty liner, designed specifically for toddler potty chairs.

Yes, you really and truly can flush the liner! It is 100% biodegradable, water-soluble, non-toxic and sewer/septic safe. This is in sharp contrast to plastic, which can take between 500-1000 years to decompose.

You will save yourself SO much time by using these liners. You don’t have to clean, scrub or sanitize the potty chair after each use. Let me tell you, based on my experience with potty training, that is one chore I would be DELIGHTED to take off my daily to do list! ToddleGreen products can be purchased for $11.95 on the site’s website or on Amazon.

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a box of ToddleGreen Potty Liners!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Thanks to ToddleGreen for sponsoring this post and giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Grumpy Cat Ushers in Spring

March 11, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 3 Comments

I adore this cat. Grumpy Cat helps me keep my bubbly nature in check. I made this for anyone out there struggling with the time change and the warmer weather. 🙂

$200 Objects with Purpose Candle Gift Basket Giveaway!

March 11, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 54 Comments

Objects With Purpose

Welcome to the Objects With Purpose Giveaway

Lately I have been burning some “Spring” scented candles to usher in the season. Candles can change the entire vibe in a home in just a few moments, and they are so affordable! That’s why I’m excited to bring you to really incredible candles today.

I Winner Will Receive an Objects With Purpose Candle Gift Basket {RV $2oo}. See form for Entry Details. Open to U.S. You must be 18 years old to enter to win. Ends 3/25.

Entry -Form

This event is hosted by The Review Wire and special thanks to all the blogs, like Stuff Parents Need, in helping to promote this event.

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Stuff Parents Need is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact Review Wire Media with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

Tidy Cats Innovative Design Helps Clean Up Litter!

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

I love to celebrate products that have great design. Tidy Cats gets a gold medal AND a gold star in my book, today. They’ve released a great new design for their already great cat litter products, and they’ve also released a hilarious video to showcase it. Basically, they are winning at life right now!

Can you relate to the problem of over-pouring or spilling your cat litter? Thank you, Tidy Cats, for taking “battle with the cat litter while pouring it” off my list of things to do!

I received a complimentary product for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

March Into Spring Giveaway Hop (Kidorable Giveaway!)

March 11, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 169 Comments

March Into Spring

Welcome to the March Into Spring Giveaway Hop

This event is hosted by The Review Wire. Each blog participating has a prize that is at least $25 and related to spring in some way. Make sure to stop by The Review Wire because they are sponsoring The Grand Prize, a $200 Objects With Purpose Candle Gift Basket! After you enter my giveaway, Flutter by the other blogs to see what “Spring has in Store” for you in the giveaway department!

My giveaway: Kidorable backpack and umbrella!!!

kidorable backpack and kidorable umbrella giveaway

Kidorable is THE place to get a child’s umbrella (we have 4 at our house…just sayin’). Their designs are second to none. They have something for everyone, for sure! And did you know that they also offer a whole host of items that coordinate with their fabulous umbrellas? Rain jackets, rain boots, backpacks and even cool wooden hangers.

Here’s your chance to win a coordinating umbrella and backpack in your choice of design from Kidorable!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
No compensation or product was received in exchange for hosting this giveaway. All opinions expressed here are strictly my own. Here are the other fantastic giveaways in the hop!

Meat, Potatoes and a Dessert Made in 90 Seconds with Reynolds Aluminum Foil!

March 9, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 13 Comments

I’ve got a 90 second video to share with you. It may not make you laugh as much as Charlie Bit My Finger, but it will still give you some really good ideas for ways you can make a meat and potatoes type of meal almost effortlessly. And cleanup is a non-issue! Gotta love that! Check it out!

And here’s a breakdown of each recipe in case you want to try any of them out!

Super Simple Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes

Ingredients:

8 Baking Potatoes*
Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil
Toppings of your choice

1. Scrub all of your potatoes so they are nice and clean!

2. Poke each potato 4-6 times with a fork. This helps the steam escape the inside of the potato.

3. Wrap each potato with aluminum foil. This traps that steam that escapes and creates the perfect cooking environment!

4. Set your slow cooker to high for 3 1/2 hours or so. Your potatoes will stay warm inside the aluminum foil for quite a while if they are done before the rest of dinner.

5. Add the toppings of your choice to your perfectly cooked baked potatoes. And enjoy not having to clean your slow cooker.

*I like to make a large batch of baked potatoes at one time to eat throughout the week, but you could also do just enough for one meal.

Crazy Easy Baked Ham

Ingredients:

7 Pound Bone-in Ham (cooking time will vary by weight…see instructions)
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup yellow mustard
Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil
Meat thermometer

1. Preheat your oven to 325.

2. Line a baking dish with Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil.

3. In a medium sized bowl, mix together brown sugar and mustard until a smooth sauce is formed.

4. Add your ham to the baking dish, flat side down.

5. Cover the ham with the brown sugar and mustard sauce.

6. Place another sheet of Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil on top, sealing the bottom layer of foil and the top layer of foil together to create a pouch in which the ham will cook.

7. The ham needs to be cooked for roughly 25 minutes per pound. If you have a 7 pound ham that means it will need 3 hours to cook. Ham only needs to reach 145 degrees to be considered fully cooked. A meat thermometer is very helpful here to make sure you have cooked your ham enough, but not too much!

Baked Apples

Ingredients:

4 apples (Fuji or Galas are my favorites)
4 tablespoons brown sugar*
4 large marshmallows
Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil

1. Preheat the oven to 325.

2. Core each apple, making sure that the bottom of the apple remains intact.

3. Peel one to two rings of the apple skin away from the top of the apple.

4. Add roughly half a tablespoon to the inside of each apple.

5. Next, add one large marshmallow to the inside of each apple.

6. Add the remaining half tablespoon of brown sugar on top of each apple.

7. Wrap each apple in aluminum foil. Place inside a baking dish and bake for 45 minutes.

The apple is yummy on its own, or fantastic served sliced over ice cream!

*As a variation, add a bit of cinnamon to your brown sugar!

For more fantastic (really and truly!) tips from other Reynolds Real Moms, check out the Reynolds Facebook page. Dinner is about to get so much easier at your house!

I’m a Reynolds Real Moms finalist. As such I have received complimentary products. This meal was my creation. I hope you enjoyed it!