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

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!

Spotlight On My Very Favorite Nonprofit Organization: Heifer International

March 8, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 4 Comments

You may not know this about me, but I have a whole heck of a lot of experience in the nonprofit world.

As a college student, I was a Bonner Scholar, and as such, completed the equivalent of 1 year of full-time work in community service endeavors between the time I started college and the time I graduated 4 years later. My service work took me all over Memphis and even all over the United States.

After graduate school, I came back to my alma mater and coordinated the Bonner program. During my 6 years in this role, I oversaw 120 students doing the same exact thing, and I played a role in each one of their journeys into community service, learning ALL about different issue areas.

So it is safe to say that I’m pretty well-versed in the world of nonprofits. I’ve seen some AMAZING programs. But there is one that I hold in the very highest regard. It really is my very favorite nonprofit. I’d like to introduce you to it today.

Heifer Project, International is a nonprofit based in the United States but located worldwide, and dedicated to helping end hunger and poverty, and simultaneously protect the environment and care for the Earth. That’s a tall order, right? But they are so successful at what they do, and I’ve seen their success with my own eyes!

Heifer Ranch eperience

From their website,

“Heifer provides living gifts of area-appropriate livestock and training in environmentally sound agricultural practices to families in need to help lift themselves out of poverty to become self-reliant.
Heifer provides cows, goats, water buffalo and other livestock—28 animals in total—in values-based community development projects involving hundreds of thousands of people in more than 50 countries, including the United States.
Each animal provides benefits such as milk, eggs, wool and manure for fertilizer, providing families not only better and more secure sources of nutrition, but access to income to help secure education, health care and better housing. Heifer projects are environmentally sustainable, using trees, bees, organic compost, biogas and other techniques to ensure they have a lasting impact.
Additionally, project participants agree to honor Heifer’s Pass on the Gift cornerstone, sharing the first-born female offspring of their animal as well as their own training to others, extending the benefits to entire communities in an ever-widening circle of hope.”

I used to take my students to the Heifer Ranch just outside of Little Rock, Arkansas every May for an in-depth look at how Heifer operates all over the world. The image to the right, which you can find on the Heifer website, is actually of 3 of my former students! 🙂

I wanted to share information about Heifer today because it is awesome, obviously. But also because there are some really cool ways that you can be involved. Namely, I want to highlight their gift catalog. It provides you the opportunity to purchase livestock, trees or even bees that are all part of Heifer’s program. I purchase gifts from this catalog every single year for various people on my Christmas list. And I am overjoyed every time I receive one of these gifts. I look around my house and I can tell you that on a global scale, I’m ridiculously wealthy and have far too much and need to share MUCH more. When someone gives me a gift such as a share of a sheep or a flock of chicks, I know exactly what a game-changer that is for the family who is going to be receiving it. That is worth so much more than any material object that could be given to me.

Can I encourage you to spend just a few minutes poking around the Heifer website today, especially the gift catalog? Will you keep Heifer in mind the next time you are trying to think of a gift for that person who has everything?

And will you share this post with others to help spread the word? Facebook, Twitter, Stumble, Pinterest, whatever floats your boat!

I’d also REALLY love to hear what nonprofit you would consider to be your very favorite!

Nobody asked me to write this post. I simply wanted to share a nonprofit that is changing lives, mine included.

How to Spring Forward without Messing Up Your Child’s Sleep Schedule

March 8, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 6 Comments

It’s time to spring forward this weekend. Saturday night, before you go to bed, remember to set your clocks forward one hour. It stinks to lose that hour of sleep, but it is just one more signal that Spring (and Summer!) are on the way.

If you have any children at home, you also need to prepare them for the time change! The following is an excerpt from The Sleepeasy Solution. This is the book that changed our lives and helped us get Layah sleeping through the night. I will most definitely be doing exactly what they suggest below, and wanted to pass it on to you so that you can do it, too!

How to Help Children Adjust to Daylight Savings

Before bed, turn clocks ahead 1 hour. If your child normally sleeps till 6:30 AM, the next morning she will likely sleep till 7:30 AM. Her entire schedule – naps and bedtime – will then shift one hour later.If you’re happy about this change, great! Just protect her room from too much light in the early morning, and use white noise so she won’t wake with the birds.

If you’d rather help your child get back to her usual schedule, try the following:

1. Put your child down at her regular bedtime, say 7:30 PM, on Saturday night.

2. Set your alarm for 6:30 AM (according to the new clock) and wake your child at this time. To her, it will feel like it’s 5:30 AM, but don’t worry. She’ll be tired, but she’ll adjust.

3. If your child naps, put her down at her normal nap time according to the new clock and resume a normal schedule from there. Don’t allow her to nap longer than usual.

4. On Sunday night, put her down at her usual bedtime according to the new time.

For more information, check out The Sleepeasy Solution!

Shared with permission. No compensation was provided. Just wanted to share some great tips!

Easiest Sling for Older Baby and Toddler Wearing: SUPPORi

March 7, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 9 Comments

Baby wearing is complicated

A few days ago I was having a conversation with a friend about baby wearing. We were both commiserating about how so many of the slings and wraps on the market are so complicated that they aren’t even practical for use. Anything that requires a coordinated and complicated dance with fabric just isn’t going to work out for me!

Baby wearing is easy

This is exactly why I was so excited to see the SUPPORi Sling. There’s nothing to it, folks. This is not a sling for newborns or young infants, but once your baby is able to sit unsupported by themselves, the SUPPORi is a great option!

I want to point out that the SUPPORi does come in different sizes depending on your height and body shape. This is important to pay close attention to when ordering. I actually didn’t account for my chest size as a factor when ordering my SUPPORi, and the first one I received was too tight. After talking with the folks there, we determined that the next size up would be better for me, and it most definitely is.

SUPPORi shows you exactly how the sling should look on your body and how your child should look inside the sling. These images were VERY helpful to me as Layah and I got used to the sling.

Let me tell you when I reach for the SUPPORi. more than any place else, I use it around the house. It is most ideal to keep one hand on your baby when wearing it, but the sling, itself, is doing almost all of the “holding.” Layah has days at home where she wants to be held ALL. DAY. LONG. The SUPPORi becomes my best friend on those days. I can give her the cuddle time she really wants without killing my arms or my back. It is a lifesaver for anyone with a clingy baby, for sure!

The SUPPORi sling is available online for $54.99 and comes in 15 colors and one striped pattern. Which color is your favorite?

What do you think about this really simple sling? And what are you currently using to wear your baby or toddler?

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

Part 2 Wealth of Health HUGE Giveaway!

March 7, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 28 Comments

Over 15 wonderful sponsored prizes are available in this Wealth of Health Giveaway. So many participated we have to split it into two giveaways. Not just one person will win all of this. A new name will be pulled for each item so your chances of winning something just increased drastically!!!

The Wealth of Health Giveaway includes:

Blender Bottle

32 oz. Solstice water bottle from Cool Gear (2 winners)

Boogie Wipes

Bondibands

Sweaty Bands

Zaggora Hot Pants

Spi Belt

Quantum Scale

Precision Pro Digital Kitchen scale

The Wealth of Health – Goin’ Green Giveaway includes:

*A 4 pc. Blemish relief kit from Skin Free

*Chop Savers lip protection (2 pc)

*PrinceReigns ingrown hair serum (4 winners)

*Softish throat drops from Pine Bros. (3 pc)

*Toe Juice combo pack

*Source Toothbrush from Radius

*Laundry Soda from Nellies All Natural

*Fridge purifier and laundry ball from Oransi

*$25 gift voucher to Glass Dharma – glass straws (2 winners)

*Naturally Fresh Deoderant Crystals, spray mist and MoistStic lip protection (3 pc.)

*Rockin’ Green laundry detergent, dog house rock and odor neutralizer ( 3 pc)

Be sure to enter the Wealth of Health – Goin’ Green Giveaway. You can Click HERE once you are finished with the giveaway below.

Disclosure:
This Giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or
associated with, Facebook. You understand that you are providing your
information to All About My Deals and not to Facebook. The
information you provide will only be used for communications and entry into the
contest. Participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment.
Entries are not mandatory although the more entries you submit increases your
odds of winning.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wealth of Health HUGE Giveaway Part I

March 7, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 38 Comments

Open to US Resident.

The Wealth of Health – Goin’ Green Giveaway includes:

4 pc. Blemish relief kit from Skin Free

Chop Savers lip protection (2 pc)

Source Toothbrush from Radius

PrinceReigns ingrown hair serum (4 Winners)

Softish throat drops from Pine Bros. (3 pc)

Laundry Soda from Nellies All Natural

Toe Juice combo pack

Fridge purifier and laundry ball from Oransi

$25 gift voucher to Glass Dharma (2 winners)

Rockin’ Green laundry detergent, dog house rock and odor neutralizer (3 pc)

Naturally Fresh Deoderant Crystals, spray mist and MoistStic lip protection (3 pc.)

The Wealth of Health Giveaway includes:

Blender Bottle

32 oz. Solstice water bottle from Cool Gear (2 winners)

Boogie Wipes

Bondibands

Sweaty Bands

Zaggora Hot Pants

Spi Belt

Quantum Scale

Precision Pro Digital Kitchen scale

Be sure to enter the other Wealth of Health Giveaway as well. You can Click HERE once you are finished with the giveaway below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This Giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to All About My Deals and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for communications and entry into the contest. Participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Entries are not mandatory although the more entries you submit increases your odds of winning.

My Daughter Has a Pet Red Dragon! (Giveaway!)

March 6, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 124 Comments

Isn’t it funny how children can be scared of the most unlikely things but be fascinated by things you would think to be scary? It makes me chuckle to see my child, who used to be absolutely terrified of butterflies and balloons, cuddling up with a red dragon every night.

Her dragon’s name is Darco, and he has been a character in her bedtime stories now for months. Tim is such a great storyteller, and every single night, her tells Darah a story, at her request, about her adventures with her pretend friend named Moon Girl (Tim tells me he was inspired by some anime flick he watched with a girl in it called Moon Girl). Moon Girl and Darah do all sorts of fun things all over Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain (that’s where the Mole Kings live) and they also travel to other worlds, under the sea, and to the land of the princesses. Moon Girl is able to fly on her own, but since Darah can’t, she has a flying dragon named Darco that she rides on their adventures. Darco is a red dragon, according to Darah. Red is one of her favorite colors, so I’m not surprised to hear it.

Darco has strictly been an imaginary character, until I happened to find a gorgeous stuffed red dragon through Douglas Toys. Darco made his appearance in the flesh on Valentine’s Day morning and has been a constant companion ever since. I wish I had videotaped Darah introducing Darco to Bunny (who is her very most special lovey). As she introduced them to each other she said, “You will be very good friends with each other, because I love you both SO much!”

And love that dragon, she does. He has held up beautifully over the past few weeks, even with daring deep sea dives, trips into spooky caverns, and even a few quick jaunts into outer space. He’s ready for all the action!

I’m very pleased with the overall look of this red dragon from Douglas. His construction is beautiful, his colors are vibrant, and he is cuddly soft…not an easy feat for a dragon, I have to say! And for the price of $19.99, he is providing Darah with hours and hours of imaginary play. He is most definitely a winner.

Does your child have a creative mind and a love of plush toys? Poke around on the Douglas Toys website and see if anything needs to come home with you. Easter is the perfect time for a new friend to be introduced! There’s even an entire category on the website devoted to Spring/Easter plush options. So much cuteness!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a plush of your choice from Douglas Toys (up to $25!)
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Be sure to enter my other current giveaways, found on the sidebar of my page.

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

Let Me Change Your Life Real Fast (6 Month Supply of Reynolds Products Giveaway!)

March 6, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 186 Comments

It’s voting day for the Reynolds Real Moms campaign! I need your help in order to make it to win this thing! Please vote for me! It takes just a few seconds and it can change my life, just like Reynolds products have already done! I’m on the bottom row, second from the left. My name is Tiffany!

One of my very favorite things to do on this blog is to share products that have changed my life for the better. Sharing those types of products, and potentially changing someone else’s life for good give me the biggest thrill ever. If I can save some parents a bit of time and a bit of hassle in their already crazy day, then I have done my job!

Today I want to help change your life for the better in two ways. First and foremost, you have probably already learned that slow cookers are a VERY good tool to have on hand in the kitchen. They can take care of dinner for you with very little effort on your part. But is your slow cooker getting under-utilized? I have found that most people who don’t use them often have two main reasons: either they don’t have good slow cooker recipes, or they find the cleanup to take so much time that it negates the time the product saved them in the first place.

I can identify with both of these concerns. And I can offer you solutions, as well! Check out my video highlighting a fantastic cheesy chicken dip recipe, and see how Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners make cleanup that easily could have taken FOREVER take just a few seconds.

Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners have changed my life for the better. I am head-over-heels for this product, and I can’t believe that I only learned about them in the last 6 months. Where have you been hiding, my love?!?! If you haven’t had the pleasure of cooking a meal with a Reynolds Slow Cooker Liner, then that needs to change! Why don’t you grab some Reynolds coupons and head on over to the store. Also start picking out the show or movie you are going to get to watch after dinner with the time you saved on cleanup. 🙂

Ok, now for the second way I’d like to change your life…at least for one of you! As part of the Reynolds Real Moms campaign, I get to offer one lucky reader a 6 month supply of Reynolds products! You will be SOOOOOO excited to get this box from FedEx! It will have all sorts of goodies, including foil, parchment paper, baking cups, slow cooker liners, oven bags, bake ware pans, freezer paper and pan lining paper. EEEEEE!!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

I am a Reynolds Real Moms finalist, and as such have received complimentary products. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. If I win this competition, there will be more opportunities for me to spread the Reynolds love (and offer Reynolds prizes!) to my readers. Will you take a moment today to vote for me? Thank you!