Stuff Parents Need

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

LG 42″ Smart TV GIVEAWAY!!!

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LG Smart Magic Bigscreen Giveaway Event

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I love bringing you all such great giveaways! I hope as SPN reader wins!!!

Beauty and brains make magic together in this super-slim HDTV. Its edge-lit LED panel delivers a full HD picture with smooth images, even when watching fast-paced action movies. Smart TV technology brings the best Web-based entertainment content right into your living room over your home Wi-Fi network. Finally, make confusing controllers a thing of the past with the point-and-click convenience of the included Magic Remote — no sleight of hand necessary!

LG 42″ Smart TV 1080p 120Hz Edge-Lit LED HDTV Features:

  • 1080p Full HD picture resolution
  • Edge-Lit LED design
  • Smart TV
  • Wi-Fi adapter
  • Magic Remote
  • TruMotion 120Hz
  • Triple XD Engine
  • Picture Wizard II
  • Intelligent Sensor
  • Clear Voice II
  • HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable included

 

One lucky reader will receive a LG 42″ Smart 1080p Edge-Lit LED HDTV with Wi-Fi and Magic Remote!

Giveaway ends November 26th at 11:59pm, open to Continental US residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

Special thank you to our lovely co-hosts: PR Mom Ambassador, Family Love & Other Stuff, The Crazy Nuts Mom and Zoes Printable Coupons.

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How to Wear a Pearl Bracelet: PurePearls.com GIVEAWAY!!!

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Am I the only one out there who tends to think of “ladies who lunch” when they thinking of pearl jewelry? Pearls are definitely a classic, but they can also get a reputation as being old-fashioned or perhaps even outdated, especially when you think about the variety of jewelry options available on the market today. Bold colors, big designs and unique looks can leave a strand of pearls feeling a bit behind-the-times.

But I want to encourage you to NOT banish your pearl bracelets or pearl necklaces to the back of your jewelry armoire. There’s a place for these beauties of the sea, to be sure!

Today I want to showcase a beautiful pearl bracelet from PurePearls.com. First and foremost, this bracelet isn’t white or cream in color. These pearls are a glossy black, and depending on what I’m wearing, they can look purple or even a bit green. They are extremely versatile and their nontraditional look makes them absolutely perfect for today’s jewelry trend, which is bold and colorful.

This toggle bracelet is from the PureHearts collection. Look at that adorable heart-shaped toggle! This helps the bracelet feel a bit more young and fun, and less stuffy, which I also really like. The design also makes it easy to put on the bracelet all by yourself!

Here’s how I’m wearing my fabulous black pearl bracelet:

I’ve got my lovely pearls paired with a sterling sliver Tiffany&Co. bracelet that I’ve owned for several years, and I also paired it with a bracelet I purchased from an antique shop. It’s costume jewelry from the 1950s. What a fun combination these 3 pieces make! I find this combination to be very “me.” It’s funky and fun, but is definitely still sophisticated. That’s the way I like to wear my jewelry.

What about you? How are you using your pearl bracelets these days? I’d love to hear if your pearls (earrings, bracelets or necklaces) are currently in rotation for you, or if you are having any trouble figuring out how to wear them in this current “bigger is better” jewelry season.

Win it!: Just in time for the holidays, one lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win the same pearl bracelet I reviewed! Yay!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

 

 

Time to Win…Anything You Want Worth $200!!!!

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Welcome to Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog’s November Have It Your Way Giveaway!

Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog, Dishin With Rebelle, Contest for That, and Pink Ninja Media

want to offer one lucky person the chance to win Anything You Want Valued Up To $200!

Thanks to these following bloggers for helping make this event possible,

Mom Knows It All, MamalDiane ~ Keeping it Simple, Best Mom Reviews, The Frugal Batavian, CountingToTen, Cotton Ridge Create, Frugal Mom Eh! Swank Savings

What’s Up – Contests, Giveaways, Promos and Deals

Maybe you want a Kindle Fire this year? Maybe a gorgeous pair of leather riding boots? Or how about some cold, hard cash??? Whatever you want for $200 is yours if you win! Remember that the prize, including shipping, cannot exceed $200. 

Dates: 11/05/12 at 12:01 am EST until 12/06/12 at 12:01am EST

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open Worldwide, must be 18 or older to enter.

Disclaimer: This blog is not responsible for shipment of prize, nor did I accept any form of compensation for promoting this event.

$50 Visa Gift Card GIVEAWAY!!!

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Are you feeling the pinch to your wallet due to the upcoming holidays? I’ve been reviewing my list over the past 2 weeks and it is definitely going to take some creative thinking (and some very clever shopping) to get gifts for all 25 people on my list without draining my savings account.

Most everyone could use a little help, and today I’ve got some for you. Dr. Patti Flint is sponsoring this post and a giveaway on Stuff Parents Need today. She’s offering up a $50 Visa gift card. It can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, so…basically everywhere!

Dr. Flint is a plastic surgeon in Scottsdale & Mesa, AZ. She has won consecutive awards as a top doctor in the Phoenix area. And I have to say, her website is really comprehensive. She has an extensive video library to help offer education to women and men who are considering different forms of plastic surgery. I really appreciate that she wants her patients to really understand the different options available to them, including non-surgical options.

If you have ever considered any type of plastic surgery, even if you don’t live in the Phoenix area, definitely check out Dr. Flint’s website for helpful information that you should review before scheduling an appointment with a plastic surgeon.

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a $50 Visa gift card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Magic Moves Electric Wand Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

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If you have a preschooler, then you know that those little ones need time each day to MOVE, MOVE, MOVE!!! We live in a part of the country with mild weather, so the number of days that outside play are an option are many. But even we get those rainy days, and I suspect that during the winter there will be some days when it is just too darn cold to play outside.

And on those days, I’ll be SO glad we have the Magic Moves Electric Wand, available through Educational Insights.

This fun device was a hit from the second it came out of its package. It is a microphone with two different buttons (one for play, and one for repeat). It has 26 different colorful, twinkling light shows that encourage kids to get moving. And it has 90 different commands for fun motions to make. That’s a lot of moving around, folks!

The repeat button is very handy because there are certain moves that the kids are going to like so much that they will want to do them again. We particularly enjoy, “STOMP like a dinosaur!”

This is a very fun game that can be played most anywhere you are and you can play for just a minute or two, or go as long as your child wants. The microphone will turn itself off after 2 minutes of nonuse.

I have really enjoyed playing this with Darah. Sometimes I run out of ideas for fun things to pretend to do, and the Magic Moves Electric Wand helps me think of things we can pretend to be, and helps me demonstrate different fun motions to make. I very highly recommend this toy for any child with energy that needs to get used up on a daily basis (so basically, every kid!). You can purchase Magic Moves for just $19.99.

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a Magic Moves microphone from Educational Insights!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

Master Love Locks GIVEAWAY!!!

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Did you know that it is an international custom to affix padlocks to well known gates and bridges to symbolize your love for another? I’ve never heard of this, but apparently, it’s a thing!


Master Lock has a really fun program happening now called Master Love Locks, which allows you to virtually lock up your affection for your loved ones on various iconic bridges throughout the world.

In addition to the $10,000 donation that Master Lock has already made, an additional dollar for every heart lock created and sent through MasterLoveLock.com from now until December 31, 2012 will go to the American Heart Association.

I just sent Tim a sweet note and a love lock on a bridge in Paris…one we walked over together on a trip there in 2007!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win a Love Lock just like the one shown on the home page of MasterLoveLock.com!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

I am a member of the Master Lock Live Secure Safety Squad, and as such, I receive complimentary products as a thank you for my time. All opinions expressed here are strictly my own, however. 

 

Hipkiddo Intelligently Hip Cloth Diapers

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There tend to be 3 complaints that cloth diapering parents consistently have about using fluff instead of disposables.

1. All that extra laundry

2. The up front cost of reusable diapers

3. Getting clothes to fit around that fluffy bottom

Hipkiddo, a Canadian cloth diaper company that is mom-owned, can’t solve problem #1 for you, but it does aim to address problems 2 and 3 with its Intelligently Hip diapers. They are among the most slim fitting cloth diapers I have seen (and I’ve seen A LOT, people!) but without sacrificing functionality, and certainly without sacrificing cuteness.

I mean, just look at this:

Hipkiddo moo moo diaper

This pocket diaper comes with a 3 layer microfiber insert. I made a little swooning sound when I saw how thick it was, and yet, how the diaper still seemed to offer quite a slim fit.

The diaper has a double row snap system that comes across the entire front of the diaper, which makes it easier to fit smaller babies. I have found it to be quite easy to find the right fit for Layah, and we have not had any leaks or any other problems so far. It’s been one of the diapers that I reach for first when the laundry is dry!

Hipkiddo also strives to keep the cost down, and priced the diaper at an affordable $14.00! That’s up to $15 cheaper than some of the other diapers in my stash, but it performs just as well.

hipkiddo intelligently hip diaper

And it gets even better, folks. This company has a heart for children, and donates cloth diapers as well as part of its proceeds to Seeds of Change children’s orphanage in Zambia. Every purchase you make not only helps to reduce your own environmental impact, but also gives back to children in need. That’s pretty hip, if you ask me!

The Intelligently Hip diaper is one size and fits from 8-35 pounds. It has a waterproof PUL lining, so it does not require a cover. It comes in 6 colors and one print.

Buy it!: In need of an affordable diaper that isn’t bulky? Hipkiddo has got you covered! Purchase Hipkiddo diapers directly from the website!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win an Intelligently Hip diaper from Hipkiddo in your choice of color!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

How I Work Out From Home and Make Every Second Count: Half Hour Power Review

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Back in July I realized that the baby weight from baby #2 was no longer coming off and that I’d hit a standstill. I couldn’t simply rely on breastfeeding to take it off and I needed to start exercising.

So after a LOOOOOONG hiatus from the gym, I went back. And it was a very good thing, indeed! I didn’t love every minute while I was there, but I always felt good afterward. I started to get in the habit of going and I was amazed to watch myself be able to run longer and longer distances on the treadmill. Just to give you an idea, when I was starting out, running for 30 seconds straight was KILLER for me. And pretty soon I was running 2 1/2 minute stretches with 90 second breaks in between. Hooray for progress!

And then the fall happened. No, not an injury. I’m talking about the season. Back to school. Back to Junior League responsibilities. Back to a more intense schedule at my husband’s work. Before I knew it getting to the gym felt like its own Olympic sport and for a variety of reasons, I just didn’t fight hard enough for myself and started going less and less. It was a discouraging situation, but it was also difficult to figure out a solution in light of all the constraints on my time.

Then I heard about an at-home workout system called Half Hour Power that received the Parent Tested Parent Approved Award (this is a very difficult award to earn and in my opinion indicates that a product or service is truly amazing). It is a HIGHLY portable system that involves a set of resistance bands for one seriously intense workout right in your own home.

I do my Half Hour Power routines in my living room, usually with Layah watching me from her jumperoo. It makes her giggle to watch mommy moving. I absolutely adore that I can squeeze in a workout any time at all, day or night, without having to make arrangements to get to the gym.

Check out my video where you’ll learn more about why I believe this system is particularly good for new moms (although of course it can be used by anyone!) and see a few examples of exercises I do with the resistance bands.

 

The Half Hour Power Adult Package Plus is currently on sale for $99.95 and it comes with a complete set of bands, as well as the door anchor, two awesome DVDs to help you get started and to use during your workouts. Additionally, you get access to some wonderful streaming videos online for even more routines. I really love this as it keeps me from getting bored with any routines and gives me something new and fresh to try.

 I have been really impressed with the quality of these workouts, the ease of setting up my “home gym” and the fact that every second really counts when I am doing the different exercises. I get a lot of bang for the buck, so to speak, with Half Hour Power. I will continue to use this system regularly. And that baby weight is coming off again, by the way! 🙂

I should also mention that my husband, who does not need to lose any weight but who has been looking for a way to do some strength training, is also enjoying Half Hour Power. These resistance bands can definitely help you tone your muscles!

If you are looking for an exercise program that doesn’t involve large pieces of equipment and that packs a serious punch with every move, Half Hour Power is what you are looking for. I highly recommend it!

I received complimentary products for review purposes. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own based on my experience using Half Hour Power.

Favorite Products of 2011

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About a month ago I made a list of my VERY VERY favorite products that I reviewed in 2010 (if you missed it, click here to check out this blogger’s favorite things!).

I really enjoyed writing that post, and decided that I’m also going to write one for 2011. And at the end of the year, I’ll write about my 2012 top picks, as well! When I first reviewed all the products from 2011, I was blown away by all the awesome, and was really overwhelmed. I had 33 “top picks” at first! But I have since narrowed it town to my top 10. These are the products that got and are continuing to get the most use in my home. If a product isn’t on this list, it doesn’t mean that I didn’t like it, or even that I didn’t love it, though.

So here’s my list, in no particular order:

1. Shaklee cleaning products. The cost per use is so unbelievably cheap, the products work amazingly well, and everything is eco-friendly. What’s not to love?

http://stuffparentsneed.com/shaklee-basic-h2-and-shaklee-scour-off-review/

2. George Foreman Grill. This is how we cook our chicken about 90% of the time, which means this gets used every single week.

http://stuffparentsneed.com/2011/06/knock-out-the-fat-with-george-foreman-and-win-1000-2/

3. Robby Wash Ball. This has pretty much replaced other detergents in my home for any non-cloth diaper laundry. I love how little space it takes up in my laundry room!

http://stuffparentsneed.com/2011/06/think-about-your-laundry-detergent-once-per-year-giveaway/

4. Automatic Yogurt Maker. I’m not sure how anyone with small kids in the house lives without one of these! It makes excellent yogurt and it much more cost effective than buying it!

http://stuffparentsneed.com/2011/06/how-we-successfully-made-our-own-yogurt-giveaway/

5. Girl Gotch underwear. Not only are boxer-briefs adorable on little girls, but the coverage is also unbeatable. Best underwear for little girls on the planet. For real.

http://stuffparentsneed.com/2011/06/does-darah-prefer-boxers-or-briefs-giveaway/

6. Fun Fort. This makes building a fort take about 30 seconds. Can be used inside or out. Will be used for years and years. Basically, this product rocks.

http://stuffparentsneed.com/2011/12/fun-fort-build-a-fort-anytime-anywhere-giveaway/

7. Gallery Direct Framed Art. I have reviewed many MANY gorgeous pieces of art from Gallery Direct. This beach scene was my first. And it remains my very favorite. I look at it every single day and it always makes me feel calm.

http://stuffparentsneed.com/2011/07/the-case-for-framed-art-2/

8. Build a Dream Playhouse. This cardboard castle still gets played with and is in pretty decent shape, and I just love that it lives under our couch!

http://stuffparentsneed.com/2011/06/build-a-dream-playhouse-review-and-giveaway/

9. Hanes Comfort Flex Bra. I slept in these throughout my pregnancy and even 5 months postpartum, I am still grateful for their comfortable fit. It’s the perfect “around the house” bra.

http://stuffparentsneed.com/2011/10/maternity-week-sleeping-a-lot-in-comfort-hanes-review-and-giveaway/

10. Kaboost Chair Booster. Darah went right from the high chair to an adult size chair thanks to this product. It still gets used 3 times a day, every day! We’ll be getting one for Layah as soon as she needs one!

http://stuffparentsneed.com/2011/04/booster-chair-alternative-kaboost-chair-booster-2/