Stuff Parents Need

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

Move Over Mary Kay: Mia Mariu Makeup Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

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I’ve been out of the traditional 9-5 work force for over 2 years now. It was a tough decision, but it was the right one for me, personally. I recognize just how privileged I am to have had that option, and even though my days at home are not all cupcakes and rainbows, the good far outweighs the bad for me.

However, my husband’s income alone is not sufficient for us to thrive, so I have to find various ways of working from home to help out with our bills. I know I’m not alone in that situation, and I always love to showcase valid and valuable opportunities for women to earn money in a flexible environment. That’s why I’m excited to show you Mia Mariu cosmetics today!

Mia Mariu is a health and beauty company based in Dallas and headed up by a savvy woman who understands the needs of her representatives, as well as the ins and outs of what it takes to produce a high quality product that women will love. If you are seeking an opportunity to earn income and if you enjoy using great makeup, take a moment to learn more about the Maia Mariu opportunity. I’m amazed that you can get started with the company for just $125! That’s a very low entry threshold! And I love that you aren’t required to keep stock on hand.

I’ve been trying out three different products from the line, and I’m excited to tell you about them! First up, I’ve really been enjoying the Mineral Liquid Foundation. I am a HUGE fan of mineral makeup (as the Mia website states, “cut the shine, reduce the pores, wow the public.” That pretty much sums it up! Getting the coverage just right for a powder mineral foundation can be somewhat tricky, though, so I really like liquid options that still give that awesome finish that I get from powder versions. This product retails for $25, which falls in line with what you might spend at a department store counter (maybe a bit less). I will say that it sets quickly, so be purposeful when you apply it! The coverage is absolutely outstanding.

I also reviewed the Loose Mineral Shadow Liner. This product can be applied dry as a shadow, or wet as a liner. I have actually been getting much more adventurous lately with the way I wear eye shadow, and I’ve been learning tips and tricks from bloggers (who else?) about ways to play with color. I’m having a blast with that process, and I’m also coming to REALLY appreciate a quality shadow that won’t disappear in just a few hours. This product retails for $14. I don’t have the right brush to use the shadow as a liner, but its now on my Christmas wish list!

Finally, I’ve been using and LOVING the Anti-Aging Brightening Serum. I’ve talked before about how my skin really is starting to lose that youthful glow now that I’m decidedly in my 30s (I was really wavering about doing 31 over again this year, but eventually had to concede and move forward). I like that this product targets age spots, works on overall glow (which is where I’m seeing the biggest difference) and also works on lines and wrinkles. Talk about a useful product! It retails for $38 and I would recommend it to anyone who is noticing that perhaps they don’t look as young as they feel!

In summary, I’d say that Mia Mariu offers high quality makeup and skincare and a wonderful business opportunity. Most definitely check them out! And even if you aren’t interested in becoming a representative, find one in your area to support and enjoy the great stuff they have to offer!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win all three products that I reviewed! That’s a combined retail value of $77!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

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

Making Logical Mathematical Estimates: Estimation Station Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

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Educational Insights is already one of the very best destinations for fantastic products that make learning so much fun. But I’m so impressed with how they just keep getting better and better. They have recently launched a fundraising program that I want to make sure you all know about. It’s completely free to join, and they offer 20% cash back on all purchases made by you and anyone you refer to them with a special promo code you will receive at sign up. It is an incredible way to earn funds for your child’s school, or even for an individual classroom! Get the full scoop here!

With the holidays fast approaching, there are so many wonderful options for gifts from Educational Insights. Today I’m featuring a product that helps promote math and logic skills. It’s called Estimation Station. What I love about this product (and what I’m consistently finding with most every Educational Insights product) is that it’s not a one-hit wonder. There are over a week’s worth of activity suggestions with this one product, including estimation, counting, place value, comparing and ordering number, making prediction, graphing, statistics and mathematical reasoning. That’s a lot of awesome concepts to derive from one toy!

Darah is still a bit too young to use this toy, as it is ideal for ages 5-9. When we introduce it to her, though, we can start with larger objects (like giant marshmallows!) and build up from there. I absolutely love this hands-on application of mathematical concepts. This can even be a really creative way to have kids put a little bit of work in prior to getting a special treat, like gumballs or jelly beans. Estimation Station retails for $14.99 and really does bring math to life in an exciting way for young children.

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win Estimation Station!

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. 

The Ultimate Form-Meets-Function Company: Dreamfarm

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Every once in a while I stumble upon a company that seems to nail EVERY. SINGLE. PRODUCT. so perfectly that I’m left a bit dumbstruck by their awesome.

Today I have one of those companies to highlight to you, and I am SO EXCITED to share them with you so that you can go to their website and start swooning over their products, just as I have been for a few months, now.

The Australian-based company called Dreamfarm has the tagline, “growing ideas into inventions.” Their products solve problems and help streamline processes in the home and they WILL be used again and again. Also, their design has a certain aesthetic that draws you to their products. Form and function combine together to make some really beautiful and unbelievably useful stuff. I’m such a fan that I almost teared up at the end of this 90 second video about the company. Hooray for great design!

There are so many cool gadgets that this company has available (you can see some of my favorites pinned here). Today I want to highlight two products that we are using in our home and that rock so hard.

First up, the Membo. This handy dandy gadget lives on our fridge at Darah’s eye level, and helps her remember to feed our cat, Hattie (this is one of her chores). I really love having Darah take responsibility in the home, and feeding a pet is a great first chore for a child. Except for when they forget. And then it totally stinks for the animal being fed (or not fed, as it were). There have been quite a few instances where Hattie had to petition the adults to please feed her because Darah forgot. The Membo helps Darah remember by giving her a daily checklist that she can interact with. Every morning she goes to her Membo and flips over the day’s chart after she feeds the cat. It retails for $19.95 and comes with dog, cat, fish and generic check mark inserts. Hattie is super appreciate that we have the Membo!

The second product, which actually also lives on our fridge (now also known as the world’s coolest fridge) is the Gripet. I don’t even need to know you to tell you that YOU NEED THIS PRODUCT. Everyone needs this product. It’s degree of awesome cannot be measured.

Don’t be f0oled by its simple look. This thing is amazing. you simply insert your piece of paper/coupon/child’s art work/any paper object you don’t want to lose into the gripet and it holds it in place. And it comes out just as easily. Simply give the paper you want to remove a gentle tug and out it comes. I seriously want to donate every single magnet on my fridge now (and probably will do just that!) because the gripet can handle everything. It also looks so much more organized (even though it isn’t!). I am totally head-over-heels over the Gripet. I may write a love note to it, which it would gladly hold. 🙂 The Gripet is $24.95 and would be a most awesome holiday gift for anyone on your list!

So now the question is, “Tiffany, where can I get these crazy-amazing products?” I had the same question, myself! Hop on over to their “find a store” section of the website, type in your address, hold your breath, make a wish, count to three and then you’ll see your nearest retailer.

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

Trip to Italy? Si, Per Favore! Enter Michael Angelo’s AWESOME Sweepstakes!

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Do you ever wonder if those “trip of a lifetime” giveaways are even real? As someone who won a trip with National Geographic to Peru back in 2005, I can tell you three important things: they ARE real, people DO win, and they really can be trips of a lifetime!


Michael Angelo’s Gourmet Foods, the company that makes some of the most mouth-watering Italian food you’ll find outside of Italy has launched its second annual sweepstakes for a trip to Italy. One grand prize winner will win an eight-day trip for two!

But it gets even better, because you’ll be taking this trip with Michael Angelo, himself, as well as with his mom, who is the inspiration behind the amazing line of frozen food products. It’s the foodie adventure people dream of, and it’s really going to happen! You’ll be staying in a private villa with the Miachael Angelo’s family, and will go on amazing excursions throughout the area, including an exclusive event at Castello Banfi, a winery that almost looks like a dream. Take a quick peek here and you’ll see what I mean.

The sweepstakes is open now for your entry (and it’s VERY easy to enter, by the way). Head on over to the Michael Angelo’s Trip to Italy sweepstakes page, and while you are there, check out the fun video from last year’s trip!

I received coupons for delicious Michael Angelo’s products in exchange for sharing this trip of a lifetime opportunity with you. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. Buona fortuna, everyone! 

What Do You Know about Menopause? Preparing for “The 2nd Talk”

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So I’m going to go on record here and say that I’m relatively certain we are finished having children. At least biologically. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for my two healthy little girls, and am so thankful that we were able to have them. I think enduring a third pregnancy would put me permanently on the other side of crazy, though, and for the sake of my current family’s happiness, we should leave well enough alone!

So now that my child bearing days are over I’m ready to get educated about a life change that will be occurring a bit down the road, and that I know embarrassingly little about: menopause.

It’s coming, people. Maybe not for a while, but it WILL happen, and I’d really prefer to not be caught off guard by it. We fear what we don’t know, right? And truthfully, I am somewhat afraid of it. But that’s easy enough to change by equipping myself with some knowledge!

Poise has an entire site devoted to “The 2nd Talk” and I have been spending quite a bit of time on the site this morning, watching unscripted videos from women who have gone through menopause and checking out all the resources that are available so that I can better understand the symptoms of menopause and also some of the solutions to problems that can occur during this life change.

One very important thing that I’m learning about menopause, and that I want to make sure you understand, is that this period of our lives does not need to be veiled in mystery, and it CERTAINLY doesn’t need to be veiled in shame or embarrassment. There’s power in speaking out about these issues and in coming together as women to have open, honest discussions about how our bodies are changing. In fact, The 2nd Talk website encourages us to celebrate this transformative time in our lives. I love that language, as it kicks shame and embarrassment to the curb!

I also learned that October 18th is World Menopause Day, and it’s a day when a whole lot of conversations and even events will be taking place globally to raise awareness about menopause.

Poise has also launched a set of products especially for women going through menopause, and I headed out to Walmart to learn more about them. If you’d like to see my entire shopping adventure, check out my Google+ album here.

I want to make sure you know where to find these products if you are experiencing menopause. I found them in the same section as feminine wash and vaginal dryness products.

 

 

 

I put all 3 available products in my cart. I’m really impressed that getting three different products to help with three different problems associated with menopause only cost $12. That’s fantastic! Additionally, this month All You magazine has a $1.00 off coupon for #PoiseFab5, which sweetens the deal even more! Additionally, I saw a coupon offer on the Poise The 2nd Talk website (scroll to the bottom right corner). But wait! There’s more! You can also snag a coupon from Walmart (just be sure to watch the video so that you can be re-directed to the coupons afterwards!) So there are plenty of opportunities to make these affordable products even more affordable!

I think all of these products from Poise are fantastic and can help address some of the less-than-fabulous aspects of going through menopause. In particular, I want to highlight the Poise Body Cooling Towelettes. I spent a lot of time in the pharmacy section at Walmart, and there is NOTHING like this product available other than what Poise has just released. After watching the videos online and learning more about what a hot flash must feel like, I can say with certainty that I’d want to have this product on hand to help me get through it more comfortably! A huge thanks to Poise for creating a product that help meets a real need of millions of women!

My mother is actually going through menopause now. So when I think of menopause, I think of my mom. She seems to be going through this change gracefully, overall. Though I will say that even in the dead of winter, she has every fan in her house turned on to help her endure the hot flashes! So she’s going to be getting these body cooling towelettes to use and enjoy!

Mom has also been educating me on bone density issues, as that is of primary concern to her as her hormones change. There is a lot to know about aging and menopause, and I’m really thankful that Poise has stepped up to create an online community full of answers to questions and helpful advice so that when our bodies are ready for menopause, our minds are ready, too, fully equipped with a good understanding of what changes are on the horizon and how we can help ourselves feel great during the journey!

Poise has a wonderful and comprehensive website that I stronlgy encourage you to check out. They are also active on Twitter and Facebook, and that’s another great way for you to keep your finger on the pulse of all things related to menopause. And for all your Pinterest fans out there, check out the Poise Fab 5 board!

What questions do you have about menopause? 

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Poise #CBias #SocialFabric. All thoughts and opinions listed here are strictly my own. 

DIY: How To Hang Scarves with a Towel Bar

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Is there a bit of a chill in the air where you live, yet? Our mornings are getting nice and cool, and that means that it is time to break out my awesome scarf collection (seriously, scarves are my very favorite accessory).

How to Hang Scarves

But here’s what is NOT my favorite: having my scarves piled up on the floor of my closet, getting wrinkly, because I don’t have a good way to store them. I tried just putting them on a hanger (ok, two hangers) but I found it to be difficult to pull one scarf off without accidently pulling off at least one more. And then the scarves would all start to gravitate toward one end of the hanger, and then I’d have a lopsided mess.

I needed a solution! I found one at my favorite thrift store. Well, actually what I found was an ugly old towel bar (similar, but less ugly version here). But I knew it would do the trick!

how to hang scarves

If you are handy, I think building something like this yourself would be fairly easy. I happen to NOT be handy, so I’m glad I spotted this for sale! It needed to get a makeover before it was invited to join my closet, so I asked Tim to spray paint it a silver color we already had on hand (using what you own is FREE, and I wanted to do this as cheaply as possible!). He couldn’t easily get the sticker off the back, but since that part would be flush against the wall, I told him to just spray paint right over it! I value simplicity over perfection, people.

how to hang scarves

He did two coats over the towel bar and it was fully transformed! Then it just took a quick install by finding some studs in our wall and drilling it in. All done, and now I have room for all my scarves!

how to hang scarves

After I took this picture, I found 7 more scarves that were waiting for me in my “winter clothes” bin. I may have a bit of a problem…

I’d love to hear how you store your scarves! 

(This post contains an affiliate link. Affiliate sales go to help the child my family sponsors, so thank you for your help!)

Eddie Bauer Travel System Giveaway ($249 Value!)

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In the spirit of bringing you group giveaways that I, personally, would love to win, here’s a great one for you. It’s a travel system from Eddie Bauer and it’s worth $249! What an AWESOME gift for new parents!

 

As child safety week is coming to an end Tailor Made Momma and and Life With Levi have teamed up to bring you the giveaway event of the month!
Eddie Bauer 3-Wheeled Travel System
From Monday September 24th to Sunday September 30th you have the chance to enter to win this awesome prize! US Only.
This item retails for $249.00 and can be found exclusively at Target! What to see what Cristina at Tailor Made Momma thought about the Trevel System? Check out her review here.
Here are a few of the great features that this travel system offers:
-Infant seat holds up a baby from from 4lbs to 35lbs.
-Stroller supports child from 4lbs to 50lbs.
-Quick one hand fold and stand.
-Child snack tray with cup holder.
-Parent tray with 2 cup holders.

Even if you don’t have an infant this would make a great gift for the mom-to-be in your life.

Enter by filling out the Rafflecopter form below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Moolala: The Next Big Daily Deal Site (And It Pays You to Share!!!)

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Judging by the response I’m getting to the post about Liam’s Loft, it seems that the vast majority of my readers DO use daily deal sites such as Groupon, Living Social, Zulily and Totsy. I find them to be fantastic ways to save money and to get really nice gifts (better than what my budget could handle at retail prices, for sure!).

A few weeks ago I discovered a VERY cool daily deal site that handsomely rewards its members for shopping AND for sharing. And if you are like me, you are already posting on your Facebook and Twitter about great deals you scooped up!

Moolala Banner

Introducing Moolala. They have a fun new daily deal that goes live around 5am EST each day (today they are showcasing an awesome electric toothbrush that retails for $300…but is yours for only $59!). Purchasing the deals works the same as it does at most other places: each offer is good for a limited amount of time and your voucher is usually available for redemption the day after you purchase it.

But here’s what is different about Moolala: you automatically receive 2% of the deal value on any purchase you make. It’s like a little instant rebate as a “thank you” from Moolala!

So that’s pretty cool, but it’s about to get even cooler! If you refer your friends to Moolala, you will also earn 2% of the deal value your friends buy. Not just once, not just for a few months, but FOR FOREVER! Oh, and you also earn 2% on any deal your friends’ friends purchase, and your friends’ friends’ friends purchase, and your friends’ friends’ friends’ friends purchase. That’s FIVE levels of rewards for life. OH. HECK. YES! And what’s great is that the deals on Moolala already speak for themselves. You just let your friends know about them, and they can wait until they see a deal that they just have to have (and it won’t take that long until they discover one, in my experience!).

So definitely check out Moolala. There are great deals to be had (yay!) and great rewards to be earned (double yay!).

This post does contain my affiliate link to Moolala. I received no compensation for writing this post. I think it is a great concept and I wanted to share. 

 

Getting my Kitchen Ready for Layah: Earth’s Best 1st and 2nd Foods (GIVEAWAY!!!)

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Over the past week, I’ve been extra busy in my kitchen. I’m getting my freezer stocked up for Layah. She’s already 4 1/2 months old. My intention is to start her on solids at 6 months, but I want to be prepared sooner just in case she can’t wait that long. I will make the majority of the food she eats using my baby food maker. I’m also using product from our CSA share and from our own little garden. These fruits and veggies are organic, and that’s what I aim to feed Layah, as much as possible. Plus, when you make it yourself, it really is quite affordable!

I also made Darah’s baby food, so I can tell you from experience that when you are going to be away from the house all day (running errands, going on a trip, etc.) it is challenging to bring your own food that might not be shelf-stable. Just like last time, I’ll be reaching for Earth’s Best for those moments! I can’t believe it is already time to start buying these cute little jars!

 

Earth’s Best can help you get your little ones to love their veggies from the start by exposing it to them early and often! They have some wonderful vegetables that are in season right now on the shelves, and every ingredient is organic.

As your little one tries a vegetable for the first time (such as sweet potato or green beans), keep in mind that a common response is to spit it out at first. Don’t be discouraged! Simply try again the next day and the next. In most cases, your baby will be willing and even happy to eat it by the end of the week! It takes time for their palates to get on board with a new flavor.

Earth’s Best also has some great resources online to help parents navigate introducing their little ones to solid foods and how to introduce new flavors and textures in a way that will maximize the chances of you having an adventurous eater! I loved this article on infants’ unpredictable palates.

Do you have a baby eating solids (or soon-to-be eating solids?). Then I have a great giveaway for you!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win an assortment of Earth’s Best 1st and 2nd Foods – Seasonal Vegetables!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

I am a blog ambassador for Earth’s Best, and as such, I have received complimentary products as a thank you for my time. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own