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Stuff Parents Need

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

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Gorgeous Frames for Your Gorgeous Family (Memphis in May GIVEAWAY!)

May 11, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 134 Comments

Do me a favor a take a quick look around the desk you are likely sitting at right now. Is it somewhat lacking in the “cute” department? Does it have a picture of someone you love on it? The odds are pretty good that the picture frame holding that photo pales in comparison to the image. That’s as it should be…to a point. I’ve realized that most of the frames I own are quite simply dull and don’t add any color, texture or fun to my desk (both at work and at home!).

Well that’s all about to change, thanks to my next Memphis in May featured artist, Erin. Erin owns a wonderful Etsy shop called Round the Bend. This store features absolutely beautiful frames of various sizes. Erin loves any opportunity to express her creativity, but her very favorite thing to make are the small frames with paper. She says, “There are so many pretty papers available, I love going to the scrapbook store and searching for ones that I think would look great. Plus, I can make so many different styles – modern, formal, girly, young, bright, etc, that hopefully everyone can find something that appeals to them.” I have to agree…there’s something for everyone at Round the Bend! Erin also really enjoys making things for her kids such as playmats, bibs and blankets. Those will likely be making an appearance in her shop soon, so stay on the lookout!

Erin sent me a 3.5 x 3.5 transportation frame to check out. This was perfect for our family, because Tim is a Transportation Planner! It now sits on his desk and has the cutest picture of Darah in it. Erin decorated the frame using really cool paper. The back and sides are painted black, and the front has been painted over with acrylic sealer. The end result is a very smooth and glossy finish. I can tell that this frame is going to hold up beautifully for years to come. Tim absolutely loves it, and it is so much cooler than anything I could have found at TJ Maxx (which is the brick and mortar store with the best frames, in my opinion). The price tag for these frames also rivals that of TJ, starting at just $12.00. I don’t know any other place where can you get such a cute product that is handmade with pride for such a bargain. On my current wish list is a fabulous tweet tweet frame, which looks just perfect for Darah’s nursery.

Since Erin has a husband and two sons, she gravitates towards pinks and pastels in her creative work. With that said, however, she really enjoys working with people to create custom designs that meet their needs. If you are looking for something in particular to help add to your home decor, whether it be the girliest of girly looks or something more masculine, Erin can help you out!

Erin is a native Memphian, having lived her almost her entire life. She’s lived in east Memphis, Cordova, Midtown and Arlington, so she’s really been all over the area! She loves the diversity she has found in each part of the city. She also says, “I love the small community feel in each of the different parts of Memphis, but still having access to all the big city amenities, especially the Zoo, Shelby Farms, and the sports (go Tigers!). Plus you can’t beat the beauty of the dogwoods and azaleas at this time of year. Gorgeous!” I have to agree with her. Memphis is positively splendid right now, crazy flash floods aside…

Buy It! During the giveaway, Erin is offering readers a 20% discount for any purchase. That is so awesome! If you have a beautiful picture that is just waiting for a beautiful frame, now’s the perfect opportunity to buy one. At checkout, include “Memphis” in your note to seller and 20% will be refunded to you after payment is made.

Win it! Erin wants to offer one Stuff Parents Need winner a 3.5 x3.5 frame of your own from the ones currently listed. So exciting! The contest will run until Friday, May 21st at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry:
Tell me which 3.5 x 3.5 frame you would choose if you are the winner (and choose wisely, as the winner will receive what s/he selects for this entry!).

Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS, email or Google friend connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe more than one way)
2. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)
3. Add Round the Bend to your Etsy favorites
4. Become a Fan of Round the Bend on Facebook
5. If you left a Memphis in May comment on this post before May 2nd, leave a comment for an extra entry

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product sample for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Filed Under: Giveaways · Tagged: custom picture frame, decorative frame, decorative frames, decorative picture frames, etsy, etsy shop, etsy store, funky picture frames, giveaway, memphis, picture frame, picture frames, review, round the bend, round the bend review, unique frames, unique picture frames

Celebrate Memphis BBQ with an Adorable Pig Onesie (etsy GIVEAWAY!)

May 9, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 102 Comments

EDIT: Giveaway CLOSED

We all know that there is no shortage of adorable children’s clothing on the market. I’d say that kids under the age of 5 safely have the most options of us all for looking too cute for words. But sometimes, our beautiful children can get lost under all of those ruffles, bows or zany patterns. I think my daughter is the star of the show in my world, and I don’t want her outfit to upstage her! That’s why I like to have a good chunk of her wardrobe be simple. But simple doesn’t mean boring, by any means!

Kim, the owner of gurleygurl design based out of Memphis, totally understands this idea. She says, “I love the simplicity and brightness of children’s design. It’s not over thought, it’s just fun and happy.” She makes so many cute onesies that are very simple, but also very fun! In honor of Memphis in May and the National BBQ competition that is taking place this month, Kim sent Darah a precious pig onesie. I absolutely love it, first because a pig is just SO MEMPHIS, and she doesn’t have any outfits yet that pay homage to her hometown (no, I haven’t bought her an Elvis jumpsuit…yet). I also love it because her appetite is growing so fast, and she is currently eating many different types of veggies and grains at dinner time, which sort of reminds me of how pigs eat (just being honest, here!). I’ve washed the onesie several times (due to all of the food that is getting on it!) and the pig print has held up beautifully. Kim also has some other cute onesies for sale, such as the airplane onesie (which reminds me of FedEx, a company you’ve probably heard of that is based in Memphis) or the giraffe onesie (which reminds me of our zoo!).

Kim works at an ad agency during the day, which is exciting work in its own right. However, after 10 years working on ads, Kim decided that she wanted to resurrect gurleygurl design, which had been her senior graphic design project at the University of Memphis. She’s had a wonderful response from local folks, and her presence on Etsy allows her to reach beyond our beautiful river city. She says, “I love to see someone open a gift I’ve made and hear the ooo’s and aah’s in the room. That instant gratification makes me so happy. No one is ooo’ing and ahh’ing when they see a print ad for a bank in a magazine.” That really made me laugh, because the truth is, she’s right!

When I asked Kim what she loved about Memphis, she couldn’t choose just one or two things. You can tell she has a lot of pride in her city by her response, which was, “Midtown. Tiger basketball. Best people, best food, best music. The arts, the festivals, the parks…I could go on for days!”

There’s a lot to be proud of here in Memphis, and Kim just adds to that with her company, gurleygurl design. Whether you want a onesie for your little monkey, a bold tote bag, or even some custom note cards, Kim can design it for you.

Win it! gurleygurl design wants to send a taste of Memphis your way in the form of your very one pig onesie! The contest will run until Wednesday, May 19th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry:
Tell me what item you like the very best at gurleygurl design.

Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS, email or Google friend connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe more than one way)
2. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)
3. Tell Kim one thing you’d like to see her sell in her shop
4. Add gurleygurl design to your favorites on Etsy
5. If you left a Memphis in May comment on this post before May 2nd, leave a comment for an extra entry

Don’t forget to check out these other giveaways! handmade stuffed animal (ends 05/13), silky scarf (ends 05/15), $25 jewelry gift certificate (ends 05/17), handmade detergent-free soap (ends 05/18)

Disclosure: I received a product for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Filed Under: Giveaways · Tagged: cool onesies, custom baby onesies, custom onesie, custom onesies, cute onesies, designer onesies, etsy, etsy shop, etsy store, giveaway, gurleygirl design, gurleygurl designs review, memphis, onesies, onesies for babies, personalized onesies, review

The Luckiest

May 9, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 5 Comments

Happy 8th anniversary, Tim.

And where was I before the day
that I first saw your lovely face?
Now I see it everyday
And I know
That I am
The Luckiest

Filed Under: General · Tagged: anniversary

Cold Process Soap and Hot Process Soap

May 8, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 154 Comments

Since becoming a mother, I have a whole new appreciation for quiet moments to myself. They are extremely rare, to say the least, and I know that they will become even more rare as Darah grows and learns how to follow me all over the house! I have always enjoyed shower time because it just feels good to get clean, and I also tend to keep a supply of nice smelling shampoos and soaps on hand to either rev me up in the morning or help me wind down at the end of the day.

cold process soap My next featured Memphis in May business is Mocha’s Handmade Soaps, and this is yet another company that I’m so glad to have found and to now share with you. Vikki, the woman behind the company, makes a wonderful variety of cold and hot process soaps made with ingredients you can pronounce, and even has a nice selection of vegan soaps for sale. Vikki has been making soap and perfecting her craft for 3 years now. She loves being able to create something new and original that will bring people joy and also promote healthy skin, especially as we age (a fact I’m becoming all-too-aware of now that 30 is just a few months away!). I really enjoyed learning that Vikki makes all of her soaps by hand and cures them for 3 to 6 weeks. Furthermore, her soaps are detergent-free, which is not the case for the vast majority of soaps that you find in the stores.

The soaps I have sampled from this shop smell heavenly, lather beautifully, and help provide a peaceful space just for me when I step into the shower. I was so excited to read about the ingredients that are used in her soaps: “Saponified oils of Olive, Soybean, Palm Kernel, Coconut, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Palm, Sunflower, Avocado, Sweet Almond, Fragrance, Goats Milk, Vitamin E and other skin-loving oils and butters. Herbs and grains are also added to some recipes for a natural, gentle exfoliation. Some soaps are colored with natural oxides from the earth, ultramarines, & micas.” I recognized every single thing! I had the opportunity to try a cold process soap, and I was so impressed with how silky smooth (but not greasy!) I felt after using it. The bar also produced a great lather, so I can tell that one bar is going to last a good long while! I also had the opportunity to try the Hollywood Pink soap (Vikki’s version of an Avon scent). This was not a scent that I was familiar with before, but let me tell you, the first time I used it I just kept sniffing it again and again! It is light, but warm. I loved it! Finally, I tried the Peppermint Soap with Goat’s Milk. This is definitely going to be my go-to soap in the morning when I need some help waking up. It smells so refreshing and I feel nice and clean after using it!

I asked Vikki to share what she loves most about our great city. Her answers: the weather and the BBQ. May must just be the best month ever to her, then! 🙂 I’m sure she’s still making time to fill orders in between playing outside and eating some of the world’s best BBQ, though!

hot process soap Vikki takes great pride in her work and stands behind every product she makes. If you can’t decide which soap to try first, though, she did say that if she had to choose 3 favorites, she would suggest Love Spell, Black Raspberry Vanilla and Baby Grace Philosophy. I say that you can’t go wrong if you go with the artist’s recommendation! If you have a particular kind of scent in mind and wish you could have it in a soap form, convo Vikki…the odds are decent that she can make it for you, which is really cool! Also, Vikki gives free samples with each purchase, so what are you waiting for?! Her bars of soap start at just $4.00.

EDIT: Giveaway CLOSED

Win it!: Here’s your chance to bring Mocha’s Homemade Soaps (and a little bit of Memphis) into your home! Vikki is giving one lucky Stuff Parents Need reader a cold or hot process soap of your choice from the ones she has listed on her site. Nice! The contest will run until May 18th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry:
Tell me which bar of cold process soap or hot process soap you would like to win (and choose wisely, as you will get this pick if you are the winner!)

Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS, email or Google friend connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe more than one way)
2. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)
3. Add Mocha’s Homemade Soaps to your Etsy favorites
4. Tell me one scent you would like to see Vikki offer in her shop
5. If you left a Memphis in May comment on this post before May 2nd, leave a comment for an extra entry

Disclosure: I received product samples to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Filed Under: Giveaways · Tagged: etsy, etsy shop, etsy store, giveaway, handcrafted soaps, handmade soap, handmade vegan soap, memphis, mocha's handmade soaps, organic vegan soap, review, scented soap, vegan soap

Update Your Wardrobe with Mozella Designs Jewelry (GIVEAWAY!)

May 7, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 136 Comments

EDIT: Giveaway CLOSED

It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to one seriously skilled Memphis jewelry designer. Take a look around Mozella Designs Etsy store. You see a lot of beautiful things, don’t you? Take this silver and gold interlocked mesh bracelet, for example. That’s a piece that would go with pretty much everything! Or what about this fluttery flower ring? It is so delicate, and yet, so bold! This flower pendant necklace could take most any outfit from drab to fab, as well.

The pieces at Mozella Designs are beautifully crafted and very in tune with current trends. They must be made by someone who has been doing this professionally for years and years, right?!
NOPE! Christine, the designer, has only been making jewelry for a few months! I could hardly believe it, myself. I think her work looks like the product of someone who has been around long enough to know how to get it right every single time. Beginner’s luck? I don’t think so. I think Christine has a gift! She says that she really enjoys learning different techniques for making all types of jewelry, but she is currently especially fond of making rings. She’s doing really well in that department, I think!

Christine sent me these lovely earrings, and lovely they are! I have worn them every chance I could. They can easily go with a fitted top and jeans and they look just as great in business attire. I love that they incorporate such pretty dangling features without being loud or garish, as dangle earrings can sometimes be. The Swarovski briolettes add just the right touch of shine to the gold hammered rings and glass pearls. I love these earrings, plain and simple!

Christine says that she doesn’t really have a specific process for making her jewelry. She tries to stay on top of currently fashion trends to get style or color ideas, but often she just imagines a particular design at random times and then goes with it. She keeps a notebook on hand so that she can sketch out her designs when brilliance hits!

I asked Christine what she likes best about Memphis, and she said that the spring and summer months are her favorite because the city is always alive with festivals, parties and other opportunities to just be outside. If you live in Memphis, you might run into Christine at the rooftop party at the Peabody Hotel. Look for the lovely young lady with the best jewelry at the party. That’s her!

Buy It: Mozella Designs’ creations are beautiful, unique and very fashionable. Pick out something special for yourself or a friend today!Having a hard time choosing the perfect gift from so many different beautiful options? That’s ok, because Mozella Designs offers gift certificates so that your loved one can get the perfect item!

Win it!: Christine is giving you the chance to snag your very own handcrafted jewelry by offering a $25 gift certificate to her shop! You guys are SO LUCKY!!! The contest will run until May 17th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry:
Tell me your very favorite item at Mozella Designs and where you would wear it!

Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS, email or Google friend connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe more than one way)
2. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)
3. Follow Mozella Designs on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)
4. Become a fan of Mozella Designs on Facebook
5. If you left a Memphis in May comment on this post before May 2nd, leave a comment for an extra entry

Don’t forget to check out these other giveaways! Reusable snack bags (ends 05/09), handmade stuffed animal (ends 05/13), silky scarf (ends 05/15), handmade detergent-free soap (ends 05/18)

Disclosure: I received a product sample for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Filed Under: Giveaways · Tagged: etsy, etsy jewelry, etsy shop, fashion jewelry, giveaway, handcrafted jewelry, handmade jewelry, handmade jewelry designers, handmade jewelry websites, memphis, mozella designs, mozella designs review, review, unique handmade jewelry, unique jewelry

Infinity Scarf Makes a Splash!

May 5, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 107 Comments

One of my very favorite ways to accessorize is by wearing scarves. I’m so glad that decorative scarves have grown in popularity. Now there are so many pretty pieces that can take the most boring of outfits and make it stand out.I wore scarves all the time this winter. infinity scarf I’ve been feeling a bit lost in the accessory department now that the weather has warmed up. I have some nice jewelry, but a scarf just seems to pull an outfit together so effortlessly!

If you can relate to this feeling, Terry, the owner of Etsy shop Memphis Gypsy, has a solution for you! She has created super cute infinity scarves that are perfect for spring! Hooray! Terry sent me this navy and purple floral scarf to try out. Just adding a whimsical scarf to an outfit can make all the difference between looking drab and looking very put together, and this scarf has definitely brought new life to a few of my work outfits as well as to my weekend attire. I’ve had several people comment on what a great idea the spring/summer scarf is, and I have to agree! Scarves at Memphis Gypsy are 34 inches around and about 6 inches wide.

In addition to working with various fabrics and knits to make scarves, Terry also loves to work with beads and resin material. When I asked her what her favorite thing to make was, she answered, “Well that’s a hard question, it is kind of like asking a mom what child is her favorite. I just love creating and wearing what I make. It really depends on my mood, whatever I am making at the time is usually my favorite and then changes an hour or so later.” Can’t you tell that Terry is such a creative force with a passion for living life to its fullest?

Here’s an example of her passion in action. Terry is a woman with a dream. She offers her creations for sale not only because she truly loves to make things, but also because she is working hard to make the cut for the hit show, “So You Think You Can Dance!” She was featured a few times during season 6 (if you watched it, she was the girl in all white). She got some encouraging feedback from the judges, and her goal is to make it to Las Vegas during season 7! Any money she makes from selling her crafts goes to help Terry get to the audition and live out her dream. Pretty cool, huh?

So why is Terry’s Shop called, “Memphis Gypsy?” She says, “I am just a girl from Memphis who loves to make jewelry. I get called ‘Gypsy’ all the time ( mostly by my mother) because I can never narrow down what accessories I want to wear so I wear everything!” Now she gets to pass on her flare for accessories to others through her Etsy shop!

Since this series is about highlighting artists in Memphis, I asked Terry what her favorite thing is about the city. Her answer? The live music scene! She says, “There are so many under-appreciated musicians in Memphis. You can pretty much go see a great band any night of the week. I only wish I had more time to go see more bands.”She is so right. Memphis has produced the King of Rock ‘N Roll, and what few people realize is that the talent pool here continues to be amazingly rich. If you are a fan of truly great music, a vacation to Memphis should be in your plans, for sure.

Buy It!: If you are looking for a versatile piece to add to your wardrobe, the silky scarf from Memphis Gypsy is what you are seeking! Scarves are available in several designs for $15.00.

EDIT: Giveaway CLOSED!

Win It!: Terry wants to help one lucky Stuff Parents Need reader look her best by giving away one of her silky scarves! The contest will run until Saturday, May 15th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry:
Tell me which infinity scarf you would choose (and choose wisely, because that is the one you will win if your number is selected!).

Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS, email or Google friend connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe more than one way)
2. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)
3. Follow Memphis Gypsy on Twitter
4. Become a fan of Memphis Gypsy on Facebook
5. Add Memphis Gypsy to your Etsy favorites
6. If you left a Memphis in May comment on this post before May 2nd, leave a comment for an extra entry

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product sample for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Filed Under: Giveaways · Tagged: etsy, etsy shop, etsy store, fashion scarves, giveaway, handmade scarf, handmade scarves, handmade silk scarves, memphis, memphis gypsy, review, scarf, scarves, scarves for women, silk scarf, silk scarves, silky scarves, summer scarves

Plush Monster: A Best Buddy for Your Child

May 3, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 117 Comments

Most of the children I know have far more toys than they need, and maybe even more toys than they even want. This is because we, as parents, find things in the stores that seem so cool, but that our children hardly play with when we bring it home to them. Or, children beg for the latest toy that is being heavily advertised on television and you eventually give in, only to have it break after 20 minutes of use or turn out not to be very entertaining, after all. So many of our homes are knee-deep in plastic crap.

Many children also have an extra special toy that they love to pieces and that goes with them everywhere. Often, this toy is a very special stuffed animal. I know when I was a little girl stuffed animals were my very favorite, and I would play with them for hours on end. I had a stuffed monkey who wore an outfit very similar to Dorothy’s (from The Wizard of Oz). Her name was Samantha and she was my best buddy.

I want Darah to have a best buddy, too, and I have found the COOLEST handmade stuffed animals…err….creatures EVER! Meet Darah’s new plush monster pal Eloi. Eloi comes from a shop called Mr. Sogs and is the handiwork of a wonderful Memphian named Joelle. Joelle has always had a soft spot for animals that are a little bit different, and that is reflected in her creations. Whenever she feels inspired to make a new creature, Joelle will make a few different versions until she gets it just right. All of her creatures are made two of a kind (she says that’s so that they will never really be lonely!).

The name Mr. Sogs comes from Joelle’s very large cat by the same name. Mr. Sogs loves the creatures that Joelle makes, so much so that he used to open the door to her sewing room when she wasn’t around, steal the creatures, and then sleep on them! Ha! Rest assured, she keeps her sewing room locked, now, much to the chagrin of Mr. Sogs.

baby darah with plush monster Now, back to the creatures. When Joelle gave us the opportunity to choose something in her shop to review, Tim and I took this job VERY seriously. We carefully examined each creature, and talked about the features we loved about each one, and whether or not we sensed that each one would be a good potential buddy for Darah. We had to make some tough choices due to all the unbelievably cute animals in the shop, but eventually, we knew that Eloi was destined to reside at the House of M. And when he arrived, Tim and I were so excited! I’m sure if anyone had been watching us, they would have laughed at how excited we were to present Eloi to Darah. But we couldn’t help it! We took a good long look at him before we handed him over, and were just blown away by how beautifully he had been put together. He was part work of art and part future BFF, ready to romp and play. He was, in a word, perfect.

We chose Eloi because we knew that Darah wouldn’t be able to resist those fabulous antennas. And we were exactly right! She reached for Eloi and grabbed him by the antennas and started chewing away. The she loved on him by putting his face on hers. Tim and I just about died. It was so cute. Whenever Eloi gets spotted in the toy box, she reaches for him and just keeps on chewing. Fortunately, he is so well-crafted that he can withstand the abuse, no problem.

I know that Eloi will be having many adventures with Darah and with our entire family, and I just can’t imagine a cooler best bud, except perhaps a certain gingham-dressed monkey.

plush monster from mr. sogs While Eloi has already found his forever home, there are several other sweet plush monsters at Mr Sogs waiting to be adopted! Wallace is Eloi’s cousin, and he’d love to join your family! Or perhaps Elmore is just the right fit for your little one? Whichever creature you choose, rest assured that they are each made with lots of love and filled with love to give! Micro Creatures at Mr. Sogs start at $19.00 and larger creatures start at $40.00.

EDIT: Giveaway CLOSED!

Win it!: Mr. Sogs the cat doesn’t want to share these creatures with you, but Joelle does! One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win either Chester or Elmore!! The contest will run until Thursday, May 13th at 7:59pm CST. A winner will be randomly selected and emailed, and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. Open to residents of the United States. Be sure to leave your email address in your comments or have it in your profile or else I can’t contact you to tell you that you won!

How to Enter:

Mandatory entry: Tell me the creature from Mr. Sogs that you never knew belonged in your home until now! Also tell me if you prefer Chester or Elmore.

Additional entries:

1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS or email (one extra entry total, even if you subscribe both ways)
2. Follow me through Google Friend Connect
3. Put my button on your blog (leave blog url)
4. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)
5. Become a Fan of Mr. Sogs on Facebook
6. Add Mr. Sogs to your Etsy favorites

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product in order to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Filed Under: Giveaways · Tagged: giveaway, memphis, mr. sogs, review, stuffed animals, stuffed animals for babies, toys, unique stuffed animals, unique stuffed toys

Toys that Grow with Your Child

May 2, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 1 Comment

We all know that babies grow out of their clothes with lightning speed. There’s just not much that can be done about that, I’m afraid! But do they have to outgrow their toys just as fast? There are many toys on the market that have the lifespan of a size newborn onesie, either due to their poor quality or to the fact that they just aren’t that stimulating to a growing mind.

Playskool is a brand that has impressed me time and time again. They offer high quality, developmentally focused toys that keep your budget in mind. Every Playskool product we own gets pulled out of the toy box on a regular basis.

Recently, my friends at Playskool sent Darah the Playskool Explore and Grow Activity Ball to try out. It has been one of the first toys that Darah reaches for every day since we got it! Right now Darah is on the cusp of crawling. She loves to move from a sitting upright position to being on her tummy and trying to crawl. The Explore ‘N Grow Activity Ball encourages her to lunge forward and reach for it, since it rolls around and gets just out of her reach. When she has the ball in her hands, the loves the rattling sound that it makes. This is a perfect toy for Darah right now because it motivates her to move herself so that she can grab it. She also enjoys sitting up and having the ball rolled to her, and she makes the attempt to roll the ball back to me. I can see the wheels turning in her head that she and mommy are playing a fun game!

The ball also opens up and has some cool features inside. Darah is quite interested in playing with the ball when it has been opened, though she isn’t yet able to open the ball herself. When she gets a little bit older, though, I know that opening the ball and playing with the activities on the inside will be enjoyable for her. It will also encourage problem solving and the development of fine motor skills!

Buy It!: The Playskool Explore ‘N Grow Activity Ball is ideal for babies as young as 6 months in age, and will offer excitement to any little one through the toddler years. It can be purchased for $15.99 at mass retailers such as Target and online!

Do you love Playskool products, too? What is your child’s favorite Playskool toy? Don’t forget to stop by and say hello to everyone at Playskool on Facebook!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

Filed Under: Parenting Tips · Tagged: explore n grow activity ball, play skool, playschool toys, playskool, playskool explore and grow, playskool explore n grow, playskool kids, playskool review, playskool toys, review, toys that grow with your child

Hurry! Get Your Extra Entry for the Memphis in May Giveaway Series!

April 30, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

This is a friendly reminder to make a comment on this post by May 2nd so that you can have an extra entry for the Memphis in May giveaway series. If you don’t know anything about Memphis, here’s a link to the Wikipedia entry about the city to help you out! You are going to be so glad that you got an extra entry, because the products you are about to see are awesome!

Filed Under: Giveaways · Tagged: giveaway, memphis, memphis in may

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Welcome!


Grab your beverage of choice (mine is iced coffee) and let's hang out for a spell! I'm Tiffany, and I've rambunctious little girls and a fierce desire to share any tip and trick I can find to make lives with little ones a bit less hectic and a lot more fun. [Read more...]

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