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A Day in the Life of My Iced Coffee (Giveaway!)

July 16, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 105 Comments

Anyone who knows me knows that a cup of iced coffee is usually within reach of me, wherever I am. If I were the Olson twins, iced coffee would be my oversized handbag. If I was Kim Kardashian, iced coffee would be my junk in the trunk. And if I was Angelina Jolie, iced coffee would be my adorable brood of kids. Iced coffee is my signature accessory. I carry it with me throughout the day because I love it. LOVE IT, I tell you!!!!

I recently hung out a bit with the folks at Keurig (you know, those awesome single brew coffee machines) and I learned something epically awesome: they now have a line of K-Cups that are meant to be brewed over ice so that the end result is a cold drink. They have non-coffee beverages, for those of you who are misguided and don’t adore coffee, but more importantly, THEY HAVE ICED COFEE!!!!!! Keurig sent me a brewing system and some Brew Over Ice K-Cups to try out, and my old coffee maker has been kicked to the curb. I also have already ordered more iced coffee K-Cups from the Keurig store. Basically, Keurig and I have fast-tracked our romance and are already exclusive. I can make what Darah refers to as, “mommy’s special drink” in 4 minutes flat (that includes turning the entire brewing system on…it goes much faster if it is already on when you make your coffee). It tastes fresh, cold, and absolutely delicious. It does not produce the same effect as brewing a regular K-Cup over ice. That results in something VERY watered down. The Brew Over Ice cups perfectly intereact with the melting ice to give you just the right flavor! They are awesome!

Here’s a sneak peek into how my Keurig Brew Over Ice coffee and I get started in the morning. You’ll see that my ~~BFF~~ drink never leaves my side!

Note the “brew over ice” marker. This is what you want to snag for the perfect iced coffee using your Keurig!

My coffee an I got started around 6:30 this morning. I’d been up for an hour, already (a late start for me, actually). And I was getting a little mean, which told me that I needed to stop everything and get my coffee going! Good thing it only takes a few minutes! With wake up helper #1 in hand, it is time to employ wake up helper #2: the shower! My drink waits patiently for me while I suds up. If there was a way to successfully bring my drink in the shower, I probably would. Just being honest.

Time for a little makeup and lotion. My drink gets prime counter space right along with my beauty products! I don’t have time to put on much, so I keep it to the necessities! And yes, iced coffee is one of those necessities!:-) Now to choose my outfit of the day. It is a work day for me (Mondays and Wednesdays the girls are away from home for most of the day so I can work on the blog and run errands). Here are my work clothes! Note the perfect accessory for the t-shirt and yoga pants combo I’m rockin’…iced coffee, of course! Now it’s time to get the girls in the car. But of course my coffee is going with me for the commute! Finally, I’m back home and ready to get started on my work. My iced coffee sits on my nightstand (I work from my bed…very glamorous, I know). It’s been hanging out with me while I wrote this post, and now it is empty. Time for a refill! 🙂

Win it!: I’m excited to share that one lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win 2 packages of Brew Over Ice K-Cups for your Keurig! You are going to love them!!!

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

HALO Safer Way to Sleep Initiative (Giveaway!)

July 11, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 54 Comments

HALO is a company I have worked with several times. I believe in their products and I believe in their mission. HALO are the makers of SleepSacks, which range from infant swaddlers all the way up their new SleepSack Big Kids line.

Several of you inquired about the Big Kids design when I had my last review of the SleepSack Early Walker. HALO sent me the Big Kids design so I could show it to you. We are enjoying using it for Darah because she tends to run a little bit hot (just like her mama) and this time of year, that means her comforter is just too warm for her. The SleepSack Big Kids helps keep her body safely covered without overheating it. We love it!

The focus of my post today, though, is on the HALO Safer Way to Sleep Initiative. This initiative has helped 1,000 hospital nurseries make the switch to HALO SleepSack Swaddles instead of blankets. Babies and new parents are introduced to safe sleep practices from day 1! HALO believes that by modeling proper baby care in the hospital, and by providing free Slafe Sleep Practices kits, they are furthering the cause of SIDS prevention, which is the mission of the company.

My family has been using HALO SleepSacks from the very beginning with Layah. We didn’t realize the concern with hip displyasia with a tighter swaddle, so once we did, we fully made the switch over to HALO, which have been deemed “hip healthy” by the Hip Displaysia Institute.

Additionally, I really appreciate how their products have grown with my child. HALO has gone above and beyond by making products for safe sleep that go beyond the first 6 months of life, when the risk for SIDS is the highest. And I get major warm fuzzies when I read about the Safer Way to Sleep Initiative. HALO is very focused on making a difference in the lives of babies and their families, and in reducing cases of SIDS through safe sleep education.

HALO is a fantastic company, and I’m proud to use their products, as well as to recommend them to others!

Win it!: In celebration of the Safer Way to Sleep Initiative, HALO would like to offer a lucky reader a HALO SleepSack Swaddle!

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

This post contains affiliate links. I only promote what I already use and love!

Tim’s Favorite Snack of All Time

July 9, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 179 Comments

A few years ago I introduced you to a very novel concept in the snacking industry: the marriage of popcorn and chips into a super snack known as PopCorners. The brand recently sent us some of their newest flavors to try, and I loved them so much that I wanted to tell you all about them.

Having a hard time picturing the concept? Let me give you an up-close and personal look at the deliciousness:

And one more for you:

Looks pretty tasty, right? It really is. PopCorners are all natural, gluten-free and non-GMO. Currently they come in Sweet Cinnamon, which I cannot wait to try, as well as the two flavors we’ve been munching on lately, Twisted Salt and Memphis BBQ.

We’ve been taking these travel-sized bags with us in the car and on various day trips, such as to the aquarium or to play dates. They are a snack that all 4 of us love to eat. I highly recommend them if you are on the hunt for a new snack that isn’t greasy like traditional chips or microwave popcorn. Check out the Popcorners website for a list of places where you can buy this product. Don’t forget, you can also buy it on Amazon!

Win it!: And lucky you! PopCorners would like to offer one lucky Stuff Parents Need reader a case of Popcorners!

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

This post contains an affiliate link. I only recommend what I already buy and love.

What’s In My Purse? (Giveaway!)

July 6, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 167 Comments

I believe that what someone carries in their handbag says a lot about who they are and what matters to them. The same might also be said for what someone carries as their handbag. What does it say about me that I am rocking an upcycled seatbelt bag these days?

Seatbelt Bag

You read that correctly: my handbag, courtesy of Maggie Bags, is made out of upcycled seatbelts. Wanna see?

Here’s what this bag signifies to me, personally:

Reinvention: something I am also going through, professionally!
Thinking outside of the box yields awesome results
Beauty can be found in unexpected places
It feels good to support small businesses and creative thinkers

Every year, millions of yards of seatbelt material are rejected by the automakers industry due to their rigorous standards. Maggie Bags is working hard to keep that rejected product out of the landfills, and to find new uses for it. They make bags in every color of the rainbow as well as in several styles. My Cicily Tote is perfect for my day-to-day needs. It is smaller than the handbag I replaced it with, and yet I am finding that it is still big enough to hold all I need to carry.

Speaking of all that I need to carry, here’s what you’ll find in my purse these days (affiliate links below).

1. Tag from Reviewer’s Retreat. I just got back from a conference that focused on working with brands. I learned a lot!

2. Lens cap for my camera. I actually keep my camera in my bag, but needed it to take the picture, so the lens cap had to do! Here’s a link to my camera if you want to check it out.

3. My iPhone. With a custom cover in my 2 favorite colors: purple and green.

4. Fiber One brownie. That’s an on-the-go snack for mommy!

5. Sunscreen in stick form. This is the most travel-friendly way of carrying sun protection. No judgement that my sunscreen has SpongeBob on it, ok?

6. Earth’s Best snack bar. I’ve pretty much always got at least one Earth’s Best item in my purse at all times.

7. Pearl earrings. Always be prepared to get dressed up at a moment’s notice, ladies!

8. Business cards. If you are promoting a business, you need to be ready at all times to make a new connection. I handed out dozens of these at my recent conference, but I also hand them out from time to time when I’m just out and about and meet someone!

9. Ear plugs (which, for some strange reason, I call “beans”). I CANNOT sleep without ear plugs. So they need to go with me everywhere. Just in case an opportunity for a cat nap presents itself! These ear plugs are my favorites.

10. Liz Claiborne wallet. I bought this wallet at Filene’s Basement in Boston in 2003. I have used it every day for the past 10 years. It is still going strong!

11. Wendy’s frosty coupon. I paid $1 for this (.80 of which went back to the Dave Thomas Foundation). Every time from now through December 31st of this year when I show this card, I get a free small purchase with any purchase at Wendy’s. That thing rocks!

12. Lipstick. Of course! For the summer, my go-to shade is Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick, Iced Amethyst.

What are you carrying in your purse these days? Would you like to be carrying those things in a Maggie Bag? Use coupon code SPN15 to save 15% (now through 07/31!).

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a Cicily Tote just like the one I reviewed (your choice of color!) from Maggie Bags!

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

Wendy’s Frosty Cone: Treat Yourself! (Giveaway)

June 29, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 245 Comments

It’s hot out there. Time for a sweet treat! How about a Wendy’s Frosty Cone?

Looks yummy, right? It WAS!!! This was actually my first time trying the vanilla frosty flavor, and I loved it!

Now it is your turn to treat yourself to Wendy’s latest incarnation of the beloved Frosty: the Frosty Cone!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a $5 gift card to Wendy’s!

To enter: Let’s keep it REALLY simple: in the comments, tell me your very favorite item on the Wendy’s menu. Go ahead…make me hungry! 🙂

Rules: The contest will run until 12:01 am on July 13th when a winner will be selected using random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning notification before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States. Limit one entrant per household, please.

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

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

Super Affordable Children’s Clothes Shopping: Sophia’s Style (Giveaway!)

June 27, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 98 Comments

Attention all parents out there who like to find fashionable clothes for their kids but also who have a rather tight budget: I have found an AWESOME online place to shop! I have been SO excited to share this because I think the bargains I found at SophiasStyle.com were amazing! Wait until you see how much adorable stuff I got for $50! More on that later.

For now, I want to tell you more about the company. SophiasStyle.com is a family owned company with the goal of providing whimsical and fun outfits for little boys and girls, as well as accessories and little gifts. Looking for a birthday outfit or something perfect for a picture-taking session? This is your spot! I know I am already starting to think about girls christmas dresses (never too early to start!) and I’ve been excited to see they SophiasStyle.com already has a great selection available!

And I haven’t even mentioned the fantastic prices. Sophia’s Style offers discount prices on their trendy, designer pieces. That want to help your little one look his or her best and also give your wallet a sigh of relief. May I show you what I was able to purchase for $57 total, including shipping costs?

I also purchased a Melissa & Doug sand scooper for just $1.99 in addition to all these great clothes!

The only drawback to finding these great prices is realizing that their stock moves quickly. I saw many super adorable items that were no longer available in Darah’s current size, so I either had to find alternatives or just buy ahead for next year. In many cases, I decided to just buy ahead. The prices were too good not to snatch up, even if I have to wait a while for Darah to be able to wear them!

Also, as if their prices weren’t already good enough, they are currently running an extra 25% off sale on all clearance items. Oh boy….might be spending a little time on their website this afternoon, myself!
Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will receive a gift certificate for $50 to Sophia’s Style!Be sure to enter my other current giveaways, found on the sidebar of my page.

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I received a complimentary gift certificate for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This post contains affiliate links. I only recommend products I already love!

My Daugher is Allowed to Play with Her Food (Giveaway!)

June 26, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 103 Comments

When Darah doesn’t want to eat her food, she typically starts to play with it. And I hear myself over and over again saying, “Don’t play with your food!” I also often talk with her about how her body needs fuel, just like a car, in order to get through the day, and it is her job to make sure all that “fuel” gets into her body.

Oh, and I also remind her that anyone who doesn’t give their body enough of that good fuel can’t have a special treat later. This seems to be the most compelling argument to her for some strange reason. Can’t imagine why!

But these days, I’m caving just a little bit to her desire to be playful at the table. And here’s why:

Darah has been really loving her Vitacost multi-vitamin gummies. They are shaped like dinosaurs. They taste like candy. And she can play with them.

So they are pretty much the greatest thing ever. In fact, she loves them SO much that she NEVER lets me forget to give her one in the morning. She’s taken full responsibility for making sure her body gets those supplemental vitamins. Or to look at it another way, she’s taken full responsibility for making sure she gets to play with her food at least once each day. 🙂

Vitacost vitamins are a great buy, in my opinion. The multi-vitamin gummies are just $11.49 for a 2 1/2 month supply (!). You can also purchase a one month supply for $6.50.

Darah is also totally bonkers about the Vitacost Omega 3 Gummies, which are $7.19 for a 30 day supply. I’ve tried them myself, and they taste like candy, not like fish! 🙂 When Darah takes them, she thinks she is getting an additional special treat. She has no idea that the “treat” is all those great Omega-3s for her brain!

In addition to the already fantastic prices at Vitacost, you can also get an extra 10% off your purchase by signing up for the set & save program which will automatically ship you more of your chosen products when your original supply is set to run out.

And lest the grownups feel left out of all the gummy fun, Vitacost also offers a 30 day supply of Vitamin D gummies (just $5.49) for adults to help us maintain strong and healthy bones!

This has been our first experience with Vitacost. We have been really impressed, and I plan to shop there in the future when my current vitamin supply runs out. The prices can’t be beat and the quality is excellent, as is the wide variety of products!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a $25 credit to Vitacost!
Be sure to enter my other current giveaways, found on the sidebar of my page.

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I received complimentary products for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This post contains affiliate links. I only promote what I love!

Exploring the Role of a Friend: Bink & Gollie DVD (Giveaway)

June 21, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 46 Comments

Is your best friend a carbon copy of you, or very different? I think in most cases of friendship, opposites really do attract. My BFF and I are different in so many ways (a fact we definitely learned when we were college roommates for two years!). But our differences are part of what keeps our friendship so interesting. I can count on her to offer me a different perspective than the one I’d have on my own, and that is a very good thing, indeed! When you truly respect and care for someone, you are more likely to be able to really listen to them and learn from them.

Scholastic has just released a delightful DVD that is all about unlikely friendships and what it takes to be a lasting pal to someone. Introducing Bink & Gollie….and More Stories About Friendship. The timing of this release is absolutely perfect for Darah, as she has just transitioned from her school year placement to a summer program, so there are new friendships to be made. She is also starting to develop stronger ties to friends, in general, so it is a good time to start talking about what it means to be a friend.

In addition to the story of Bink & Gollie and how their friendship came to be, you’ll also find 3 other stories, including the following:

A Sick Day for Amos Mcgee: Amos receives unexpected guests from the zoo when he’s home with the sniffles and sneezes.
The Other Side: A friendship develops between two kids from opposite sides of a segregated town.
Cat and Canary: Cat’s unlikely friend Canary shows him a great time when his master is away at work.

This is a terrific DVD for any child who is making new friends or learning how to be a good friend. It has 36 minutes of videos plus some extras (such as author and illustrator interviews). It retails for $14.95 (though it is currently on sale for $12.99 on Amazon!).

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a copy of Bink & Gollie!

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

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

Loving Moments by Leading Lady: Best Nursing Bras (Giveaway!!!)

June 20, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 57 Comments

When I was pregnant and nursing, I had a favorite nursing bra. It was the one I pulled out of the laundry pile the instant it was clean because it was so supportive AND so comfortable.

That bra was from Leading Lady, a company I have highlighted before and that I continue to love even though I’m no longer nursing. Leading Lady also offers an excellent selection of bras for full-figured women, starting with size 38A. This is a brand I would recommend to any of you in that size or higher!

If you are shopping for a nursing bra, however, Leading Lady sizes start smaller, and as you know, I think they are FANTASTIC! They have just launched the Loving Moments Collection, available exclusively at Wal-Mart and WalMart.com.

And I’m just thrilled to see that right now, Loving Moments by Leading Lady and Pampers are teaming up to offer new moms a limited time gift with their purchase of a Loving Moments Wirefree Sport Nursing Bra and a Loving Moments Nursing Bra Tank. When purchasing either of these styles, new moms will receive a sample of Pampers Newborn diapers and wipes. Plus, Loving Moments is hosting a fantastic contest and giving moms the chance to win a complete Loving Moments nursing bra wardrobe and one year supply of Pampers diapers at LovingMomentsBras.com. So much cool stuff happening with this company. Love it!!!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a bra of your choice from the Loving Moments collection!

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

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