Stuff Parents Need

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

Make Way for Robots! Scholastic My First Collection DVD Set Review and GIVEAWAY!!

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Volume 4 of the My First Collection from Scholastic was recently released, and it is fantastic! This DVD series features stories that are aimed at children from ages 2-6. Darah has consistenly loved every My First Collection series she has received. She has MANY Scholastic DVDS, but the ones from these collections get viewed the most frequently.

Volume 4 has some very cool stories, including Robot Zot (and more rhyming stories), Too Many Toys (and more stories about problem solving) and The Curious Garden (and more stories about nature). There’s something for everyone! I also like how thoughtfully Scholastic has each book narrated. They are interesting to listen to in their own right, but adults will often hear familiar voices (on this set you will hear Zach Braff).

And of course, the Scholastic Read-Along feature (where the words are at the bottom of the screen and highlighted as they are read) is available. I always have that feature turned on to help Darah with her reading skills.

The set of 3 DVDs is available for $24.95 and would be a fabulous holiday gift. You can also purchase each single DVD for $12.95. If you don’t have any Scholastic titles in your video collection for your kids, I just can’t say enough wonderful things about them. They are true treasures for us. In fact, I will be giving a DVD set to a niece of mine for Christmas and I know she is going to giggle and laugh again and again as she watches it, just as Darah does! Scholastic videos are winners, to be sure!

Speaking of winners, it’s time to win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a copy of My First Collection Volume 4!

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

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

 

Fifteen Minutes for Mommy: PEOPLE Magazine is a Guilty Pleasure! GIVEAWAY!!!

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We are just days away from a very important shopping event.

No, I’m not talking about Black Friday. I’m referring to something that is going to hit the stores on November 16th. If you haven’t already, you must mark your calendars so that you can be ready!

I’m talking about PEOPLE Magazine’s Annual Sexiest Man Alive issue.

I’m grinning from ear to ear just thinking about it! That issue is a total guilty pleasure for me! I love to curl up with some Godiva ice cream and flip through the pages of dreaminess. I don’t get to spend too much time learning about the latest and greatest celebrities, so it isn’t unusual for me to know precious little about the winner (last year’s winner, Bradley Cooper, was totally unknown to me…which makes me feel sort of old and out of touch, but I digress).

Who do you think will win this year? If social media has anything to say about it, it’s going to be Ryan Gosling. All those “Hey Girl” photos and captions that are rampant on Pinterest and Facebook crack me up. And he really is a cutie, I have to say!

Regardless of whether or not Ryan is on the cover of the upcoming issue, I can tell you that I will be headed over to Walgreens to get the issue. I may have to read it over several days, as getting enough time to myself to read an entire magazine cover to cover is a very rare thing, indeed. But a girl can dream, can’t she?

Don’t miss this issue, as it is only going to be on the stands for 2 weeks! I think it would make a fun stocking stuffer or part of a “pampering” holiday gift for a girlfriend! Or you could even get a year’s subscription to the magazine for a really special treat!

PEOPLE Magazine is such a fun read. It’s the magazine I gravitate toward at the check out line and the one I scoop up first when I’m in any waiting room that has one! I think their pictures tend to be really good, and their articles are short and sweet, which is exactly what I need as a busy mom. I actually flip through it to get hair and style ideas, and if I have time left over, I’ll check out some juicy celebrity gossip. It’s a wonderful way to take a break from the craziness of your day and get caught up on the latest hot looks (most of which can be easily copied with affordable fashion) and to see what your favorite celebrities are up to this week. You can also learn about the movies that are coming out and hopefully be inspired to plan a date with your significant other so that you can enjoy some kid-free time together!

While I enjoy PEOPLE Magazine any time of the year, it really is the Annual Sexiest Man Alive issue that makes my heart go aflutter. I know when it comes out that I’ll find a way to carve out some time to myself to giggle like a teenager and do a little swooning.

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to snag a $20 gift card to Walgreens so you can get yourself the PEOPLE Magazine’s Annual Sexiest Man Alive issue, some ice cream, a bottle of nail polish or whatever else you consider to be a a total indulgence for yourself!

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

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™, but all my opinions are my own http://cmp.ly/3/KqtZiE.

Melissa & Doug Trunki GIVEAWAY!!!

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In celebration of the Melissa & Doug Terrific Twenty List and daily giveaway, Stuff Parents Need is getting to host its own giveaway for a very special item that is on the list.

Check out the Trunki!

The Trunki is a suitcase designed for little ones. Darah LOVES having her own suitcase. It makes her feel like an independent little traveler! She likes to pack it herself (though dad usually goes back and makes some adjustments so that all her stuff can actually fit!).

But the Trunki takes pint-size travel to a whole new level. If kids get tired of carrying or pulling their suitcases, they can just hop on the Trunki and start scooting around with it! Brilliant!

I’m tickled to be putting the Trunki under the Christmas tree for Layah (and I’m guessing big sister will get to “borrow” it from her a few times before she starts using it!). At just $39.99, it makes an affordable and fun gift for little ones. Buy it from Melissa & Doug! And don’t forget to enter the Terrific Twenty daily giveaway, as well!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going t0 win a Trunki in your choice of color!

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

I will receive a complimentary Trunki as a thank you for hosting this giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Step2 Deluxe Master Art Desk GIVEAWAY!!!

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Wouldn’t a Step2 Deluxe Master Art Desk look fabulous under your Christmas tree this year? Here’s your chance to win it!!!

Sponsored by:

Mom Blog Society | Geeky Gamer Mom | Mom Does Reviews | Route 249 | Libby’s Library | My Boys and Their Toys | Mommie Again | Ice Fairy’s Treasure Chest | Dirty Truth Reviews | Burning Moons Inside Advice | Spend With Pennies | Freebie Spot | Happy Home and Family | Building Carpenters | Heartfelt Balance Handmade Life | As Mom Sees It | Spoiled Not Rotten |

Event dates: 11/10 – 12/1
Open to World Wide

Prize:

Step2 Deluxe Art Master Desk

Sturdy art desk provides plenty of storage. Features large work surface with molded-in compartments and hinged dry-erase writing surface that wipes clean easily and opensto storage area underneath. Includes a push-button light, and its raised shelf keeps art supplies organized. Item requires 3 “AAA” batteries, not included. Its four large bins hold art supplies within easy reach. The desk’s vertical compartments store coloring books and tablets, while its coloring coordinates with playrooms and bedrooms. Item includes one New Traditions Chair.

For a chance to win, enter via the Rafflecopter below. GOOD LUCK!

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I received no compensation for posting this giveaway and am not responsible for prize fulfillment. 

SOOO Many Prizes…Including $$$!!! GIVEAWAY!!!

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Whatcha Want Christmas Giveaway!

Hosted by: Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog, Dishin With Rebelle, and, Contest for That.

The following blogs have come together and helped make this event possible, a special thanks to:

Pink Ninja Blogger, A Medic’s World, Swank Savings, Vero’s View, Mukhang Pera, Life: Full of Unexpected Happiness, My ReCe’s Pieces, What’s Up? – Contests, Giveaways and Everything Nice, Aunt Maggie Rocks, Sister’s Saving Cents, The Frugal Free Gal, BlogShopWin, , Simply Shawn & Jenn, and Diva Fabulosa

If you’ve been entering our monthly Have It Your Way Giveaway you know how it works. This giveaway is better, we have lots of awesome prizes, but before we get started!

We have several fabulous sponsors that I would like to introduce you to!

Pink Ninja Media

Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog. Not long after Jenn has a decided to get the ball rolling with Pink Ninja her wonderful friends Raegan from Contest for That, and Bobbie from Dishin’ with Rebelle joined the fun. Together we make one pretty awesome team, connecting great bloggers with fabulous brands. If you’re a brand looking for help with your brands campaign, be sure to check out Pink Ninja Media. You’ll find some of the best bloggers in the blogosphere to help you with your blogs campaign.

Maggies Bags:

 

When it comes to keeping her promise to being green, nobody does it better than Maggies Bags! Maggies Bags uses genuine automotive seat belt webbing that’s used to protect you while driving. She uses the high-quality material and turns it into something beautiful that’s eco-friendly. She creates the lovely bags you’ll find at Maggies Bags. Maggies Bags have been featured on TV, in print and online. You’ll never find another handbag as unique and eco-friendly as Maggies Bags.

Maggie Bags has an awesome discount set up… Don’t want to wait, will these fabulous bags make an amazing gift for you ore someone you care about? Maggie Bags is offering 25% OFF their Premier Line! It’s valid through Dec. 16, 2012! To get the awesome 25% DISCOUNT ENTER CODE WhatChaWant

Ball + Chain

Ball + Chain allows members to name their prize on jewelry & accessories. Ball + Chain jewelry and accessories are available for purchase every Jewelry + accessory auction held every Tues. at 8pm CST via their Facebook Page. Join them now as they have some pretty awesome plans to expand their website into an amazing online boutique. You’re going to want to “Like” their Facebook page to stay up to date with some of the best deals and steals around.

About Aloha Vintage Jewels

set of 2 marbelized bead necklaces, blue, green, purple and pink

If you’re looking for amazing Vintage Jewelry from Circa 1950 to 1980 you’re going to love Aloha Vintage Jewels. There’s some fabulous, unique, and super original pieces of jewelry at Aloha Vintage Jewels. Jewelry has never been owned or worn. It’s been in stock since the 80s. You’re going to want to follow Aloha Vintage Jewels via Facebook for their Monthly Giveaways, and fabulous jewelry

Okay so here’s how this is going to work, there’s several great prizes.

  1. $250 Winner’s Choice – Anything you want valued up to $250 (shipping must be included in amount final prize amount of $250)
  2. $200 Winner’s Choice to Maggie Bags – Winner chooses any product from Maggie Bags valued up to $200.
  3. $100 Winner’s Choice to Maggie Bags – Winner Chooses any product from Maggie Bags valued up to $100.
  4. $50 Winner’s Choice to Aloha Vintage Jewels – Winner chooses anything from Aloah Vintage Jewels valued up to $50.
  5. $50 Amazon Gift Card – Winner will have additional choices depending upon where winner lives.

Giveaway will run from 11/10/12 at 12:01am EST till 12/11/2012 at 12:01am EST. Must be 18 or older to enter, and event is open Worldwide. For full rules on giveaway, please visit Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog.

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Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this event, nor am I responsible for shipping prize to winner.

Modest Style, Modest Price, Fabulous Look: Mikarose Dress Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

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Recently Tim and I attended out 10 year college reunion. Why yes, as a matter of fact that DID make me feel quite old!

When I was thinking about what I would wear to the reception, I had the following criteria in mind for a new dress:

1. It needed to be affordable. We are a one income family, so heading over to Saks or Nordstrom for the latest and greatest in their fall lines wouldn’t be happening for me.

2. It needed to be comfortable. We would have our two little ones with us, which means at various points throughout the event I’d be chasing after one or wearing the other.

3. It needed to be appropriate for my season of life. As fun as it is to remember my late teens and early twenties, that’s not how old I am anymore. So I shouldn’t try to dress like it for the reunion. At the same time, I didn’t want to wear something that looks like I might be attending my 50th reunion!

Mikarose was an excellent resource for me in choosing the perfect dress, which you will see in this family shot below:

I’m wearing the Hannah dress, which is smartly priced at just $44.99. And can I point out that this dress has POCKETS?! Best. Design. EVER!!!

The color is on trend, the neckline is flattering but not revealing, and the overall look is modest but not frumpy. This is now my go-to dress for any event. I can easily dress it up with a shawl or dress it down with some riding boots.

Incidentally, I know the background of this picture may look a bit boring, but we are standing in front of the entrance to my dorm hall from freshman year. Tim and I used to linger outside this door after long walks around campus and try to squeeze in  just a few more minutes together before we went our separate ways…and many of those times were before we even started dating each other and were just good friends. Having a picture of what we have grown into (a family of 4!) at the place where it all began is really special.

If you are looking for something special to add to your wardrobe, perhaps for an upcoming event, and you have some of the same criteria as me, I want to strongly encourage you to check out Mikarose! You just might find the perfect option. And if you are lucky, maybe it will have pockets, too!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a $50 gift certificate to Mikarose!

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

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

Melissa & Doug Terrific Twenty List and Giveaway

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It’s time, people! Holiday shopping is happening NOW!!! And the best retailers, like Melissa & Doug, aren’t waiting for Black Friday or Cyber Monday to hook you up with great deals! Melissa & Doug is operating with the spirit of giving in mind right now, and is giving away a gift from their Terrific Twenty list every single day for 20 days!! Woo hoo!

Entering is very simple: just go to the Melissa & Doug Facebook page and get yourself entered! It’s really easy, and hey, someone’s going to win. I think it should be you!

And sit tight, because Stuff Parents Need is going to be giving away an item from the Terrific Twenty list, as well!!!

I will be receiving an item from the Terrific Twenty list as a thank you for alerting you to this fantastic giveaway and for hosting a giveaway at Stuff Parents Need. Melissa & Doug rocks my socks off, and all opinions expressed here are strictly my own. 

Jumbo Safari Counters For Early Math Skills: Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

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In the world of parenting little ones, it’s definitely a jungle out there.

Sometimes, literally.

We recently welcomed a herd of 30 little creatures into our home. Fortunately, they all fit inside a bin in the closet! These are the JumboSafari Counters from Learning Resources and they are fun AND very functional. You can use these little critters to help with color sorting, counting, addition and subtraction, and other early math skills. You can also use them to create safari playscapes!

The Jumbo Safari Counters are a reasonable $19.99 and would make a wonderful holiday gift for a child in the 2-5 range. Learning Resources has this product as well as HUNDREDS of other really great options available right now. Don’t miss out on their great holiday deals, which they are starting now (no need to wait for Cyber Monday to find awesome deals!). I recommend following them on Facebook so you can stay in the know about their latest sales!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a set of Jumbo Safari Counters from Learning Resources!

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 strictly my own.

 

Cuteheads Clothing (Made in the USA!) Review and Outfit GIVEAWAY!!!

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We have selected Montessori education as the path for our little ones from the toddler years all the way through kindergarten. We love the philosophy behind it, and we appreciate the emphasis that is placed on independence. This was not something emphasized in my home growing up, and even as an adult I find myself too quick, sometimes, to rely on help from others rather than trying to solve a problem myself. I want Darah and Layah to be confident about their own abilities to solve problems and to take care of themselves.

Today I’m featuring a new clothing company called Cuteheads (products made in the USA!) that emphasizes allowing children to dress themselves. The clothes are easy to take on and off and can mix and match easily with one another to create multiple outfit combinations that kids will love and that moms and dads will approve!

Darah is really enjoying the Forget Me Not dress in Lavender (ARV $36). It is sized generously which means that it is quite easy for her to get on all by herself. It also means that she’ll probably still fit into it even after she outgrows most of her other 3T items. That’s a plus for me!

In addition to selecting her own hair bows (hey, why have just one when you can have two?!), she also identified the matching Little Legs leggings in lavender (ARV $16) in her pants drawer and made the match herself. High five, Darah!

Darah has been pairing both the dress and the pants with other items in her wardrobe, as well. The pieces are popular with her because she likes the colors, but more importantly, because they are comfortable and she knows she can get them on all by herself.

Cuteheads has a great selection of tops, bottoms, tunics and dresses for your little girl to mix and match. Definitely check them out and consider some of their pieces for holiday gifts this year!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win an outfit of their choice from Cuteheads!

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 strictly my own.