Stuff Parents Need

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

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

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 Pearls are definitely a classic, but they can also get a reputation as being old-fashioned or perhaps even outdated, especially when you think about the variety of jewelry options available on the market today.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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Open Worldwide, must be 18 or older to enter.

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

$50 Visa Gift Card GIVEAWAY!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Magic Moves Electric Wand Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

Master Love Locks GIVEAWAY!!!

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Hipkiddo Intelligently Hip Cloth Diapers

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

1. All that extra laundry

2. The up front cost of reusable diapers

3. Getting clothes to fit around that fluffy bottom

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

I mean, just look at this:

Hipkiddo moo moo diaper

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

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

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

hipkiddo intelligently hip diaper

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

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

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

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

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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.

Daylight Savings: Change Your Clock AND Your Batteries w/Energizer! GIVEAWAY!!!

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Mark your calendar! November 4 is the day when Daylight Saving Time ends this year, which means you need to set your clocks back on the evening of November 3!

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of a simple and potentially life-saving program: Change Your Clock Change Your Battery. Energizer has a partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and they are working together to remind folks that we should be in the habit of changing the batteries in our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every time we change our clocks back. And if you don’t have either alarm or don’t have as many as you should, there’s no time better than RIGHT NOW to get them installed!

From the IAFC comes a startling statistic: 38% of fatal fire injuries occur in homes with no smoke alarms, and 24 perfect occur in homes in which at least one smoke alarm is present but fails to operate, frequently due to dead or missing batteries.

I don’t know about you, but remembering to check my smoke detector batteries is not something I think to do on my own. I love the idea of coupling this VERY important task with an event so that I can remember it more easily!

I want to encourage each of you to visit the Energizer Bunny Facebook page from now through November 4th. There you will find an ADDITIONAL sweepstakes for a Family Safety Kit that’s worth $150! They are giving away one each day, so hop on over there and get entered!

While you are there, please notice that you can find fire safety tips, a downloadable home escape plan and a coloring and activity sheet. I’ve got these downloaded and ready to go at my house, and I wouldn’t have had them without this great free resource. Thank you, Energizer!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win a Family Safety Kit from Energizer, complete with a reusable grocery tote containing the following items:

  •         One 2-pack of Energizer® MAX® Batteries (9v) with Power Seal Technology – Dependable, powerful performance for the devices that help keep your family safe; now hold their charge when stored for up to 5 years
  •        One Energizer® Flameless Wax Candle – Enjoy the realistic flicker of a scented wax candle without the worry of open flame or hassle of soot and dripping wax
  •         One Energizer® Weatheready® Safety Light – Waterproof flashlight powered by AA, AAA or C cell batteries; includes safety whistle and imprinted preparedness checklist
  •         One Kidde Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm

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

I received a complimentary safety kit in thanks for my time writing this important post. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. 

SodaStream: One of My Very Favorite Products (GIVEAWAY!!!)

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Way back in June of 2010 I reviewed the SodaStream, which was a clever product that allowed you to make your own soda at home. You can see my SodaStream video review here, and since it is the very first time I used the product, you’ll notice that I was surprised by the funny noises! 🙂

Last month I created a list of my very favorite products of 2010, and SodaStream made the list. I mentioned that even 2 years after getting it, I have yet to purchase a can of soda but I still get my bubbly fix thanks to SodaStream!

The folks at SodaStream were excited to make the “best of” list and offered to let me try some of their newer products. I was sent a Fountain Jet Soda Lover’s Start-Up Kit. Here’s what it looked like:

I was really impressed with all the goodies that came in this package, and couldn’t help but think that this would make the absolute PERFECT holiday gift for a loved one. You get everything you need to get started and I especially love the sample pack which gives you the chance to try out a  lot of different flavors before you commit to buying any of them in the full-size. We’ve been buying SodaStream flavors for 2 years now, but I’ll admit that we stick to our 4 favorites. This gave us the chance to try out some flavors that we either hadn’t yet seen in the stores or just hadn’t purchased.

I also wanted to show how the Fountain Jet has gotten a really good makeover in the past 2 years. Here you will see the new Fountain Jet next to the old Fountain Jet. It’s much more sleek, don’t you think?

If you have been hesitant to try out the SodaStream, perhaps because of the initial cost, I have to tell you that I’m a thrifty gal and I think this product pays for itself time and time again. It also significantly reduces waste. Think of all the plastic 2 liter bottles and aluminum cans you won’t be using!

But perhaps my favorite reason for loving SodaStream is that their syrups contain no high fructose corn syrup. When you compare the cost of SodaStream to other sodas without that ingredient, there’s really no comparison. This is MUCH cheaper, and SO much better for you than a traditional soda.

I have been an evangelist for this product for the past 2 years (can’t tell you how many times we have shown it to friends who were curious when they were over for dinner or a visit!). I will continue to be a loyal SodaStream fan, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys soda or even carbonated water (yeah, you can use SodaStream to replace your pricey bottled carbonated water, too!).

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a Fountain Jet Soda Lover’s Start-Up Kit which includes the following:

– Fountain Jet – winner’s choice of color (black/silver, red/silver or white)
– 1 carbonating bottle, reusable for up to 3 years
– Reusable carbonator to fizz up to 60L of soda
– Variety 6-pack of popular sample-size flavors
– 3 full-sized flavors of the winner’s choice

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

I received a complimentary Start-Up Kit for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. 

 

Earth’s Best Makes Breakfast Healthy and Delicious: GIVEAWAY!!!

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Breakfast at my house is almost never skipped. I feel super sluggish without it, myself, and since Darah faces 4 hours of school, I know her body really needs the fuel to power through the morning.

Darah loves oatmeal, so when I learned this month at Earth’s Best has an instant oatmeal option, I was really excited. And when Darah saw Elmo on the package, SHE was really excited. This is the only organic instant oatmeal I have seen in my local store. We usually just make our own, which takes a bit longer. But Earth’s Best Yummy Tummy Organic Instant Oatmeal is ready in about 90 seconds. That is so helpful for busy mornings (which is every morning!).  It is available in Maple & Brown Sugar as well as Apples & Cinnamon. Both options are absolutely perfect for a chilly school morning!

Layah also has a yummy breakfast option from Earth’s Best. We’ve been using their organic rice cereal for a few weeks now, but in the near future I will be introducing her to Earth’s Best Whole Grain Mixed Grain Cereal which contains oats, barley and spelt as well as apple and sweet potato. It sounds delicious, and I love that it is packed with all those fantastic whole grains. In my experience, starting babies off with these types of foods ensures that they will enjoy them longer. Darah regularly ate barley and other whole grains throughout her baby and toddlerhood! I usually make the majority of the baby food, but having this mixed grain cereal on hand will help speed things up quite a bit, which leaves me more time to work on other projects. And I don’t sacrifice nutrition in the process. Thanks, Earth’s Best!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win Earth’s Best Organic Yummy Tummy Instant Oatmeal and Earth’s Best Infant Cereal!
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Be sure to enter my other current 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.