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Morning Me Time: 3 Things I Set Aside for Myself That Make a Big Difference in My Day

April 17, 2017 · by Tiffany Merritt · 1 Comment

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and The J.M. Smucker Company, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #DunkinDonutsPublix http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

How many times have you gone through the day without taking the time to actually get yourself physically ready for it? You skipped the shower, you threw your hair in a bun or ponytail without even brushing it, and when it comes to putting on makeup, that seems downright laughable. Who has time for that?! You also highly suspect that you hold the world record for most consecutive days using dry shampoo.

Sound familiar? I feel you, sister. Some days it feels like an accomplishment to have on a bra and clothes that aren’t stained. Anything else feels extravagant. This is part of what this season of life with young kids looks like, and it’s ok that it needs to be this way sometimes.

But it doesn’t have to be this way all the time. Over the years one trick I have learned is that giving yourself a solid 15 minutes in the morning can pay huge dividends throughout the rest of the day. Here are 3 things I do on the regular in the mornings that make me feel so good and that help me have more energy and confidence for the rest of the day’s battles as a busy mom.

Special Treats

I imagine that like me, you often find special treats for your kids at the grocery store (or perhaps you even make them yourself! Rock on, baking mama!). But I want to encourage you to keep an eye open for a little something just for you. It could be cupcakes like the ones I snagged at Publix last week, or perhaps some fresh flowers, or even a fun, exotic piece fruit. And maybe, just maybe, it might be one of those sequin pillows (don’t judge!). During your morning coffee break, enjoy eating or admiring this little treat that’s just for you. It will put a smile on your face, I promise!

2. Special Coffee

dunkin donuts me time coffee

To go along with your special treat, I very highly recommend having a special coffee. You can find some incredible varieties of Dunkin’ Donuts® coffees at your nearest Publix. Select something indulgent (I went for Vanilla Cupcake!) and save it for this special morning time that is just for you. The flavor is rich and creamy and perfectly sweet, and just the act of brewing it will send a signal to your brain that it is time to focus on you for a few minutes. Light a candle and take a few deep breaths while it is brewing to help kick your body and mind into relaxation mode. Trust me, it really helps! On your next trip to Publix be sure to pick up one of the many great varieties of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and be sure to use this $1 off coupon (now through 5/6/17 at Publix, while supplies last). It’s good for the K-cups or for grounds, so get whatever works for you!

3. Special Attention

dunkin donuts me time makeup

Now that you’ve gotten into the “chill” zone with your DD coffee, your candle and your little treat, it’s time to give yourself a few minutes of special attention. Some days this is going to mean that you get a shower (woo hoo!). Some days it is going to mean that you can style your hair. And some days it is going to mean that you get to put on some makeup. And occasionally, it might even mean that you get to put on a “put together” outfit. For me, choosing an outfit means lighting that candle needs to happen for sure. I keep thinking, “Serenity now!” while I search for something that isn’t faded, more than 3 years old, or actually designed to wear at the gym (anyone feel me on that one???). Maybe in a future post we need to talk about taking some me time to shop for new threads!

dunkin donuts me time candle

I completely understand that rarely, if ever, will you be able to have enough time for all 4 “special attention” steps when you are looking after little ones, but if you can manage 2 out of 4, you are pretty much winning at life. If you can only do 1, that’s ok, but please do at least 1. And this next part is important so read it twice: don’t do this for anyone else but yourself. This isn’t about adhering to what the magazines tell you looks good, this is strictly about doing what makes YOU feel great. And you know as well as I do that some days getting to use that fancy bar of soap (and a shot of caffeine!) is all you needed to feel like a million bucks, or at least to not feel like a deer in the headlights all day. dunkin donuts me time pic 4

I find that my morning “me time” break can really help set the tone for the rest of my day. If I skip over it due to a perceived lack of time, I tend to pay the price by feeling burned out earlier in the day. Taking time just for you gives you a good ROI (return on investment) far more often than not, so make time and space for it, fellow moms!

6 Ways to Protect Your Carpet from Your Toddler

March 30, 2017 · by Tiffany Merritt · 2 Comments

The second you have your first child, there’s always something to worry about. Are they safe? Are they happy? Are they hungry? Parents have a million (or more!) concerns when it comes to their kids. Every day is an adventure (or misadventure), and every day new challenges arise. The most important challenge that’s always on a parents’ mind is how to protect their children. But what about protecting your home from your child?

With so many things to think about and worry about as a parent, keeping your home looking and smelling clean doesn’t have to be one of them and shouldn’t be one of them. It’s pretty much a given that when you have a child, things around the house will be a little messier and a little less organized than before. Kids spill, they have accidents, they get sick, and well, life happens. Usually, these mishaps are easy fixes, however, when a spill or accident happens on your carpet, it can be a whole other story. Here are the 6 best ways to protect your carpet from your toddler.

How to Protect Your Carpet from Your Toddler

Chair Mats/Splat Mats

One great way to protect your carpet from your toddler spilling on it is to not allow them to eat near any carpeted areas in your home. Well, that’s easier said than done. Some homes have carpeted eating areas and even if not, some families like to enjoy meals or snacks in rooms other than the kitchen. If this sounds like you, it’s a great idea to get a chair mat or splat mat to put under your child’s chair when they eat. These are perfect for protecting floors at mealtime. They’re lightweight, easy to move around, and most importantly, easy to wipe up if there’s a spill.

Shower Curtain

There are so many activities other than eating that your toddler can be doing around the house that may damage your carpet. From painting and coloring to lounging around drinking a juice box to using toys they’d been playing with outside, if you want to protect a larger area of your carpet or give your kids some space to play, get a little creative and lay a shower curtain down on the floor for them. This will ensure that all messes are easy to clean up and you can even find one with fun patterns and designs that they’ll love!

Get a Cheap Area Rug

An alternative to the shower curtain is using a cheap rug for your child to play on. You can get one for a great price in your kid’s favorite color, and if any messes occur, you can just throw it right in the washing machine. Easy peasy.

Spill Proof Cups

We’re sure you’ve heard the expression “there’s no use crying over spilled milk.” Sure, that’s a great saying until your kid is spilling that milk all over your carpet! Spill proof cups have to be one of the best inventions ever. Give your kid one of these and you’ll never have to worry about crying over spilled milk, because there won’t be any.

Mats by All Doors

As soon as kids step outside to play, they always seem to be covered with dirt and mud within seconds. Don’t let your kids drag this mud inside on their shoes. Put mats by all the doors and make sure to teach your kids that there are no shoes allowed inside. Make sure they always keep their shoes on the mats so that your carpet doesn’t have a chance of ever even seeing the bottoms of their muddy soles!

Carpet Protector

When you have your carpet professionally cleaned, make sure to have the cleaner apply a carpet protector. This will give you some extra protection from your little one doing any damage to your carpet.

If you have any other tips for keeping your carpets safe from toddlers, leave a comment and share!

(Giveaway!) Comfort for Life in the Bedroom: 5 Strategies to Bring On Blissful Sleep

August 26, 2016 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Serta for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you have ever experienced the joys of adulting (paying large sums of money for joyless things like a plumber or new tires, changing 8,000 diapers, paying taxes, etc.) then you have surely experienced poor sleep. Stress is a major thief of rest, and when people are having trouble sleeping, stress is often the first thing we look at to try to determine how to improve the situation. That’s definitely a great place to start, but it’s not the only place to look! There are several things happening in the bedroom, itself, that can hinder you from sleeping in comfort, and yet most people overlook these problems and continue to wake up exhausted.

Serta is well aware of these extra steps you can take that will set the mood for great sleep, and so in partnership with comedian Loni Love, ComfortSutra is being launched! This is a cheeky and fun guide to comfort in the bedroom to help people get back to the great sleep they once knew and loved. I’m helping out with the program by sharing a few things I do to “set the mood” for sleep!

1. Do It in the Dark

Surely you have heard the advice to create ambient, restful lighting in your room through candles, right? It might be pretty, but it’s dangerous to do if there’s even the slightest chance that you might be falling asleep any time soon, and furthermore, our bodies truly need dark in order for our brains to understand that it is time to shut down the wheels turning in there and go to sleep. So ditch the candles or the light dimmer and get some blackout curtains if needed to ensure that when it’s time for light’s out, the lights are totally out!

2. Viewer Discretion Advised

Some of the best marriage advice you can take is to keep a television out of your bedroom. But this advice can positively impact much more than your romantic life, friends. The glow from screens (including hand held ones, all you phone addicts!) disrupts our circadian rhythm and confuses our brain, making it harder for us to fall asleep when we should. One of the best things you can do for your sleep is to get rid of the television in your bedroom if you have one there, and to have a phone docking station outside of your room to help you avoid the temptation to check Facebook one more time before heading to bed.

3. Get Naked

Well, friends, this advice is pretty cut and dry. I am literally suggesting that you try sleeping sans-pajamas and really sans anything except your birthday suit. It may not be the option that works best for you, but it also just might surprise you! Comfy sheets directly on the skin can feel so soft and wonderful and help your body relax naturally. Additionally, ditching the clothes might help you cool down a bit, and cooler temps have been shown to promote better sleep. Run your ceiling fan, if you have one, for good measure.

4. Dirty Little Secrets

Is your bedroom a disaster zone? I can relate, if so! It’s the room that company rarely sees, so it gets neglected the most. But I’ve come to realize that this lack of attention to detail in my room has made it an uncomfortable place to sleep. Studies have actually shown that those who keep their bedrooms clutter-free and their beds made actually sleep better! If you think about it, this makes a lot of sense. If the last thing you see before you go to bed is piles of clutter, your brain takes all of that in as a source of stress. Additionally, folks sleep better who wash their sheets weekly. Think about how wonderful it is to climb into bed with crisp, clean sheets waiting for you. Don’t let this laundry task slide for too long for the sake of good sleep, friends!

5. Wake Up Still Smiling

When you lay down on your mattress, does it make you smile? Can you feel your muscles relaxing and your body surrendering to some awesome comfort? And do you still feel that way when you wake up? If so, then you are rockin’ the right mattress, which is yet another significant part of getting the best sleep of your life. But if you don’t feel that way when you lay down or wake up, then it might be time to start looking for your perfect mattress match.

ComfortSutra Challenge

A great way to start your search is by heading to your nearest Serta retail location to learn about their great products. While you are there, take a selfie with a Serta mattress and post it to social media with a note about how you like to get comfortable, including the tags #SertaComfortSutra and #entry. This will give you the chance to win a full bedroom makeover, including a new mattress and accessories and the grand prize of Serta “Comfort for Life” which includes a mattress of your choice, free of charge, every 5-7 years!!! The contest begins on August 26th and ends September 6th, so get yourself over to a Serta location quick and get entered!

How to Give (Practical) Magic Lessons to Your Children

May 14, 2016 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

This post brought to you by Disney Junior. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Stuff Parents Need.

Do your children ever ask you to teach them magic? Mine do all the time, and it might have something to do with the fact that they believe I’m a fairy (#sorrynotsorry about that one). But lest anyone think that I’m teaching them to jump from high places to see if they can fly (who, me?), please know that my magic lessons are usually more practical in nature. Practical magic, you see, is such a great talent to cultivate within your children, because it can serve them well for their entire lives.

I’d love to show you some magic lessons you can teach your children right now, seeking inspiration from Disney, which is the source of some of the most joyful magic out there!

The Magic of Resilient Self-Confidence (Creating Inner Super Strength)

I believe with all of my heart that one of the most important things you can instill in your children is self-confidence. By helping your little ones learn to believe in themselves, you are helping them develop the type of strength that can see them through a lifetime of challenges, big and small.

One of the tricks I have learned as I work on this with my kids is to avoid praising them for innate qualities (such as, “You are so pretty! You are so smart!”). Sure, that will provide them with some confidence, but it lacks the super strength factor you really need: resilience! To cultivate this magical power, focus on praising the hard work and effort your kids put into things (for example, “I noticed you working hard on that lesson. It was a tough one, but you did not give up! Way to go!”). When your child realizes that what they need to persevere in this work is already inside of them, they will glow from the inside out. Confidence that is magical includes resilience!

The Magic of Independence (Creating the Ability to Fly)

One of the best pieces of advice I have ever received about how to parent is to remember that parenting is one giant exercise in letting go. Whatever your parenting philosophy might be, and however different it might be than mine (it most certainly is…parenting philosophies are as different as snowflakes!), I can say with confidence that you are doing something right if you are equipping your children to be independent. Fostering independence is one of the things I love the most about the path of education we chose for our kids (Montessori). Even as a preschooler, Layah has a large degree of autonomy in the classroom, and the freedom (and responsibility) to select her own lessons throughout the day, as well as to select where she completes them. The rug is an important element in the classroom, because it allows the children to create learning spaces for themselves most anywhere. I’ve noticed Layah continues to create these little spaces for herself at home, too. She’ll use a blanket or a beach towel like the Disney Minnie Mouse Bows and Dots Beach Towel and then set about her “lesson.”

For me, blankets and towels found throughout the house don’t make me feel frustrated at the clutter, but proud of what they symbolize: my little one carving out her own space, and taking control of her own learning. I can practically see the pixie dust flying around her, because independence is some serious magic!

The Magic of Hospitality (Creating the Happiest Place on Earth)

We are just days away from hosting my beloved mother-in-law (the girls’ Grammio) for a month, and we are also a few weeks away from hosting additional family members for a short visit, too. We are delighted to have the chance to be with our family! I’m trying to take the opportunity to teach my girls about what a magical gift it is to provide hospitality.

Layah is especially hoping to have a sleepover in her room with her cousin Ella, who is closest in age to Layah. I’m showing her how she can help Ella feel welcome and comfortable in her space during her visit. By having a special bedding kit like the Disney Minnie Mouse Bow Power 4-piece Toddler Bedding Set set aside for company, she can easily create a beautiful space for her guests so they can feel special and comfy.

The Magic of Mommy’s Love (Creating Instant Time Travel)

I don’t think anyone on earth wants time travel to become possible more than mothers. The mere thought of having the chance to rock my babies one more time causes my eyes to get watery and my heart to ache. Why can’t these little ones slow down??? But babies don’t keep, as the saying goes. Even so, a mother’s love is forever. I always want my girls to know that they will always, ALWAYS be my babies. Should life get scary and hard, and they need a moment to curl up with mama and feel shielded from their worries, I’ll be right there, faster than lightning. They can turn back time, even if only for a minute or two, and I will be there with hugs, kisses and cuddles. Always and forever.

The adorable Disney Junior Minnie Mouse items featured in the post today were all purchased on Walmart.com (online purchasing feels like a super power to me, sometimes because I don’t have to go to the store!). I thought they served as a fun reminder of a place where magic is very real, indeed! I hope you are feeling a little more inspired to teach a bit of practical magic to your kiddos the next time they ask to learn how to fly. With the right guidance, they can soar so high!

Rock Your Bath Time with These 5 Foods

July 7, 2015 · by Tiffany Merritt · 4 Comments

This post brought to you by DairyPure Milk. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Stuff Parents Need.

Do you need some “me” time? Once a week I go for a soothing bath. I found new ideas that are good for my skin and best of all, everything I needed was in my kitchen!

1. Lemon

Slice 5 or 6 lemons and add to your bath water and enjoy refreshed skin and tightened pores! Perfect for that bothersome “backne.”

2. Olive Oil

1/4 cup olive oil added to your bath helps your skin’s collagen and also helps with hydration.

3. Green Tea

The antioxidants found in green tea can help your body detox. Green tea is also known to have anti-aging benefits. Steep 7 bags in the tub while you soak.

4. Honey

Dry skin? Try adding 1 cup of honey to your bath. You’ll have smoother, softer skin! And similar to green tea, you’ll enjoy the detoxing benefits of honey’s antioxidants.

5. Milk

A warm milk bath is perfect for tired, rough feet. Pour 2 -4 cups of milk into a pan and soak your feet for 10 minutes. Milk contains lactic acid that tells all that rough skin on your feet to take a hike. Maximize the benefits by exfoliating with baking soda after your soak!
When selecting your ingredients, go for quality. You are feeding your skin, so feed it the best! For example, opt for the DairyPure milk option. DairyPure milk is the ony milk backed by an exclusive 5 Point Purity Promise:

No artificial growth hormones (No significant difference has been shown between milk derived from cows treated with the artificial growth hormone rbST and non‐rbST‐treated cows.)
All milk is tested for antibiotics
Continuously quality tested to ensure purity
Only from cows fed a healthy diet
Cold shipped fresh from your local dairy

You can Learn more about DairyPure online and follow DairyPure on Facebook to get life hack ideas like the ones above. Need recipes? Get your DairyPure Recipe inspiration on Pinterest.

3 Things to Keep in Mind When Trying to Conceive (TTC)

June 18, 2015 · by Tiffany Merritt · 7 Comments

Astroglide TTC™ sponsored this blog post. The opinions and text are all mine.

I remember all too well when Tim and I first decided that we were ready to expand our family and turn 2 into 3. It was an exciting season that all too rapidly became stressful, at least for me. I hope that some advice I can offer on this side of the journey can help those of you out there who are thinking about trying to conceive or already on that path, and maybe even getting a little stressed out!

1. Statistically-Speaking, This Will Take a While
I spent so many years of my adult, married life actively trying to prevent pregnancy. So I assumed that taking contraception off the table was like moving the critical Jenga piece…the tower would fall, or in this case, I would just no longer NOT be pregnant, right?I mean, maybe. For some that does happen. But for healthy couples with no obvious obstacles in their way (such as advanced maternal age, PCOS, low sperm count, etc.), it is perfectly normal for it to take 6 months or longer to get pregnant. I was totally clueless about that fact, and I wish I had realized and accepted it sooner and not spent those months being very frustrated.
2. Sex Will ChangeThere is a very distinct difference between sex for fun and intimacy and sex with the goal of creating a baby. It’s just not as, well, SEXY. With that said, one of the things I wish I had known about that would have made the process feel better (yup, I mean that literally) is a sperm-friendly lubrication. I remember learning about the fact that many lubricants can interfere with sperm doing their jobs, and so it got the boot. Astroglide Trying to Conceive TTC is a fantastic option to consider, as it has been specially formulate to provide an environment where sperm has a good chance of survival. pH levels are adjusted and the consistency is meant to mimic what your body would create during ovulation. Since this is probably going to take a while, I suggest that you do yourself a favor and get a product that will keep you comfortable without causing you to worry that you are diminishing your odds for success.

3. Sponteneity is Important!
Are you charting your body temperature to determine when you are ovulating? That’s a common practice, and it’s a smart one, too. But let me tell you from personal experience that there’s something to be said for practicing some old habits and being spontaneous with your rendezvous, rather than simply focusing on doing what the chart says. I charted like it was MY JOB when we were trying for our first child, and distinctly remember leaving town for a few days for a business conference, at least 4 days past when all of my charts said it was even possible for me to conceive. My first thought was, “There’s absolutely no point in having sex right now.” But I was going to miss my husband, and so…you know…

I guarantee you that this is when our little Darah came to be, based on how she measured and when my due date was. It wasn’t even possible on paper, and yet, it happened. Thank goodness for a little sponteneity, am I right?!

I know this can be an overwhelming time, especially when you don’t get that “big fat positive” sign you are looking for after your first round of trying. But I promise you that there was a time when sex was a lot of fun for you and your partner, and you really can tap back into that by opting for spontaneous, comfortable fun together!

Chocolate Mint Pudding Using Fresh, Simple Ingredients

June 16, 2015 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

This post brought to you by DairyPure Milk. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Stuff Parents Need.

Last week our Community Support Agriculture (CSA) basket fro our local farmer included some fresh mint. The smell was out-of-this-world and I immediately knew that I wanted to make something fabulous with it.

I also know who I am in the kitchen: someone who likes to get in and out without too much hassle. I thought perhaps a chocolate mint pudding mightbe the perfect use for this mint. I’d love to show you how easy it is to recreate a made-from-scratch pudding!

I think the bulk of your success with this recipe is going to happen when you choose your ingredients. I recommend choosing local for as much as you can, as well as choosing items that aren’t highly processed. For example, when you are selecting your milk, look for the DairyPure sign on the carton. You can Learn more about DairyPure by clicking the link, but the main thing you should know is that only DairyPure milk comes with the exclusive 5 Point Purity Promise:

No artificial growth hormones (No significant difference has been shown between milk derived from cows treated with the artificial growth hormone rbST and non‐rbST‐treated cows.”)
All milk is tested for antibiotics
Continuously quality tested to ensure purity
Only from cows fed a healthy diet
Cold shipped fresh from your local dairy

I also opted for locally grown mint and eggs. I went with a more naturally processed cacao powder and I chose a coconut sugar, which is lower on the glycemic index and doesn’t result in a sugar crash when you consume it.

Chocolate Mint Pudding

Ingredients:

2 cups DairyPure whole milk
1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, muddled
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/3 cup natural cacao powder
4 tsp cornstarch
3 large egg yolks
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

Servings: 6 smaller servings or 4 larger servings

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 40 minutes

Total time (including chilling): 4 hours, 45 minutes

Begin by removing the leaves from your mint and placing in a bowl. Add 1 Tbsp from the milk you have set aside, and 1 Tbsp from the sugar you have set aside. Use a muddler to crush the mint leaves, or simply use the back of a spoon. Crushing or bruising the leaves releases the oils much better than chopping, so the flavor will be better. Muddle for about 10 seconds.

Place the remaining milk in a saucepan and heat until it is hot to the touch but not boiling. Add the crushed mint mixture and turn off the heat, allowing the leaves to steep in the milk for half an hour.

Meanwhile, combine cornstarch, salt, egg yolks and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.

Once the mint has steeped in the milk for half an hour, remove the mint. If few tiny bits remain, don’t sweat it! Now slowly add the egg mixture to the steeped milk, stirring constantly while combining.

Return the saucepan to the stove. Add the sugar and cacao powder and cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly until it begins to boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low or low (just enough for a gentle simmer) and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until thick, whisking almost constantly (whisking makes it frothy, so you will have to stop here and there to see if it is boiling, yet).

Place the pudding in individual serving cups and chill until set (at least 4 hours) (yes the waiting is the harest part).

The finished product is worth the wait, and that pop of fresh mint is delightful in every way. This is a yummy sweet treat that actually isn’t overwhelmingly sweet, which I love. I hope you’ll try it!

Want more fresh ideas? Get some DairyPure Recipe inspiration on Pinterest and follow DairyPure on Facebook.

Wardrobe Hack: Sudden Breeze Solutions! #SavedBySkimmies

June 15, 2015 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

This post brought to you by Jockey Skimmies®. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Stuff Parents Need.

I don’t know about you, but I like to imagine that when I’m rockin’ a cute little summer dress and that unexpected gust of wind comes at me that I look just like this:

“Did that unexpected breeze just blow my dress up a bit to reveal my perfect legs? Gee, I was so busy BEING FIERCE that I hardly noticed!”

There’s no shame in channeling your inner-Beyonce. I do it all the time. However, it’s also good to realize what you ACTUALLY look like when it gets windy out. Allow me to provide an example for you:

What we have here is a case of The Flash Cycle, which Jockey® defines as trying to keep covered when an unexpected breeze picks up in The Solutionary™. Unfortunately, when your hair and your dress fly up at the same time, you may notice one before the other and put your efforts there. I was working hard on controlling the hair situation, but in so doing, I gave everyone a bit of a show. AWKWARD.

I have actually walked several blocks in downtown Chattanooga while on a date, clutching to the hem of my dress because I thought once was enough for publicly flashing folks that evening. Also AWKWARD.

There is a solution to the Flash Cycle, though, and it does not involve swearing off skirts and dresses or learning how to control the forces of nature. All you need is the Jockey Skimmies® Slipshort to add to your ensemble. Skimmies are these super lightweight, super soft articles of clothing that feel and function like a slip, but wear like a pair of shorts. They can help keep your bum covered during a gust of wind, and they also offer some great anti-static defense. Basically, they provide a dose of confidence so you can rock that outfit the way you know you can. And if you are like me, you are forever looking flawless, anyway.

I think the Original Microfiber Skimmies are a must-have for every girl’s wardrobe. That’s what I’m wearing in the photo above. They come in longer or shorter styles, and in several different colors.

I also really like the Anti-static Skimmies for those skirts and dresses that like to cling to your body, even when the wind isn’t gusting. I’ve noticed that problem with the dress I’m wearing below, so these will pair nicely together and keep me from fussing with my dress too much.

And if you spend time at the gym, like to go for walks for exercise, or just enjoy the occasional yoga class, the Wicking Skimmies are a fantastic option because they are designed to help prevent chafing and keep you comfortable and dry throughout your workout.

Basically, what I’m saying is that whatever your “skirty” situation might be, Jockey Skimmies have an answer by way of The Solutionary™. Check it out to determine which pair might help you out the most. Or, let’s just be honest: you might want to get them all.

Jockey Skimmies® retail for $20-$22 and they fit LIKE A DREAM. Please do not assume that these fit snugly and will be just one more layer to make you even more uncomfortable. Heck no, my friends. They feel amazing. Pinky promise!

Have you ever had an awkward fashion moment that could be solved by The Solutionary? And am I the only one who had convinced herself that she looked not at all awkward when pulling her dresses back down over her underwear after a wind gust? 😉

Panda Express Chinese Spare Ribs: My Thoughts After Trying This New Menu Item (Giveaway!)

April 9, 2015 · by Tiffany Merritt · 116 Comments

This post brought to you by Panda Express. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Stuff Parents Need.

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So as you know, Panda Express has launched a menu item that marries together my two favorite types of cuisine: Chinese food and barbecue. The Panda Express Chinese Spare Ribs are only available for a limited time, which obviously meant that I needed to go try them out RIGHTTHISVERYSECOND. I gathered my crew for the earliest possible time we could all get together (5-year-olds can have surprisingly busy schedules, you know) and we made our way over.

When we arrived at Panda Express, we realized that we were not the only ones “in the know” about this totally awesome new menu item. There were 7 people in line ahead of us! Then I looked over at the “online order” pickup area…just one incredible smart individual stood there, picking up his order (which was no doubt full of those Chinese Spare Ribs). Learn from my mistake, friends, and Order Online the next time you want to go to Panda Express. Even if you want to dine in, it will save you some time and ensure that you don’t have to watch 4 of the 7 people in front of you order exactly what you want and break out into a sweat, fearful that your culinary dreams will not be fulfilled.

I may have REALLY wanted to try those ribs. Just sayin’.

But there was no cause for concern, as Panda Express had anticipated the mad rush of people who would fall in love with this item. They had plenty of Chinese Spare Ribs on hand, and I got to place my order. It took some serious restraint to photograph them before eating them, as they smelled just as good as they looked.

The flavors were totally awesome (it’s a marinade of sesame oil, mirin, red chil bean paste, garlic and red peppers) and the meat was very tender, thanks to the 5 hour slow-cooking process.

Tim ordered the Chinese Spare Ribs, too, because OBVIOUSLY that is the item that cannot be denied on the menu right now! We got teriyaki chicken for the girls, and they liked it, but very quickly started asking to try the Chinese Spare Ribs, which honestly surprised me. And of course, they liked it, too! Even Nathan from WannaBite.com has great things to say about these yummy ribs!

If you want to find out more about Panda Express dishes, visit them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. And don’t forget to check out their Pinterest page for some great DIY ideas!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a $25 gift card to Panda Express so that you can treat your family to some seriously yummy food! To enter, simply leave a comment below telling me why you are excited to try out the new Panda Express Chinese Spare Ribs. Good luck! The contest ends at 11:59pm ET on April 22nd. A winner will be drawn from eligible entries (don’t forget to leave your email address so you can be contacted!). Open to residents of the United States 18 and over. Limit one entrant per household, please. Stuff Parents Need is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Special Treats

2. Special Coffee

3. Special Attention