review - Stuff Parents Need

Okee Dokee Brothers Take it Outside Review

August 9, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 58 Comments

I have always loved music. My father sang professionally for a long time, and still books gigs with his band a handful of times each year. On any given day, I’ll usually have some song running through my head, and you’ll likely overhear me humming it (or if I think nobody can hear me, I’ll just go ahead and belt it out!).

Darah is making music a central part of my life right now, because she LOVES it. Can I just tell you how hilarious it is to watch her dance back and forth to the beat?! She gets a huge grin on her face, and sometimes even claps when the music comes on.

One cd that has been getting some playtime on our Itunes lately is Take It Outside, the latest album from The Okee Dokee Brothers. From the press release, “Take It Outside does continue the magic, capturing one full day of childhood, from waking up for a little “Bluegrass for Breakfast” to hitting the hay at night with “Sweet Dreams.” Mailander and Lansing blend a little bit of country, quite a bit of bluegrass, and add in pop and funk influences for good measure.” As we get geared up for our move to Chattanooga (oh yeah…have I mentioned that???), these tunes put us in the right frame of mind! 🙂

I would summarize this album as good old fashioned fun set to music. It is lighthearted and upbeat and it definitely helps round out Darah’s growing collection of artists who are geared toward children but are still quite musically diverse in terms of their sounds! Take it Outside was released on August 3rd, and it is definitely worth a listen. Check it out here, and if you like what you hear, you can get the whole album for $12.97 or get the mp3s for just $9.99. That’s a sweet deal! It is also available now on Amazon.

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need Reader will win a brand spankin’ new copy of Take it Outside by the Okee Dokee Brothers! The contest will run until August 19th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize before it is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Limit one entrant per household, please. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory entry: What was your favorite game to play outside when you were a kid?

Additional entries:
1. Follow The Okee Dokee Brothers on Twitter
2. “Like” The Okee Dokee Brothers on Facebook
3. Tell me your favorite Okee Dokee Brothers video of the ones shown here
4. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter
5. “Like” Stuff Parents Need on Facebook
6. Subscribe to Stuff Parents Need by RSS, email or Google Friend Connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe multiple ways)
7. If you are a blogger (posted something within the past 3 months) put my button on your blog and leave a url so that I can find it.

Be sure to enter my other current giveaways (listed on the sidebar of my home page)

Disclosure: I received complimentary products for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

Hooded Towels for Kids with Amy Butler Designs

August 8, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 147 Comments

Several months ago, I featured a delightful shop called Ahmelie because they carry swaddling blankets that are not only beautiful, but also actually large enough for use ( a traditional receiving blanket is WAY too tiny…check out my post on large swaddling blankets for more info on that topic).

I’m pleased to be bringing you another fabulous find from Ahmelie. This one is perfect to wrap your little toddler in after bath time! Check out her drop dead gorgeous hooded towels! Have you ever in your life seen such beautiful bath sheets???

Ahmelie sent us the Organic Watermelon towel, made with material by Amy Butler. Tim was with me when I opened it, and he audibly swooned when he saw it. This guy is not so easily impressed, but I’m telling you, he was boderline gushing. The colors are bold, bright and beautiful, and such a nice break from the pastel pink that has taken over our home. The towel is also one of those REALLY good ones. You know…huge, super soft, and very absorbent.

This towel measures 31″ x 56″, so it is great for her to use now at the beginning of her toddler years, but is large enough that she’ll still be using it probably until she’s old enough to think it isn’t cool to have a hooded towel (maybe 9? I dunno…). Ahmelie has a wonderful selection of hooded towels, with prices starting at just $19.00. These make a really awesome gift for a toddler or child! And let me just be honest…I wouldn’t mind having one in my size. Just sayin’.

Bottom line, Ahmelie has a tremendous selection of beautiful and functional gifts for babies, toddlers and even hip moms (I am totally coveting this coffee cuff and this checkbook cover). Check out the shop today; you are sure to find something you’ll love! Ahmelie also has a shop at Big Cartel, and you can get 10% off there by using promo code STUFFPARENTS10.

Win it!: Ahmelie wants to help celebrate Darah’s birthday by giving one lucky Stuff Parents Need reader a hooded towel from currently listed selection. Sweet! The contest will run until August 18th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be contacted and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is drawn. Open to residents of the United States. Limit one entrant per household, please.

Mandatory entry: Ahmelie wants to be friends…facebook friends, that is! “Like” Ahmelie on Facebook and come back here and tell me you did so for your mandatory entry!

Additional entries:
1. Tell me your favorite Ahmelie item.
2. Follow Ahmelie on Twitter
3. Subscriber to Ahmelie’s blog
4. Subscribe to Stuff Parents Need by RSS, email, or Google Friend Connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe multiple ways.
5. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter

Be sure to check out my other current giveaways, listed on the sidebar of my home page.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary product for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

The Birthday Suit is Best….But This is a Close Second

August 7, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 171 Comments

It is DANG hot here in Memphis. When we are at home, I often let Darah spend a fair amount of the day just in her (cloth!) diaper. I know that helps her stay cool and she seems to like it. Of course, there are occasions that demand clothing. What is a good solution that will cover up my child but that will also breathe well?

One of my favorite Etsy shop owners, Brandi (of Pannaz fame), has a solution. She makes pillowcase dresses that are extremely functional during the hot months. They are also unbelievably cute. Darah stays cool when she has hers on, and she looks fabulous!

The dress is really easy to slip on and off, and so far, Darah hasn’t squirmed too much whenever I’m tying the bows on her shoulders. She only pulled at it once, so it is proving to be not too big of a temptation (thank goodness!).

Darah is really big into crawling right now, which can make dress-wearing a challenge. Fortunately, Brandi makes these dresses short enough that Darah can scoot around with ease when she has hers on. It is a wardrobe winner, for sure. Also, the fabric that is used is so bright and cheerful! Today is Darah’s birthday, and this is the dress she is wearing, because it is so festive-looking.

Buy it!: Pannaz has so many cute things for sale (at VERY reasonable prices). Check out the shop to see what you can’t resist (I be you’ll find something). These adorable pillowcase dresses are only $15 (that’s such an awesome deal for a dress that is handmade with love!).

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to snag a pillowcase dress from Pannaz. The contest will run until August 17th at 7:59 CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be contacted and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States. Limit one entrant per household, please.
Mandatory entry: Tell me the pillowcase dress you like the very best in Brandi’s shop!

Additional entries:
1. “Like” Pannaz on Facebook
2. Add Pannaz to your Etsy favorites
3. Suggest something for Brandi to make and offer in her shop.
4. . Subscribe to Stuff Parents Need via email, RSS or Google Friend Connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe multiple ways)
5. If you are a blogger (must have written a post in the last 3 months) add my button to your blog roll and send me a link so that I can see it
5. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter
6. “Like” Stuff Parents Need on Facebook

Be sure to enter my other current giveaways (found on the sidebar of my main page).

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

Personalized Wooden Step Stool for Kids

August 7, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 2 Comments

It’s official: Darah is no longer a baby. Just writing that sentence made me tear up.

She will ALWAYS be my baby girl, for the rest of my life. But right now, I have to let her be the brand new toddler that she wants to be (and really already is). She’s gone from a passive, gurgling little love lump into a acrobatic monkey, full of curiosity, and the motor skills to get herself into some serious mischief. She’s a handful, and she’s also my greatest joy. Watching her explore and do all sorts of cool things for the first time is amazing. I love watching her spot something interesting, and then go over to it to take a closer look. She is full of wonder.

As she grows, she’s going to have many moments when her height doesn’t correspond to her needs (welcome to my life, kid). She needs a step stool for those moments, and I found the greatest step stool EVER. Hands down. Seriously. I’m in love with it. This personalized wooden step stool for kids is solid wood, beautifully crafted, and it has you child’s name on it in hand painted wooden blocks that can be removed for play. It is an absolute treasure, and one that I hope Darah will keep forever (and she probably should, since she won’t be running into too many other Darahs who could use it!). I think that the price tag for this custom piece is also very reasonable, coming in at $65.00. It will ship within 2 weeks of purchase, too!

Edit: 5 years after first writing this, our personalized wooden step stool is still in great shape!

Referral links may be included at no cost to you. All opinions are my own, as always.

Party Favors I Actually Love: Custom Art Chalk

August 6, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 66 Comments

I’m starting to realize that part of the culture of children’s birthday parties includes party favors. I think when I was little, I would occasionally go to a birthday party where we could go home with a pencil and some stickers (actually, I distinctly remember getting one of those funky mechanical pencils that was glittery and thinking that it was the greatest party EVER). But I think the bar has been raised a bit, and now parents are left scrambling to find favors that won’t disappoint. I find this very strange, and I hope that I don’t fall into that mindset when Darah gets a little bit older and starts to have birthday parties with guests.

I don’t mind sending kids home with a little something fun, but I’m totally not interested in loading them up with plastic crap (which is what the affordable favors are) or with spending a lot of money just in impress the kids and/or their parents (and also give them anxiety about what they will have to buy for favors when it is their child’s party).

I found an Etsy store that has a PERFECT solution for the favor dilemma. Check out The Chalk Shop! Mel is an awesome mom who runs this store out of her smoke-free home. She started out making art chalk for her 21 month old daughter, and then she learned how to make the chalk in all sorts of different shapes. This makes for unique chalk pieces that are so much fun. They are fun to look at, fun to play with (what kid doesn’t LOVE chalk?), and they are reasonably priced, so that you don’t bust your party budget!

Mel enjoys working with her customers to make the perfect shapes and colors to meet you needs. I actually found the store in February when I was looking for the perfect gift for one of my nieces. At the time she was really into trains and she also liked chalk. Well, The Chalk Shop happened to offer chalk in the shape of trains. PERFECT!!! If you have an idea for a chalk design, send Mel a convo through Etsy and she’ll let you know if she can make it happen! It takes two weeks for custom orders to be shipped, as they need adequate time to dry before shiping.

Mel can also wrap up the chalk into beautiful little packages, which makes them perfect to hand out as favors. They are also gift-ready for any other special occasion!

Buy it!: I highly recommend The Chalk Shop as a go-to resource for party favors and stocking stuffers. Mel can help you come up with something perfect for you at a price that will make you smile! Each piece is just over $1! Hard to beat, I think!

Win it!: Mel sent me a delightful set of flower chalk (3 pieces of chalk, total), beautifully wrapped, for one lucky Stuff Parents Need reader! The contest will run until August 16th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States. Limit one entrant per household, please.

Mandatory entry: Tell me your thoughts on party favors for kids. Do you provide them for your parties? Are they fun or do they stress you out? Any comment related to the topic will work!

Additional entries:
1. Add The Chalk Shop to your etsy favorites
2. “Like” The Chalk Shop on Facebook
3. Give Mel a suggestion for a chalk shape
4. Subscribe/follow Stuff Parents Need by RSS, email or Google Friend Connect (one extra entry, even if you subscribe multiple ways)
5. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter
6. If you are a blogger (wrote a post in the last 3 months) add my button to your site and leave the url so I can see it.

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

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

PlayBright: How to Make Playtime Learning Time

August 5, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

There’s a non-profit organization in Washington state that has produced a really cool social venture project. The Children’s Home Society of Washington has created a set of books called PlayBright Guidebook, which consist of guidebooks (one for each year ages birth to five) and a keys to learning book that gives parents detailed information on how your child grows and develops.

Before I tell you more, I wanted to explain what a social venture project is (this term is relatively new to me, so I’m thinking it might be new to some of you). When a non-profit or a business has a social venture project, one of the aims of the project is to make a profit. One of the other aims is to make a positive difference in society. The Children’s Home Society of Washington is a non-profit organization whose mission is,” to develop healthy children, create strong families, build engaged communities, and speak and advocate for children.”The PlayBright system gives parents tools to provide brain-boosting activities for their growing children, and the money generated by selling these books goes back to the Children’s Home Society of Washington to help them support kids and families in various ways. Pretty cool, huh?

Ok, so back to the PlayBright system. We were sent the book for 12-24 months, and it is stuffed with information that I’m already finding so helpful. In addition to have dozens of pages of fun activities to help your child learn and grow, it also has great information about developmental milestones for this age range, types of toys that are especially stimulating, and songs and nursery rhymes to teach your child. But the book is not at all overwhelming. I think they have cut out a lot of the fluff you find in many developmental books, and stuck with the essentials. As a busy person with not enough time to read much, I really appreciate this!

We also got to check out the PlayBright Keys to Learning book. It was totally fascinating. This is another example of a resource that cut out the fluff and left only the really important and helpful information on the table. I want to provide play time for Darah that is fun, that creates a bond between us, and that also helps her to learn and grow. When I’m left on my own to figure out how to do that well, I have some successes, but I often come up short. This book has given me so many ideas to use, and also gives me a better understanding of the types of stimulation that Darah needs now (and why!). Now that I understand this information, I can create more opportunities for learning fun on my own.

I’m thrilled to have these books, and I know I’ll be buying the books for the next few years, as well. Thank you, Children’s Home Society of Washington, for developing a resource that is so useful!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need Reader is going to win the Keys to Learning book as well as the guidebook for the age you request! Playtime is about to get really awesome at your house! The contest will run until August 15th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to claim the prize before it is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Limit one entrant per household, please. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory entry: You must subscribe to my blog via email, Reader or Google Friend Connect (only one is required, just let me know which you chose!).Additional entries:
1. Tell me your favorite game or activity to play with your child. If you don’t yet have a child, tell me a game you hope to play with him/her in the first year.
2. “Like” All on Facebook
3. “Like” Stuff Parents Need on Facebook
4. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter
5. Tweet about this giveaway (one tweet/day allowed)
6. If you are a blogger (your blog needs to have posts that have been written in the past 3 months, please) add my button to your blog and leave a url where I can see it!Be sure to check out my other current giveaways, found on the sidebar of my home page

Disclosure: I received complimentary products for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This post may contain affiliate links at no cost to you.

Have a Happy Birthday? YES WE CAN! (GIVEAWAY!!!)

August 4, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 131 Comments

Darah is part of what is now called the “Obama Baby Boom.” There is a slight jump in the number of births that happened 9 months after our fearless leader was elected. 🙂

Tim and I make no secret about our admiration of our current president, and how our world was rocked (in a positive way) when he was elected. We know that one day we will tell Darah about when we voted for him, and how crazy busy the polls were, and how there was this vibrant energy that we had not yet witnessed in our time as registered voters. It was almost magical.

We officially announced our pregnancy to people outside of the family on Inauguration Day. Again, that was such a magical day, and I’ll never forget it. Change was in the air, snow was falling lightly in Memphis (which is relatively rare), and we were telling the world that our baby was on the way.

President Obama’s birthday is today, August 4th. I have to confess that I tried to convince my OB to induce me on the 4th, and I listed Obama’s birthday as a key reason. Yes, the crazy was in FULL FORCE by the end of my pregnancy. I’ll never forget how much she laughed when I listed that as a compelling reason to induce me. It made perfect sense to me, at the time! Also, I was miserable, but I digress…

In light of Darah’s Obama connection, we wanted to celebrate her first birthday with a little tribute to our White House resident. I found a Progress shirt at Truly Sanctuary, and I totally fell in love. They have an entire section devoted to Obama onesies! Yipee!

Now, I realize that not all of my readers will share the same affinity I have for our remarkable president. And that’s ok. I celebrate the fact that in this country we have freedom of thought and expression! If an Obama onesie probably wouldn’t find its way onto your baby, Truly Sanctuary still has something you’ll like, I guarantee it! Check out their selection of canvas totes (Mr. T bag, you MUST come home with me…), their tattoo art onesies and their extensive selection of music-related clothes!

Buy it!: Basically, Truly Sanctuary is the perfect place to shop for something unique, inspiring, or just plain quirky for your little one. Onesies start at $14.99!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to snag a onesie of your choice from those currently listed on Etsy. Yipee! The contest will run until August 14th at 7:59pm CST when the winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States. Limit one entrant per household, please.

Mandatory entry: Tell me the onesie you would pick and the size (and choose wisely, as you will get what you choose if you are the winner!)

Additional entries:
1. Follow Truly Sanctuary on Twitter
2. Add Truly Sanctuary to your Etsy favorites
3. Subscribe to Stuff Parents Need by RSS/email or Google Friend Connect
4. “Like” Stuff Parents Need on Facebook
5. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter

Be sure to check out all my other current giveaways (located on the sidebar of my homepage)
Disclosure: I was sent a complimentary product in order to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

ID Labels for Kids: We Love KiddoTags

August 3, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 101 Comments

I’ve talked a lot about Darah being in daycare. I know that not everyone who reads this blog has a little one in daycare (perhaps one parent is staying at home, or perhaps you have an in-home caregiver who comes over to watch the baby, or perhaps you are a lucky one who gets to take your little love over to Grandma’s house!).

In any case, I believe that as your child approaches 1, investing in some I.D. labels for kids is a really good idea. If they go to daycare or a Mom’s day out, I PROMISE you that anything you send with them that isn’t labeled will get lost. It’s just going to happen. I have been able to hang on to all of Darah’s pacifiers, bottles and food containers successfully because they are labeled. And using a magic marker isn’t going to cut it, because it comes off in the dishwasher.

One company that offers top notch labeling options is Kiddo Tags. These tags come with detailed instructions for applying to surfaces. The instructions also come with a phone number, should you have any questions. Gabby, the owner, seems to be really dedicated to quality customer service, which is awesome!

One of the things that blew me away was how fast the tags arrived. They were in my mailbox 3 days after I placed the order. No joke. Now that’s amazing service, folks! We have put our tags through the dishwasher numerous times, now, and they are holding up beautifully! I highly recommend Kiddo Tags for any parent who doesn’t want to lose all the stuff they send with their child to daycare/preschool/playdates/etc.

Buy it!: You can purchase Kiddo tags on the website. They have many different packages to meet your needs; be sure to check out the great value pack!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need Reader will win a set of 30 mini-kiddo tags! The contest will run until August 13th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize before it is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Limit one entrant per household, please. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory entry: Tell me the character you would put on your mini kiddo tags (select a size package and click to continue, and that will take you to the page with the characters).

Additional entries:
1. Follow Kiddo Tags on Twitter
2. “Like” Kiddo Tags on Facebook
3. Subscribe to the Kiddo Tags newsletter
4. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter
5. Subscribe to Stuff Parents Need by RSS, email or Google Friend Connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe multiple ways)
6. If you are a blogger (posted something within the past 3 months) put my button on your blog and leave a url so that I can find it.

Be sure to enter my other current giveaways (listed on the sidebar of my home page)

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

First Birthday Gift Idea: Personalized Wooden Blocks

August 2, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 244 Comments

Right around a child’s first birthday, interest in blocks seems to skyrocket (at least Darah’s has). I’ve been on the lookout for some really cool wooden blocks for her. I actually found some on Etsy, but these aren’t any ordinary blocks. They are custom made with adorable color-schemes. I love them in a major way!

Check out Designed by Lemony, which is owned by a wonderful mom named Emily! She describes her blocks as follows, “I put coordinating papers and letters on 30 solid wood 1” square blocks. After all the sides are covered, I seal the paper onto the blocks with a non-toxic glossy sealant. Each block has two letters on it, so in total there are 60 letters, which includes the entire alphabet twice. I can PERSONALIZE the canister by adding up to 8 block letters. Please just let me know the name when you order so I can finish it quickly before sending it.”

Emily is always seeking to perfect her products. After getting some feedback about the finish of her blocks being a bit tacky (literally tacky, not unfashionable!) she has changed her formula, and now the blocks are being made with a matte finish. I did notice that our blocks stuck together a little bit after being in the (seriously hot) attic for a few weeks. The canister she sent us has the matte finish, and it looks absolutely perfect.

Now, these blocks are already super-cute with their different patterns and designs, but Designed by Lemony can take it one step further for you. Emily can make your blocks with special photos on them, as well. Think about how great it would be to have pictures of your family members and your baby on the blocks. While your little one is learning about stacking, knocking things down, and the alphabet, you can also work on the names of your loved ones. Or you can just put pictures of your baby from his/her first year or two of life on the blocks for a beautiful keepsake. Just TRY to find something this special at Target!

Emily is inspired by custom orders, so if you have any special ideas or any particular colors that you’d like to see, just contact her…she can make it happen!

Buy it!: The wooden block set is $35 plus $7 shipping, and that includes any customization that you’d like to do to it (including adding pictures!). It comes with 30 blocks and one super cute and coordinating canister (which can have the child’s name on the outside of it). Shipping is free for your second item, by the way!

Win it!: Today just might be your lucky day! One of you is going to win a CUSTOM set of blocks for the child in your life!!! The contest will run until August 12th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected via Random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning notification before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is drawn. Limit one entrant per household, please. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me the wooden block set you like the best of the ones available!

Additional entries:
1. Add Designed by Lemony to your Etsy favorites.
2. “Like” Designed by Lemony on Facebook
3. Subscribe to Stuff Parents Need via email, RSS or Google Friend Connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe multiple ways)
4. If you are a blogger (must have written a post in the last 3 months) add my button to your blog roll and send me a link so that I can see it
5. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter
6. “Like” Stuff Parents Need on Facebook
7. Tweet about this giveaway (one tweet/day allowed)
8. Make a purchase on Designed by Lemony (10 extra entries!)

Be sure to check out all my other current giveaways (listed on the sidebar of my main page).

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