review - Stuff Parents Need

If You Haven’t Tried FabKids, You Need To!

September 14, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

Thanks to FabKids for sending along the shirt and pants outfit for review. We purchased the dress on our own. All thoughts and opinions are my own, as always. Referral links included.

Lots of people were excited to read my first post about FabKids (if you missed it, you can find the FabKids review here). FabKids is an affordable fashion site for boys and girls in sizes 2t-12, and joining their VIP club is, without hesitation, THE way to go.

How It Works

At the start of the month, you will get your own boutique to shop in, styled based on your child’s preferences (though the entire collection is available to you if you want to browse outside of their recommendations). You can select 1 outfit (shirt and pants, top and skirt, dress and leggings, for example) for $29.95.

You have until the 5th of the month to either make your selection or to simply pass for the month. Passing is hassle-free. You don’t have to call in or anything; just click a button and you will not be charged for an outfit.

If, however, you forget to deal with it between the 1st and the 5th (and they DO send you emails to remind you!), then you will be charged and since you didn’t pick out an outfit, you will have a credit on your account for an outfit to buy in the future. No biggie.

fabkids september outfit 3

The Deals are AWESOME

This is the really incredible thing about the site, though: while $30 is already a reasonable price for brand new, in-season clothing, they also have SWEET deals. See the dress pictured above? I bought it for $7.50 (shipped!). A friend of mine snagged an outfit for her daughter for $4.98. They have B1G1 sales frequently, and they have shoes on sale quite a bit, too. The deals are SO awesome!

If you are new to the site, then you can go through my link to get your very first outfit for just $15, and that includes shipping!

They have such a fun variety of pieces. For our September pick, we decided to go a little wild, and went for this sparkle kitty top (the star over the eye reminds me of Jem and the Holograms!) and these wild pink heart pants. Darah adores them both, and I am pleased with how well they are holding up to wear from an active 5-year-old. Also? It’s fun to have something a little different from everyone else! 🙂

I think you’ll be really impressed with the great selection at FabKids, as well as the really awesome sales. Get yourself signed up and get ready to fall in love with hassle-free, awesome clothes for kids!

Preparing for a Long Road Trip with KaZoo MyPhones

September 8, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

It will take us just over 8 hours to drive from Chattanooga to Disney World this fall.

Oh wait, that’s just the estimate according to Google Maps. Let’s add 2 1/2 hours to that total due to the fact that we will be traveling with small children. Small children do things like have to pee every 25 minutes, throw up randomly, need to run around any time you stop, and will fight with you every time you put them back in the car. Honestly, 2 1/2 extra hours is a conservative estimate. All the parents out there reading this are nodding their heads in agreement.

So…a 10 1/2 hour car trip is going to require a bit of planning in order to make it anything less than miserable. I’m not aiming high here…no need to make it enjoyable. I will happily settle for tolerable. In fact, I’ll be pretty thrilled with tolerable!

We were recently sent a pair of headphones specifically designed for children from Griffin Technology. They are called KaZoo Headphones, and they are available in frog or penguin. 🙂

Darah was immediately drawn to the kid-friendly design of the headphones, while Tim and I were immediately drawn to the fact that these have a decibel limit to ensure that kids do not have the volume turned too high at any point.

We asked Darah how comfortable they felt, and she said that they were really nice and that she’d like to wear them a long time. As it turns out, she did just that, and wore them around the house for the next hour, even though the show she was watching on my iPhone was finished after just 20 minutes.

Once Tim and I noticed that the headset is also adjustable so that it will fit children of a sizeable age range, we were sold. We hopped online and ordered a second frog set for Layah (Get it? “Hopped?” It was too easy, guys).

Having these headsets on our trip is going to be REALLY nice. The girls can watch some videos independently without disturbing one another, and Tim and I can actually carry on a conversation while they are entertained without having to talk over My Little Pony.

The price point is nice, too, at just $19.99. That’s a very reasonable price to pay for our road trip to get upgraded from “tolerable” to “pleasant, at times!”

Three Strikes You’re Out: Why I didn’t Like Snack Girl to the Rescue

September 6, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · 5 Comments

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

When I read the description of the new cookbook Snack Girl to the Rescue!, I was intrigued. I am a major snacker, and in fact, I find that I manage my weight the very best when I allow myself to eat small portions frequently throughout the day. Snacking can most definitely work against me, but if I am intentional about what I am snacking on, then it actually works in my favor.

Unfortunately, Snack Girl to the Rescue! was a fail for me after 3 strikes. They might seem minor to some folks, so I’m not necessarily suggesting that you skip right over this book. I’m just sharing my personal experience.

Strike #1: No Pictures

I agreed to review this book having only seen the cover, so I didn’t realize that there weren’t any pictures included. I also didn’t realize just how important pictures were to me in cookbooks until I was staring at a cookbook that didn’t have any. It was a bummer, you guys.

Strike #2: Less-Than-Stellar Index

When I first flipped through the cookbook, I spotted a recipe for sweet potato and black bean burgers. I knew I wanted to try that first, but I didn’t have a bookmark on hand and I didn’t want to dog-ear the page. I shut the book without worry, knowing that I could look up sweet potato in the index. Only, that didn’t work. No sweet potato designation back there at all. So I had to go page-by-page through the book until I found it again.

Strike #3: The Recipe Was Terrible

Ok, so the recipe I started with was, in fact, sweet potato and black bean burgers. I followed the recipe precisely (not something I’m known for, but if I’m reviewing a cookbook I will stick to the instructions). Those poor burger patties never amounted to more than a pile of hot mush. They looked revolting and while their taste was reasonably decent, they didn’t work AT ALL as a burger. A side dish? Maybe. Definitely not the main attraction. It was bad, friends.

I want to stress to you that in the end, I only made one recipe. I don’t think that’s enough data to conclude that the book doesn’t have good recipes in it. But it was the 3rd strike for me and enough for me to give up on the cookbook.

Do you have strong feelings about pictures being included in cookbooks? And are you a rampant index-user, like me? Are these just my cookbook quirks?

Preparing for Disney World: A New Minnie Mouse Lovey from Build-a-Bear

September 5, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

Thanks to Build-a-Bear for sending along Minnie Bear to keep us company at Disney World. All thoughts and opinions are my own, as always!

It’s no secret that both of my girls LOVE stuffed animals. They come by it honest; my collection topped out around 200 animals when I was a child. I’m pretty good about saying “no” for most toys when the request is made, except for stuffed animals!

And of course, both of my girls have their most precious loveys that they sleep with every night. I’ve been thinking about how to handle this for our upcoming trip to Disney World (missed those posts? Check out my Disney vacation tips post and my Disney vacation budget post). If either one of these loveys were lost, it would be…not the end of the world….but just ever-so-slightly less devastating than that. It would RUIN our trip, you guys, not even kidding. But since we’ll be gone for a week, I think they are going to be getting in the car with us. But let me tell you something, they will go from our house, to the car, into the hotel room, back to the car, and back to our house. THAT IS IT!!!!

To help keep the girls occupied in the park, we need some loveys that they will enjoy. So how awesome is it that Build-a-Bear has just come up with a Minnie Bear? She’s an adorable pink bear with a signature Minnie Mouse bow and LOTS of fun Minnie accessories. She will make for a fun playmate while we wait in line or during strolls all over the park. And while it would not be fun if she were to get lost, I know that we would survive the ordeal, which is more than I can say for certain with bunny and doggy.

One thing I have always loved about Build-a-Bear plushes, and what makes them stand apart from other stuffed animals, is the attention to details. Look at Minnie Bear’s feet! While Build-a-Bear has lots of super cute shoes that you could buy for her, aren’t her little bear feet (er..paws?) adorable?

The same holds true for the accessories. If you have never been inside a Build-a-Bear store, it is a treat! The outfit selections will blow you away, and they will be easy to use on different loveys from Build-a-Bear. Check out this great feature: pants with a hole in them just for little tails! Hee Hee!

So even if you have a different Build-a-Bear lovey that you’d like to get all dolled up for a trip to Disney World, or if you just have a Minnie Mouse fan in your house, check out the full line of Minnie accessories, perfect for Minnie Bear or any other Build-a-Bear in your collection!

I’d love to hear: do you have a travel policy in your home in regards to your child’s favorite stuffed animals or other favorite toys?

Intel AIO: The Home Computer Revolution Has Begun!

September 4, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · 4 Comments

#spon: I am in a partnership with Intel. Through this partnership I gain access to content, product, or other forms of value.

When it’s time to shop for a computer for your home, do you always go through the whole, “desktop or laptop?” debate? We certainly do. And while tablets have been thrown into the mix as yet another personal technology option, for me, a tablet will not serve my more serious computer needs. They tend to lack the processing speed I need, the programs I need, and the keyboard that I need to do some serious typing.

Last October our home needed a new computer due to the sudden death of our old laptop. I really thought that I made the ultimate purchase by opting for a laptop with a large screen that also has a touch screen so you can interact with it like a tablet or a laptop.

But friends, I can tell you now that there’s an even better option. Intel has put out a beautiful suite of All-in-One (AIO) computers, and they are absolutely the future of home computers. Intel AIO computers are pretty much the perfect marriage of all the best attributes of personal computing and entertainment devices.

1.High Touch Like a Tablet

The Intel AIO has a touchscreen, and an AWESOME one, at that. It can recognize and respond to up to 10 fingers at once! We’ve been taking full advantage of this by playing games as a family on the device.

2. High Functionality Like a Desktop

You’ll find all the power of a desktop computer tucked into this device. No need to make space for a tower, friends. We are thoroughly enjoying the increased leg room under our desk because of this upgrade! You can run all the programs that can really slow down a tablet or even a laptop on this bad boy, no problem.

3. High Portability Like a Laptop

While I wouldn’t say it is as portable as a laptop (I wouldn’t pack it in a bag and take it on a trip, for example) it most definitely can be toted around the house with ease. Take it to your kitchen to work on a recipe, or take it to the dining room table to work on a homework assignment. If you are a blogger with kids at home like me, then you can even take it to your child’s room to do a little work while also doing a little play. Multi-tasking can certainly happen with this device on hand.

Part of what makes the Intel AIO easy to move around, even at its size, is its slim design. Check that out, friends!

Intel AIO 3

4. Awesome Viewing Capabilities Like a Television

Intel AIO computers come in a variety of sizes, but may I just suggest that you get a big one? You will NOT regret it. It makes for a nice, large display when you are working. For example, Tim works with maps all day, so he has HUGE computer screens at work, and he said that this Intel AIO is almost as big as his work computer. As a result, he has been able to work from home on a few occasions when he normally would have had to go into the office to accomplish the task at hand. Score!

But when work is over and it’s time for play, the Intel AIO can become like a television screen. We’ve brought it into our room so we can do movies and catch up on our favorite shows. It is SO great, you guys!

So what do you think about this AMAZING tablet-meets-laptop-meets-desktop-meets-television? Pretty amazing, no? Want to learn more? Of course you do! Here’s a great way to learn more, share about your own Intel experience, and find out how you can revolutionize the way you use technology in your own home.

Does Jewelry Confuse You? Me, Too (That’s Why I Love BaubleBar!)

September 1, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

Thanks to BaubleBar for sending along a gift card for me to use and the sweet discount code for my readers. All thoughts and opinions are my own, as always. Affiliate links may be included.

Friends, I don’t meant to sound like an octogenarian, but I just can’t keep up with what’s hip these days when it comes to jewelry. It’s all I can do to grab a few pieces from each season’s clothing line at Target, and if you request that I accessorize myself in addition…well you’ve just gone too far.

Jewelry just overwhelms me.

But I still like to look put together on any day where my standard uniform of a t-shirt and yoga pants isn’t going to cut it. That’s why I’m happy to have found BaubleBar, which is an online site devoted to bringing you a carefully edited collection of on-trend jewelry pieces that will work for you, whether you are in a corporate setting, a more laid-back environment, or even if you can push the style boundaries with really edgy looks. There’s something for everyone there, for sure!

Take a moment to look around on the BaubleBar site, friends. You’ll find amazing curated collections, ideas for ways to wear different pieces, and you’ll even see instagram photos that other shoppers have taken with their purchased pieces (this is one of my very favorite things about the site…seeing this jewelry in real life on other customers!).

I recently did some shopping on the site and took a video of my unboxing. Check it out to hear more of my thoughts on BaubleBar and to see the pieces!

Ok, so the question I said I would answer for you is whether or not you have to pay shipping on your returns. If your item was on sale, it is a final sale, so that’s important to know first and foremost. The return label that I had in my package was one that would NOT require me to pay postage, so that’s good!

Ok, so here are closer looks at each of the pieces I purchased. The photos are hyperlinked to the website, so feel free to click on them to check out the piece on the BaubleBar site.

1. String Fling set ($25)

2. Amethyst Sea Glass Drops ($62) (no longer available, sorry!)

3. Neutral Foliage Studs ($38)

4. Tiered Crystal Pendant ($34)

5. Silver Bojangles Bracelet Set ($48) (no longer available…stuff goes fast on BaubleBar, I guess!)

6. Gold Bolt Collar ($36)

So what was your favorite piece from the items I selected for the fall? So far, the piece I’m wearing out like crazy is the fall foliage earring set. I’m still warming up to the collar necklace…it’s just so different for me! But I love its simplicity, so I think once I find the right neckline to pair with it, I’ll definitely be wearing it.

If you are ready for some updated looks, I’ve got a coupon code just for you! Use STUFFPARENTSNEED at checkout and you’ll score 20% off the bill. And don’t forget to check out the sale section before you check out, as they have stuff staring at $10. AND…shipping is FREE! 🙂

Go get yourself some pretty baubles for the fall!

Splendies Underwear Subscription Box Review

August 24, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · 2 Comments

Referral links included. I only promote what I love! Thanks to Splendies for sending along a package for review.

I just love this whole subscription box trend that is going strong right now. I love gifts, I love surprises, and I love learning about new-to-me products. You tend to get all of those things with a subscription box service.

Today’s subscription box is different from other ones I have reviewed in the past, though, because the items you receive are actually underwear!

Check out Splendies. For $12/month ($17/month for plus sizes) you get 3 surprise pairs of underwear. Want to see what came in my first package? Check out the “unboxing” below!

Pretty cute, right? For the record, the XL size totally fit. Not too big, at all! I guess my rear is smaller in my mind than it is in reality. Ha! And based on the other reviews I have seen, it does seem to be the case that most everyone gets 1 thong in each package…just something to keep in mind in case you are decidedly anti-thong.

I think Splendies is a really fun treat and a great way to breathe a little life into an area of your wardrobe that may be lacking. Don’t forget to use the coupon code SPLENDIES at checkout to get $4 off (if you want to plus size, use code VOLUPTIES to get $5 off your first month).

What do you think Is this the kind of thing you would go for, or not so much? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

My KIND of Snack Attack (Giveaway)

August 22, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · 101 Comments

Thanks to my friends at KIND for sending along some snacks to check out. All thoughts and opinions are my own, as always!

Y’all. I am going through some sort of phase where my snacking needs simply cannot be met. I mean, I snack frequently as a general rule. Grazing is just how I roll. But lately it’s like there’s a hungry teenager inside of me…why eat a bowl of cereal when I can just eat the whole box? Why have 1 chocolate covered almond when I can have 14?

Out. of. control.

I think my body is aware that I’m about to start spending some time on the treadmill once Layah starts school and it is freaking out or something.

I think it also means that I need to switch up some of the snack foods we have on hand. When I get in a snacking funk, I find that I just keep eating more and more as I try to find that one thing I really and truly want.

But oh my friends. I found that thing. Oh yes I did.

KIND has an amazing snack bar out that comes in a 12 pack. It’s like almonds are doing a dance in the rain, only the rain is dark chocolate.

Or maybe it’s caramel.

Do we even need to discuss this further? Are you not already sold just by looking at them??? They taste every bit as good as they look, and I would know because I’ve been hitting them pretty hard over the past few days. 🙂

Nut-Free Snack Option

Darah has been enjoying the Vanilla Blueberry KIND Healthy Grains bars, and I wanted to highlight these because you may have a family member with a nut allergy or your child’s school may have requested nut-free products be sent in school lunches due to the prevalence and severity of nut allergies. I thought that Darah had to bring nut-free items, and have recently learned that this isn’t the case, though if she has a product with nuts in it at lunch, it could impact who she is allowed to sit by. So I’d prefer to do my best to keep things nut-free. These bars are SO good, and like all KIND products, they only contain items that you can pronounce.

If you are in a snacking rut, or if you are looking for a nut-free snack item, definitely pick up the KIND products I’ve highlighted here. And truth be told, you aren’t going to go wrong with any KIND product you try. I’ve had many products in their line and I have yet to be disappointed!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a box (12 bars) of KIND bars in your choice of chocolate or caramel. Awwww yeah!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Beauty Tip: How to Keep Hair Dye Off Your Scalp

August 20, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

Thanks to Waxelene for sending along their product for a test drive. All thoughts and opinions are my own, as always.

Last week I tried a little hack I just learned about and took a few photos for you to check out.

This is Waxelene, and it is a petroleum jelly alternative that is 100% natural. It supposedly has over 100 uses (not bad for a product that retails for $3.99!). The use that really got my attention, though, was that it could be used to create a barrier on your scalp when dyeing your hair to keep the dye from staining your skin.

I veered away from my beloved Madison Reed and tried this new product from L’oreal. The end color was pretty but the smell during the process was HORRIBLE. I regretted cheating on Madison Reed, for the record, and will be buying from them when it is time to dye my hair again.

Anyway, Here’s how I applied Waxelene along my scalp. It doesn’t need to be terribly thick, but thick enough that you won’t just blow right past it.

And here’s a shot I took after I applied all the hair dye. I could very easily see where the Waxelene did its job, and I could see a few places where I didn’t apply the Waxelene well enough.

I think this is a fantastic little beauty hack and I would call it a success. I’ll be keeping my Waxelene on hand for future dye jobs!

Do you have a favorite hair dye brand? I’d love to hear about it!