review - Stuff Parents Need

Green Giant Introduces Veggie Snack Chips #GiantFlavor

August 6, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 1 Comment

Green Giant has recently gotten into the chip business. When I first heard about two of their flavors, which included a tortilla chip and a sweet potato chip, I thought the connection to Green Giant was still very loose. Yes, corn and sweet potatoes are vegetables, but along those same lines, so are potatoes, which are the base of traditional potato chips!

But then I started reading the ingredients in the chips and I was very pleasantly surprised. The Green Giant Roasted Veggie Tortilla Chip (I tried Garden Ranch flavor), in addition to containing corn, also had bell peppers, quinoa, broccoli, tomatoes and carrots! The Green Giant Multigrain Sweet Potato Chips (I tried barbecue flavor) also had some interesting grains included, such as brown rice flour and buckwheat flour. Basically, once I read the ingredients of the products I could see the Green Giant connection, as these chips were packed with good for you goodness!

Tim loved the Sweet Potato (barbecue) chips from Green Giant! I had to eventually pry the bag from his hands so I could try them, too!

Last night I whipped up a super easy salsa to serve alongside the Green Giant Roasted Veggie Tortilla Chips. We ate our dinner outside on our new patio furniture, and just enjoyed the remarkably mild August temperatures. Fresh food and #GiantFlavor make a perfect combination, I have to say!

Try a simple and fresh salsa with Green Giant Veggie Chips for a great appetizer!

Black Bean and Mango Salsa

Ingredients

1 mango, diced
1/2 onion, diced
2/3 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
>1 tomato (fresh preferred, but you can also substitute with diced tomatoes)
diced jalapeno pepper (if desired)
chopped cilantro to taste (fresh preferred)
1 1/2 tsp lime juice

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and allow the flavors to marinade together for as long as possible (at least half an hour). Serve with Green Giant Roasted Veggie Chips for a fresh, fun appetizer.

Be on the lookout for these terrific new additions in the chip aisle. They are packed with flavors you will love and with the veggies and grains you would expect from Green Giant!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Because I WANT To Give You Ca$h Money….

August 5, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 2 Comments

Let’s have a little chat, friends.

Don’t break my heart! I am TRYING to give money away! Let me do so!!! 🙂 Please go enter the giveaway for free money! 🙂 And free up a little space on your smartphone while you’re at it.

Don’t forget to use code GROOVEPARENTSNEED!

Preparing for Potty Training: Our Potty Training Pants (Giveaway!)

July 31, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 97 Comments

Layah is just shy of 15 months, now. And that means the potty chair has come down from the attic and we are officially potty training!

Early Potty Training

I’m guessing that right about now you are thinking that I either made a typo about my daughter’s age, or that I’m a little bit crazy! I’ll actually be writing a post in a month or so about the process of potty training we go through in our home, but suffice it to say that it is a laid-back, though LONG process. We potty trained Darah for 7 months before she got the hang of it. She was all done at 20 months and we never purchased a single package of Pull-Ups.

We did, however, use cloth training pants, and we endured our fair share of accidents! We wanted to get Darah out of diapers as fast as possible, but we also wanted to be realistic about expectations for a young toddler, and we didn’t want to have to put our entire lives on hold while we taught her how to use the potty. Our method might not be for everyone, but it worked great for us, and now we are starting the process again with Layah.

Super Undies

Right now we are just at the stage of training where we put Layah on the potty first thing in the morning and right before bed. She hasn’t actually used the potty yet, and she’s most definitely not in training pants. But when we reach that point (hopefully around 19 months), we’ll be using a gift from the heroes of potty training, Super Undies .

Super Undies, first and foremost, are absolutely adorable. And they add an element of fun to the potty training experience. I think this is especially true if you are potty training a slightly older child (2 1/2 or 3). Kids wearing Super Undies can feel like a big kid, as well as a super hero, fighting for dry days and nights! They also offer extra-large sizes for children experiencing bedwetting later in childhood, as well as for special needs super heroes in training.

The images above showcase the two types of products in the line. The pink pair represents the snap-on training pants. These are the pants we’ll be using in a handful of months. Unlike the potty training pants we used with Darah, Super Undies have a completely water-proof “wet zone”, which makes life a lot easier for the potty training parents, I have to say! They have some built-in absorption, though not as much as you’d find in a diaper. The child will feel when s/he is wet! And there is also a pocket where you can add some extra inserts for additional absorption. This is key for nighttime and for the earlier stages of potty training, when you anticipate more frequent accidents. I love that Super Undies are able to be customized for exactly where you are in your potty training journey.

The orange pair in the picture is an example of the pull-on training pants. These are great for the kids who feel really excited about wearing big kid underwear. They slip on and off and they also have a pocket for increased or decreased absorption, depending on your needs.

While my child hasn’t used either product yet, I have spent some time inspecting these products and pulling and stretching them so that I can report back on their overall quality. And I have to say, I’m impressed! These seem VERY well made, and very thoughtfully constructed. Speaking strictly visually, they are the coolest reusable training pants I have ever seen. I am really looking forward to getting to use them with Layah.

Are you in the middle of potty training or will you be potty training soon? Any fears or concerns about the process?

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win TWO pair of Super Undies (one snap, one pull-on!).
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Be sure to enter my other current giveaways found on the sidebar of my page.

Thanks to Super Undies for providing the training pants for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Huggies Slip-On Diapers for Babies On the Move! (Target Gift Card Giveaway!)

July 30, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 225 Comments

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Huggies, but all my opinions are my own. #HuggiesSlipOn #pmedia http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

When people see how our 14 month old daughter, Layah, gets around, they are usually quite amazed. Frequent comments we hear include the following:

“Um…when did she start walking?”
“Do you know your little one can RUN???”
“You must have your hands full with that little firecracker!”
“Look at her go!!!”

You see, Layah started rolling over at 2 months; crawling at 5 months; walking at 9 months; running at 11 months. Yes, indeed. We certainly DO have our hands full! She’s a little free spirit, and she’s in a terrible hurry to have new adventures and to engage in all manner of wild rumpus and mischief.

And that’s why we need diapers that can move and groove right along with our little wild child! This summer Layah has been wearing those fabulous Huggies Little Swimmers diapers that we recently tried for the first time. We liked them so much that I thought we should also try out the Huggies Slip On diapers. They are similar in some ways to the Little Swimmers in that they have those great stretch sides, and that they are easy to take on and off (like a pair of shorts). Layah likes to do anything and everything like her big sister, so stepping into a diaper is a BIG DEAL to her! 🙂 Of course, there are tabs so you can change this diaper in a more “traditional” way (very key for certain diaper changes…no need to elaborate on that one!).

Over the weekend we went to the Tennessee Aquarium. Sure, we wanted to see all the fish. But even more than that, we wanted to play in the water features around the park! While Tim was getting our oldest ready for our outing, I was in charge of getting Layah dressed. Here she is avoiding my request to come to me. “What’s that mom? Did you say, ‘climb the stairs as fast as I can?’ No problem!”

Once I caught up to her and chased her around her room a few times (not for fun, but because I really couldn’t catch her!), we got ready to go play in the water. While the Slip-On “cousin” (the Little Swimmers diaper) was having all the fun in the water, her Huggies waited patiently in the diaper bag for their turn to shine.

After all the fun in the water, Layah was ready to eat. She was also ready to get out of her swimsuit. Since we were having an outdoor picnic before going into the Aquarium, we didn’t have a nice, soft spot for changing her diaper. Not a problem, since she could just slip right into her Huggies! With a fresh diaper and some yummy food, little Layah was on cloud nine!

We spent the next hour or so inside, looking at the amazing freshwater creatures on display. Layah was constantly on the move, climbing in and out of her stroller, and running around looking at the various tanks. I was never worried that we might have an accident, as the leak protection on the Huggies Slip-On diapers is just excellent, even with all that moving around!

huggies slip on diapers 4

Have you had a chance to try the Huggies Slip On Diapers, yet? We have found them to be a perfect fit in so many ways for our little on-the-go toddler. Right now you can even save $2 off the diapers with this coupon!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a $25 Target Gift Card! Pair that with the sweet $2 off coupon for Huggies Slip Ons and you can get several packages! 🙂
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$50 Paypal Giveaway From Stuff Parents Need and Groovebook!

July 27, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 27 Comments

I bet you could use a little extra cash now that back-to-school shopping is in full swing! I also bet you could use some extra room on your smart phone that is being taken up by all those photos (I have been known to completely fill up my phone’s memory with pictures of my kiddos).

That’s why Groovebook and I have joined forces to co-sponsor a special giveaway just for my readers! We are offering up $50 in Paypal to one very lucky reader!

photo credit: velo_city via photopin cc

To enter: you MUST sign up for Groovebook (more on what that is below!) and you MUST use the code GROOVEPARENTSNEED when you sign up. By using this code, your first Groovebook will be absolutely, 100% FREE!!! That’s Groovebook’s gift to you for being a reader of mine and for giving them a try.

FAQ’s

1. This giveaway sounds awesome! But, um, what the heck is Groovebook? Groovebook is a monthly subscription service via an app that allows you to select photos from your smartphone that you’d like to have printed. You can order up to 100 prints at a time, and they will come bound in a lovely book for you and arrive at your doorstep. The fee for each book is $2.99. That’s it!!!! Yes, that price even includes shipping. It’s insane, right?! But of course, YOUR first book won’t cost you a cent, thanks to the coupon code! You can check out my full, detailed review about my first Groovebook here. I personally have ordered 2 more Groovebooks since my first. Groovebook is one of my favorite finds since I started blogging almost 4 years ago (and I’ve reviewed over 1,000 products!). It is just that awesome, and that’s why I’m spreading the word.

2. I’m already a Groovebook customer. Can I enter? If you are already a Groovebook member and did not use this code, then you won’t qualify for this particular giveaway, but you do qualify as a smart cookie! However, if you DID use GROOVEPARENTSNEED to get signed up, then yes, you qualify!

3. Do I have to have a smartphone to enter? Since Groovebook is a photo printing service for smartphone devices, you will need to have a smartphone in order to enter.

4. How will you know if I used your code? Honor system? Groovebook has a database of email addresses that signed up using the code, so I will be able to cross-reference. That ensures that potential winners have followed the rules!

5. I thought you said this was free. Groovebook definitely asked for my credit card information! Not cool! You are correct that a credit card number is required at sign up. This is because Groovebook is a monthly subscription service. Important things to note, based on my own personal experience as a Groovebook customer: you WILL NOT be charged for your first Groovebook when you use code GROOVEPARENTSNEED. The following month, you will be charged $2.99 if you decide to stay with the program and get another Groovebook. You are totally allowed to cancel before that point. But you aren’t going to want to because this deal is smokin’ hot!

6. Ok, I’m in. How exactly do I get “signed up”? Simply go to Groovebook.com, download the appropriate app (iphone or Android), then use the app to upload your first set of pictures, provide your credit card information in case you stay on later, then your GROOVEPARENTSNEED code, and you are done! It took me about 10 minutes start to finish when I did it.

Ready to enter? Let’s do this!

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I am an affiliate of Groovebook. I only recommend products I adore! This giveaway is partially sponsored by our friends at Groovebook, and partially self-funded.

Friday Style Finds: Statement Necklaces for $10 and Under

July 26, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

I love a good sale, friends! One of my new favorite places to shop online, Cents of Style, is having a FANTASTIC sale, but just for today (Friday). Every single one of their necklaces can be had for 50% off if you use the code 50OFFNECK. Shipping is free (always!).

There are a few dozen options. All totally cute. Want to see what I picked up for just $21 total? And notice that they both came with earrings!

(Just $10!)

($11!)

Have you stumbled upon any bargains too good to pass up today? Do share! 🙂

This post contains affiliate links. To learn more about how your purchase is changing a little girl’s life, click here.

Visual Learning Meets Critical Thinking: Snapshots Photo Cards (Giveaway)

July 25, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 63 Comments

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Thanks to Learning Resources for supplying a copy of Snapshots for review. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

One of my favorite educational toy companies, Learning Resources, has a fantastic new game out that is absolutely perfect for little ones who are visual learners, or who love telling stories.

We’ve been playing with Snapshots over the past week, and it has inspired a whole lot of conversation, critical thinking, and storytelling! Snapshots is a set of 40 laminated, double-sided cards. One side has a picture on it, like this:

The other side has some starter questions for you to ask your child about what is happening in the picture, like this:

These questions help the child practice using context clues, drawing conclusions, and using her imagination, in addition to sharpening her eye for detail.

We’ve also used the cards to make up stories about the people, animals or places in the picture, and to talk about times when we have done similar things.

I like Snapshots because it is travel friendly, encourages discussion and awareness, and is quite a bit of fun, too! Snapshots can be purchased at Learning Resources, as well as on Amazon (on sale right now for $13.95!).

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win their own copy of Snapshots!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Back Porch Ice Cream Date Night: A Reason to Smile

July 23, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 204 Comments

This post is brought to you by Edy’s and The Motherhood. I was provided with product coupons and compensated for my time, but all opinions are mine.

Tim and I made a very fun recent discovery: July is National Ice Cream Month! That, my friends, is something worth celebrating. We are HUGE ice cream fans in my house, and love getting to try fun new flavor combinations. Edy’s (also known as Dreyer’s in some parts of the country) is one of our very favorite brands, thanks to the delicious taste, value pricing, and fun variety of flavors.

We recently tried out a selection of the Edy’s Limited Edition Flavors that are out right now. And oh my word, you guys, they are AWESOME!!! Darah seemed to enjoy Take the Cake the very best. It somehow has managed to put the exact flavor of a birthday cake, including a frosting swirl and fun sprinkles, into ice cream form. How did they do that?!

Over the weekend, after we put the kids to bed for the night, we decided to have our very own date with each other. We didn’t have to hire a babysitter to get some quality time in. We just needed our favorite ice creams and to head out to our back porch! We recently got some outdoor furniture (a first for us, even though we’ve been married for 11 years!). This was the perfect opportunity to break it in!

Here we are with our favorite Edy’s/Dreyer’s flavors:

I’m a big fan of 3 Stripes You’re Out, which is a delicious vanilla combined with blueberry and strawberry swirls. It is lovely to look at and even more lovely to eat!

Tim also liked 3 Stripes You’re Out, but felt an even stronger connection (as you can clearly see in the picture of him kissing the carton!) with Sunny Salted Caramel Pretzel. This flavor is available in the Slow Churned Ice Cream line at Edy’s. With the Slow Churned line, you get all the taste and ½ the fat (with ½ the fat and 1/3 fewer calories than regular ice cream). Sunny Salted Caramel Pretzel, it is a simply AMAZING combination of sweet, creamy vanilla ice cream, sprinkled with a pop of salty caramel and pretzel. I think we’ve all experienced the delicious combination of salty and sweet together. Edy’s has hit the nail on the head with this one. Tim and I both agreed that we’ve never had ice cream like this before. It was a winner!

After we remembered that we weren’t having a date with our favorite ice creams, but rather with each other, we really enjoyed our special date with each other and vowed to make it a regular habit. It was a beautiful evening. We felt spoiled by our great ice cream flavors. And we had UNINTERRUPTED conversations with each other. Definitely a reason to smile!

Speaking of a reason to smile, Edy’s is in the mist of a great partnership with Operation Smile, an international children’s medical charity, with the goal of making possible 500 reconstructive surgeries for children all over the world suffering from cleft palate, cleft lip and other facial deformities. Every two weeks, Edy’s has been posting content on their Facebook page giving followers the change to like, share, or comment, and in return, Edy’s makes a donation to Operation Smile! Edy’s will donate up to $125,000 to the cause this year (!!!) and they need your help to make it happen.

Be sure to visit the Edy’s Facebook page and start participating so that Edy’s can reach the goal and changes the lives of hundreds of children and their families. The campaign runs through September 31, 2013, so you’ve still got plenty of time to participate! If you are reay to smile, be sure to join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram, as well, using #ReasontoSmile.

Win it!: In celebration of National Ice Cream Month and the #ReasontoSmile campaign, Edy’s wants to give one Stuff Parents Need reader two coupons for free Edy’s ice cream!

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

My Plans for a Girls Superhero Birthday Party

July 20, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 42 Comments

Superhero Party Invitations

My inspiration for Darah’s upcoming birthday party didn’t originally come from Pinterest, or even from other birthday parties we have attended. It came from the creative folks at Paperflavor. Paperflavor is a woman owned business (woot woot!) that produces positively adorable stationary. It was on their birthday invitations page that I saw a really fun, customizable superhero invitation. One look at this cuteness, and the theme was settled! (FYI, if you want something even less hassle-free, I love this option on Amazon).

The stationary from Paperflavor is high quality, and the selection of cute stuff to be found there is great! I highly recommend them and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again. They even included a personal note with their package, which is something they do with every single order. Pretty nice touch, I have to say! And since the invitations have already gone out, guests have started to RSVP, and quite a few have made special mention of how much they liked the invitations. Nice work, Paperflavor!

Superhero Food

One of the reasons we are having the party at the exact same location as we did last year, is because they are really strict about the food. You are only allowed to bring cake and ice cream. At first, this probably doesn’t sound like a good thing. But just think about all the cutesy stuff you don’t have to do! FREEDOM!!!! Remember, I’m not a crafty person by nature, so making adorable signs by hand and coming up with cute ways to display 40 different types of finger foods is super stressful for me. Now I don’t have to! I will be making cupcakes for the kiddos (using Reynolds StayBrite baking cups). I’ll be putting these rings (here are similar options if they are unavailable) on top of each cupcake to give them a little extra cuteness.

Superhero Attire

Since we are at a splash park, everyone is going to be in their swimsuits. While Darah doesn’t have a superhero swimsuit, she will be sporting a pink and purple superhero cape, just for fun (purchased from a daily deal site and it hasn’t arrived yet, so pictures are unavailable).

I also found a really cheap Spiderman shirt at Kohl’s (no longer being sold, but here are similar options), so I’ll be wearing that over my suit, as well.

Superhero Favors

I found some really cute superhero masks handmade by a mom (I LOVE supporting woman-owned businesses, just like Paperflavor!). She custom made a set of 15 masks (fingers crossed we don’t get more RSVPs than that!). I paid $34 including shipping, and I think that was a steal!

I’m also contemplating getting these superhero crayons, as well. What do you think? Is the mask and the ring on the cupcake enough for the gifts, or do I need a little bit more? I’d love your input!

More ideas: