review - Stuff Parents Need

Finding Your Own Special Hideaway (That Glows!) (GIVEAWAY!!!)

February 9, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 108 Comments

A Hiding Spot

When you were little, did you have a space in your house that was your special hideaway? For me, it was the closet in my room. I’d get my stuffed animals (all 50+ of them!) and hunker down in there, pretending we were on a ship, lost at sea.

Or I’d just hide from my brother if he was getting on my nerves.

Nobody else ever seemed interested in playing in my closet, and I loved it that way. It was my own special place.

A Glowing Hiding Spot

I want Darah to have her own special place or places in our home, too. We recently received something very new and fun to try out, and it has certainly become a hideaway for her. It is the Glow Crazy Doodle Dome, and it is SO much more fun than the dark closet I used to sit in! Whereas I would have to leave the closet door cracked so I could see, Darah can create her own fun light inside the Doodle Dome

Ok, so what is the Doodle Dome? It is a fun pop up tent that comes with a lightwand and some stencils for some serious glow-in-the-dark fun. Inside the Doodle Dome, one of the walls has a Glow Pad, and that’s where you point your lightwand to “draw” and make fun doodles that glow in the dark. They fade after a few moments, but they stay long enough to enjoy.

The video below showcases what the Glow Crazy Doodle Dome looks like, and I wanted you to see it for yourself. You can probably imagine that capturing the glowing aspect of it is a bit tricky, and more advanced than what I can achieve with my limited photography skills. Please be sure to read my comments after the video, as I have some editorial remarks!

Ok, now I have to tell you, that infomercial voice and style of the commercial is not my favorite. Generally speaking, whenever I hear that, I assume that the product being promoted is NOT quality. The more frantic the ad, the less exciting the product actually is, in my view. But I am really glad that I gave the Glow Crazy Doodle Dome a try, because Darah delights in it. It will also be the perfect outdoor toy when the weather gets a bit nicer. She really loves to draw inside the Doodle Dome, but she also likes to take her pillows, blankets and stuffed animals inside it just to play. And she LOVES that it is the right size for her, but too small for mom and dad. It makes it her very own special space.

You can purchase the Glow Crazy Doodle Dome for just $19.99 (a very fair price for how much my child likes it). It is available at many national and online retailers such as Walmart and Toys R Us.

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a Glow Crazy Doodle Dome!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

I received a complimentary product for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

K-5 Home Art Studio GIVEAWAY ($180 Value!)

February 7, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 9 Comments

This is such a great one, guys! So excited to be bringing it to you! Whether you homeschool or not, you will definitely want to check this out!

Welcome to the Home Art Studio Giveaway Event!

Hosted by Cotton Ridge Homeschool and An Ordinary Housewife

Lindsey Volin of Home Art Studio is sponsoring this event. One winner will receive a full six-volume set of the K-5 Home Art Studio Program DVDs, an approximate $180 retail value!

About The K-5 Home Art Studio Program

Home Art Studio won the Mom’s Best Award for outstanding new products of 2012! The program was created for homeschooling parents and as a supplemental afterschool/summer program for children aged preschool through fifth grade.

This program is designed to increase students’ love and appreciation of the visual arts while enhancing a child’s ability to problem solve, think creatively, and truly see the world around them.

Watch the informational video below to learn more! There are also several sample lessons available to watch on the Home Art Studio web site.

Home Art Studio Introduction Video from Official Home Art Studio on Vimeo.

Giveaway Details

Open to residents of the U.S. and Canada. Event Dates: February 7 – 28, 2013. The winner will be contacted within two days of the end of the contest, via email and will have two days to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winner’s entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Rafflecopter form below. All entries are optional.

(if you don’t see the rafflecopter form, just click on the rafflecopter link to be taken to the giveaway form)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This blog is not responsible for prize delivery. I was not compensated for this post.

Tidy Cats Pure Nature Cat Litter: We LOVE It! (GIVEAWAY!!!)

February 6, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 74 Comments

Our household has an indoor only kitty named Hattie. I’ve talked with you before about our never-ending saga to find the perfect litter for her. It is our desire to be more eco-friendly with our choice for her, but that has had some very interesting results over time! We have had “flushable” litter that clogged our drains and costs us nearly $100 to get it fixed. And we’ve had some very expensive litter that we simply couldn’t work into our budget, at least not if we wanted to be able to buy Hattie litter AND cat food!

I do believe we have landed on something we absolutely love, and it is from a brand we were already using. Tidy Cats now has a litter called Pure Nature. It is made with cedar, pine and corn. Those natural elements combine to create a litter that REALLY WORKS (we found that many “natural” litters DON’T get rid of the smell of cat business at all). Tidy Cats Pure Nature takes care of it, though.

And we feel great knowing that Hattie is using a product that is 99.9% dust free. It isn’t harmful to her body in any way, and since it is made from all natural products, it is also not bad for the environment. The price is also right for our budget, with a cost of $10.99 for a 7.5 pound bag (this stuff is MUCH lighter than the litter you are probably used to, by the way!).

Finally, Tidy Cats has a great sense of humor. They have put out some really hilarious marketing campaigns. I’d like you to meet their band, Cedar, Pine and Corn. They are currently on tour promoting their great harmonies! 🙂

If you have one or more cats at home, I really want to suggest that you give this litter a try. I know we will be buying it from here on out!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will two coupons for FREE Tidy Cats Pure Nature!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

I received a complimentary product for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Best of Widget! DVD GIVEAWAY!!!

February 5, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 64 Comments

Does your little one watch Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!? Since we don’t have cable, I wasn’t previously familiar with the show until I received their newest DVD in the mail called Best of Widget!

Widget is one of the characters in the show, a cute little busy builder and fix-it whiz. The DVD features 6 episodes that highlight Widget.

Darah LOVES this DVD. She thinks Widget is the bees knees, you guys! Her very favorite episode is “Gotta Dance” where Widget tries to figure out a way to become a ballerina without having to do all the practicing that is required to develop the skills. Since Darah is currently taking ballet lessons, I think this lesson really speaks to her. She understands that it takes time to learn new things and to become really good at them, and she thinks it is hilarious that Widget goes to such great lengths to try to skip over having to practice. If your little one is also a fan or if this sounds like a great video series to introduce, you can pick up a copy of Best Of Widget for just $12.29 on Amazon!

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy has been on the air since 2006, so I guess we’ve been living under a rock. I’m so glad we finally discovered it, though! It is a really great show for the preschool set as it focuses on social skills such as compromise, sharing, listening, appreciating others, and self-awareness.

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a copy of Best of Widget!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

I received a complimentary product for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This post contains an affiliate link.

My Favorite Preschool Apps and a GIVEAWAY!!!

February 4, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 27 Comments

I recently had the opportunity to review a great new book that is out called iPad Apps For Kids for Dummies. It contains very detailed reviews of over 200 apps and it has been REALLY fun to flip through. I actually made a video of 7 apps that we are currently using, largely thanks to this book. At the iTunes app store I have spent roughly the price of a ticket to the movies and have received in return enough entertainment for Darah for a LONG time! Check out my review and see if you discover any new finds! I bet you will!

Win it!: Here’s your chance to win a copy of iPad Apps For Kids For Dummies!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Thank you to For Dummies for sponsoring this review and giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

PediaCare Introduces Cold & Flu Hydration (Big GIVEAWAY!!!)

February 3, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 133 Comments

Ok, we have made it to February! How is your family holding up, health-wise?

Mine definitely got hit hard this season. I got the flu (even though I had the flu shot 6 weeks prior!), and then both of my girls got the flu, as well. Tim’s shot seemed to take, thank goodness!

And honestly, I can’t even keep up with the number of colds we have all been through this year. I think when you have a little one in preschool, that’s just part of the deal. Lots and lots of germs will be headed your way every single day!

Medicine We Love and Trust

It is very important, therefore, that we keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet so that we can do battle with these germs and try to minimize the amount of time we have to lose at work and at school. PediaCare is a big part of our anti-illness arsenal. We have been using their products for infants as well as their products for children all season to help with fever reduction and general relief.

New Product!

I just learned that there’s a new product in their line and because I trust this brand so much, I have already put it on my shopping list for this weekend when I go to Walgreens. It’s called PediaCare® Children’s Cold & Flu Hydration. This is designed for children ages 2-11 as a means to help them stay hydrated. We all know from experience just how tough it can be to keep fluids in a very sick child. But did you know that simply offering water will not replenish electrolytes? It’s true! Electrolytes have to be consumed in order to return to the body after they have been lost. This product restores them.

Additionally, PediaCare Cold & Flu Hydration gives children immune boosting antioxidants. Perhaps what I love the most about it, though, is the way it is packaged. It comes in single-use, pre-measured packets. You simply mix the powder (which is grape flavored) with eight ounces of water. I can’t tell you how many half-used huge bottles of other electrolyte-boosting products I have had to throw away because the serving size was too large. I’m glad PediaCare eliminated that problem!

Win It!

I have such an awesome giveaway for you today! One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win a gift basket with PediaCare’s full line of cold and flu products and fever relievers! Check out the contents!

Fever/Pain Relievers
- PediaCare® Fever Reducer / Pain Reliever with Acetaminophen – for infants
- PediaCare® Fever Reducer / Pain Reliever with Acetaminophen – for children
Cold & Cough

PediaCare® Fever Reducer Plus Multi-Symptom Cold with Acetaminophen
PediaCare® Fever Reducer Plus Cough & Runny Nose with Acetaminophen
PediaCare® Cold & Flu Hydration
PediaCare® Fever Reducer Plus Flu with Acetaminophen
PediaCare® Fever Reducer Plus Cough & Sore Throat with Acetaminophen
PediaCare® Multi-Symptom Cold
PediaCare® Nighttime Multi-Symptom Cold
PediaCare® Cough & Congestion

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Thanks to PediaCare for sponsoring this post and giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Kohl’s Baby Sale Features The World of Eric Carle (GIVEAWAY!!!)

February 3, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 133 Comments

Raise your hand if you love Kohl’s.

If you didn’t raise your hand, then I’m going to guess that you have either never shopped there or you went on the one day of the year when they aren’t having some sort of AMAZING sale. Kohl’s is known for their terrific markdowns. I can regularly find super cute and in-season stuff for 50% off there, and it isn’t all that unusual for me to find something marked down to 80% off.

This is one store that is NOT afraid to have a sale! Love it!

Right now the Kohl’s baby sale is happening, and I thought many of you might like to know about it. TONS AND TONS of baby things are all marked 20% off from now through February 23rd. If you are expecting or have a baby, or if you know you’ll be getting a baby shower invite some time this year, then you don’t want to miss out on this sale!

In particular, can I point you in the direction of The World of Eric Carle toys? We’ve had a ladybug from this collection since Darah was an infant, and it has been played with SO much by both girls, all the while maintaining its color, shape and overall fun factor beautifully! Kohl’s stores have wonderful selections of The World of Eric Carle toys, and as an owner of quite a few pieces, I enthusiastically recommend them.

May I show you a few examples of the cuteness to which I am referring?

Exhibit A:

This jiggly caterpillar is not only a teething ring, but also a pull toy and a sensory toy, all rolled into one! Both my girls are loving it.

Exhibit B:

This little monkey comes with its own tiny monkey, which delights Darah to no end. And Layah is also enjoying all the bright colors, patterns and textures of the toy. Such a great find!

Each of these are currently on sale for just $12.99. This is an awesome price for a toy that, in my experience, is built to last through multiple children.

The World of Eric Carle toys are delightful in every way. And right now you can score them for a SWEET price at Kohl’s. Don’t miss your chance!

Speaking of chances, here’s your chance to

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win the caterpillar and the monkey featured in this post! Woo hoo!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

I received complimentary products for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Your Fundraising and Promotion Destination for Affordable Customized Swag: Customonit.com

February 2, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 1 Comment

Anyone out there currently serving on your school’s PTA? How about on a committee at your house of worship? Or is anyone out there trying to help with your child’s sports team in any way?

Even if you aren’t currently doing one of these things, the odds are good that one day you will be. And inevitably, you will find yourself trying to figure out the best ways to raise money for these or other great causes, or finding ways to affordably get logos on promotional items for school, church or team members.

That’s why I want to make sure you know about Customonit.com. This is a great company that has been around since 2007 with the express purpose of helping you get exactly the right customized items to best meet your needs.

As I have been poking around the website, I’ve been really impressed with the customer service provided right on the web pages. There is a lot of helpful information about the different types of products available and reasons that you might want to consider certain items, depending on what you are trying to promote. For example, I was just reading about the importance of having what they call “extroverted” pieces for political campaigns. Extroverted pieces are things that have a purpose outside of the home. What a great point! You want users to USE the items, of course, but also to use them in a public setting!

I appreciate that Customonit.com not only wants to provide you with high quality products, but also with the RIGHT custom products. They are there to help you figure out exactly what that is! From custom wristbands and custom sweatbands, where the company got its start, to custom headbands and patches for shirts or backpacks, the company has got your promotional needs covered.

I should also mention that Customonit.com has free design help, free shipping and NO setup fees. Just a few more reasons to check them out! Can I suggest that you follow them on Facebook and Twitter so that you can stay up to date on their latest offerings and hear about special discount opportunities? Being a follower is a great way to save!

AND…you can save 10% on your order right now by using code SPN10 at checkout!

I would love to hear if anyone out there is currently trying to work on fundraisers or other promotional needs. What are you up to, and how is it going?

This post brought to you by Customonit.com. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

No More Music Reviews? Let’s Make This Exception (GIVEAWAY!!!)

February 1, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 50 Comments

So here’s the deal, folks: as a general rule, I’m not reviewing music CDs, anymore. Darah’s personal collection is pretty much out of control (seriously, she has an AMAZING assortment of songs at her fingertipes). So adding more music to her collection at this point is just saturating an already overflowing pool. Too much of a good thing makes it harder to enjoy, you know?

But more importantly, all of you lovely folks out there on the other side of the computer screen just seem, well….

NOT INTERESTED.

It’s cool. I get it. We’re all into different things. And we all have limited time to spare. The message I’m getting from you all is that music for kids just isn’t something you want to think too much about.

And I hear you.

BUT…..

Every once in a while I come across a CD that I think is so good that I can’t NOT talk about it. That’s what we have going on today, folks.

Ella Jenkins is the name of the artist I’m featuring. Ever heard of her? It is quite possible that you have, since this is her 33rd album.

Nope, not a typo.

Ella is in her eighties and has been recording music for, well…a really long time. She is called, “The First Lady of Children’s Music” and she is also believed to be one of the first African American women to have a TV show when she hosted a weekly children’s program broadcast in Chicago in the 1950s.

The woman is a living legend. And I really like her style. The songs on her latest album, Get Moving with Ella Jenkins make me think of old school Sesame Street vignettes. There’s talking and singing combined together. I love it! You can’t not get up and move to these pieces!

This CD is a true stand out. I highly recommend it to anyone…even folks who don’t think they are into children’s music! You can purchase the CD for 11.98 or download all the tracks directly for just $9.98.

Or you can

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a copy of Get Moving with Ella Jenkins!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

I received a complimentary product for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.