Stuff Parents Need

Easing the chaos in the nest, one find at a time.

Messy Play Area No More! Toy Nanny Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

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I distinctly remember when I was pregnant with Darah having a conversation with Tim about how our house would look different with baby toys all over the place. His response was this: “I think all the evidence that we have a child in the house can easily be put away in a trunk or in the closet every day, and we can only get out what is needed when it is needed.”

I can’t even type that out without laughing really hard. Little did he know, am I right?!

Toys strewn about the floor are just part of the territory when you are raising children. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t find some really clever ways to keep those piles of playthings in check. Today I’m featuring something called the Toy Nanny from 2 Red Hens. Of course, a mom invented it (as is the case with the majority of awesome inventions!). Check out my brief video below to see exactly how it works!

I’m not the only person who thinks the Toy Nanny is terrific; it’s been listed as a must-have by celebrity Ali Landry and by Zulily, one of my favorite online shopping destinations!

ToyNannyOpen_Green

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a Toy Nanny in your choice of pattern!

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. 

My Favorite Drink on Earth Just Got Better!! #LightIcedCoffee

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Have you ever fallen so madly in love with a new product that you threw a party for it?

Oh…just me? Well, I did throw a little get together in February 2011 to celebrate an at-home beverage revolution: iced coffee in a carton.

GLORY BE!!!! International Delight introduced this convenient product last year and I have been loyally purchasing it from the time I took my first sip. I’ve talked it up with my friends, bought it for family members, and just been an all-around product evangelist for it because I adore it so very much. It is sweet and creamy (just how I like my coffee) and is completely effortless. No need to brew a hot pot of coffee and then wait around for it to cool down (or water it down with ice cubes).

And perhaps most importantly, there’s no temptation to swing by a coffee shop and fork over anywhere from $2.50-$4.00 (depending on how much iced coffee you want!) for a cup. And you guys, I live RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET from one of the best coffee shops in Chattanooga. But I haven’t been over there in forever!

#LightIcedCoffee 1

I’m going to be updating the widget that’s on the sidebar of my page to show how I save $2.50 every time I reach for International Delight Iced Coffee and skip the McDonald’s ice coffee that often tempts me because it is also very sweet and creamy (and SO loaded with calories!). So far I’ve saved $5.00 just by enjoying this product twice. And I have about 70% of the product left. Did I mention that a carton costs $3.98 at my local Walmart? Pretty easy to do the math and see that this makes so much sense to purchase, financially!

So yeah, International Delight Iced Coffee is a near-permanent fixture in my refrigerator. And as you can tell, I adore it.

But my waistline is not quite as big of a fan. You see, this coffee comes already sweetened and with plenty of cream included so that you really and truly don’t have to do a thing other than pour and enjoy. But as is often the case, things like this taste so good because they don’t skimp on the “yummy” (and by that I mean calorie-rich) ingredients.

Until now!!!!

#LightIcedCoffee 2

I’m SO excited to share with you that International Delight Iced Coffee now comes in a lighter version, and it is just as delicious as the original version, but contains 1/3 fewer calories. Yes! Yes! Yes!

I find my International Delight Iced Coffee at Walmart in the dairy section. I usually pick some up while I’m getting organic milk for Darah. I do admit that even though I’ve been buying this product steadily for almost a year, I did feel a twinge of guilt every time I purchased it because of the calories. Now I’ll be leaving all that guilt behind and enjoying my low-sugar coffee with reduced calories. And seriously, the taste is every bit as scrumptious. Don’t you love when a company figures out how to shave off those calories and keep the great taste there? Way to go, International Delight!

#LightIcedCoffee

I enjoy using this product in a few different ways. Of course, pouring a glass for myself straight from the carton is a favorite option. I especially like doing that in the mid-afternoon when I have an energy slump and need a little boost to get me through the next few hours before dinner.

#LightIcedCoffee 4

I also will use my ID coffee to add to iced coffee I make for myself in my hot & cold beverage maker or in my coffee pot. If I’m really trying to watch my calories, I’ll add International Delight Light Iced Coffee to black coffee as a sugar and creamer substitute. It makes for a stronger cup of coffee, in addition to one that’s even lighter on calories. This is my favorite way to use the product first thing in the morning when the priority for me is getting a good jolt of caffeine so that I can function!

Interested in giving this product a try? It will certainly help any iced coffee drinker save money, but I’d like to help you save even more. You can fill out a simple registration form and snag a coupon for it! Woo hoo! You will be able to purchase this starting January 21st at your nearest Walmart.

Can I also suggest that you follow International Delight on Twitter and Facebook? You can keep up with the latest on this great product and stay in the loop about any new special promotions (like new coupons or great giveaways just for fans and followers!).

Do any of you already use and enjoy this product? Are you SOOOO excited that a lower-calorie version is being released??? I’d love to hear if anyone out there is raising a glass in celebration!

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias®  and WhiteWave #CBias #SocialFabric. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Reading and Pretend Play Join Forces: Hallmark Interactive Story Buddies GIVEAWAY!!

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A few days ago, Tim and I were talking about how Darah’s imagination has started to really run wild, and how much fun we are all having with her as she engages in pretend play. She’s been playing mermaids for a long time now, but she’s finally expanding into more adventures, be it giving a tour of Rapunzel’s tower (her junior bunk bed), inviting carefully selected stuffed animals to rather elaborate tea parties in her room, or building fairy rings in the morning and coming back to check on them as soon as she comes home from school (the fairies drag fun stuff they want to play with inside the fairy ring and they also leave a little treat for the one who built it!).

So when I saw the Hallmark commercials for the Interactive Storybooks and Story Buddies, I knew that it was something that would give Darah a lot of joy. A stuffed dog that responds to you? That’s not unbelievable in the least to her. It’s the kind of thing that makes perfect sense to her, actually!

These books and plush toys are so much fun. If you haven’t seen the commercials, the basic idea is that the animal will respond by making various noises when you read the story about the animal (certain words and phrases spoken aloud will elicit a response). My child loves to be read to, and she also loves to play with stuffed animals (I’m too embarrassed to tell you how many she has, but I can tell you that they completely fill 3 enormous tubs in her room). The Hallmark Interactive Storybook and Story Buddies are perfect for her, as reading and pretend play join forces!

Bell is super soft. Her electronic elements inside of her do not make her any less fun to love on and play with. Also, she’s really beautiful! See?

I’m also really impressed that Jingle and Bell, the two adorable husky pups featured in the holiday Interactive Storybook line this year, not only respond to the book, but they also respond to an audio cd that comes with them and to some online and mobile games. So the fun keeps going long after your child has memorized the book!  Hallmark also offers extra books for all of their Story Buddies so that you can add to the collection at a later time.

Bell and lots of other totally adorable Story Buddies are available at Hallmark online for $34.95. I believe that Hallmark has made a great effort to ensure that this toy a really good value. We are loving Bell so much and will definitely be purchasing another book!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win an Interactive Storybook and Story Buddy (the Story Buddy received will be a surprise)!!!

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. 

 

 

Earth’s Best Pouches Are a Travel Must-Have

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We have been doing a bit of traveling this holiday season, much the same as millions of other families across the world. We visited my family down in Alabama. They actually came up to visit us a few weeks ago when we had both our girls baptized. When they were loading up the car to travel back home, I sent them back with all the Christmas presents I had ready at that point and perhaps more importantly, I sent ahead some food for the girls. I wanted to make 100% sure that I didn’t forget the Earth’s best jarred food AND the Earth’s Best squeeze pouches. What a nightmare it would have been to have to go to Walmart, or really any store at all, on Christmas Eve to buy them!

Earth’s Best Food Pouches

I choose Earth’s Best for my girls for several reasons. First and foremost, the ingredients are all organic, and that gives me a lot of peace of mind. At home, Layah eats homemade organic baby food about 75% of the time, with some jarred food sprinkled in to give extra variety. I also aim to give Darah organic fruits and vegetables as much as my budget will allow.

Earth’s Best pouches are so fantastic to have on hand because it is pretty much guaranteed that Darah will eat them. Overall she is a good eater, but she’s 3, and that means that she certainly has days where the only thing in this whole world she wishes to eat is peanut butter and chocolate. Sigh… But I have found that if I offer her a squeeze pouch, she says yes to it EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. And Earth’s Best pouches contain all kinds of yummy stuff (no, not peanut butter and chocolate). It’s such a clever way for me to get some veggies and fruits in Darah’s system.

earth's best food pouches

The pouches also work great for Layah, especially on the road. She doesn’t have the hang of sucking the food out herself, but I can squeeze the food onto a spoon for her and feed her at whatever place we have chosen to stop at. When she’s finished, I just screw the lid back on. Since the pouches are shelf stable, I know the food inside will be just fine for several more hours until we reach our destination (at which point I do refrigerate opened pouches and jarred food).

On this trip, Layah has been enjoying the Earth’s Best 1st Foods pouches, which include the following flavors:

  • bananas
  • pears
She has also REALLY enjoyed the Earth’s Best Greek Yogurt Smoothies. Banana is what she has tried so far, but you can also find it in apple or cherry.
As for Darah, as I said before, she will eat any of the pouches (even the 1st foods!) but I’ve been giving her the Just for Toddlers Sesame Street Fruit and Yogurt Smoothies, available in the following flavors:
  • Strawberry Banana
  • Apple Blueberry
  • Peach Banana
  • Pear Mango
  • Mixed Berry
Earth’s Best pouches help our family make the long road trip a little bit easier, and they also help us ensure that our kids are getting the great nutrition they need even when we are away from home and not “in charge” of the meals being served.

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win an Earth’s Best pouch sampler pack!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

I am a blog ambassador for Earth’s Best, and as such I have received complimentary products as a thank you for my time. All thoughts and opinions express here are strictly my own.

Time to Win a LifeLock Membership!!

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Just in time for Christmas, lovely readers, I have a very special giveaway for you!

I’ve been singing the praises of LifeLock (the most amazing identity theft protection service there is, in my opinion!) since September and have been DYING to give you all a chance to win a membership.

Well what do you know? It’s a Christmas miracle!!! And it’s a great way to start of the new year right!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need winner will receive a LifeLock membership!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

I am a compensated ambassador for LifeLock.  All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Shabby Apple $50 Gift Certificate GIVEAWAY!!!

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We are just days away from Christmas (as if you last minute shoppers needed another reminder, right?!). But do you realize that Christmas is just one week away from New Year’s?!

2013 will be here in the blink of an eye! For me, the beginning of the year is a great time to do some soul searching and to think about personal improvements I’d like to make. Like many Americans, getting healthier is definitely on my list. I made some good progress in 2012 but then hit a wall in the late fall. And then the holidays came. And with them, all the chocolate…

Anyway, I’ll be hitting the gym in January, and hopefully throughout the rest of the year. And as I reach milestones, I’ll be treating myself to some great new clothes to help me feel good in my healthier body! Shabby Apple is a place that I always dream about getting one of those statement pieces from. They are known for their spectacular beautiful women’s dresses.

I recently was poking around on their website (ok, who am I kidding…I was looking at every single item!) and I noticed that they have some seriously cute skirts, too. And at price points I can actually handle!

This lovely piece (called Teacher’s Pet skirt) is hanging in my closet right now, waiting for the weather to warm up a little bit. I’ve already tried it on. It is SUCH a fun skirt! I don’t have anything navy in my wardrobe and this is just the dash I need. I’m really looking forward to playing around with different ways of dressing this up and down.

So what about you? Are you hoping to get a little more fit next year? Do you like to treat yourself to rewards for sticking to your goals? How about a little something lovely just for you from Shabby Apple? Would you dare to dream of it?

Well…here’s your chance! Let next year bring you not only some new goals and aspirations, but also some new cute clothes!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will snag a $50 gift certificate to Shabby Apple to put toward whatever your heart desires!

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. 

 

Esio Hot & Cold Beverage Dispenser: Total Game-Changer!

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I hope you will enjoy my video review of the Esio Hot & Cold Beverage Dispenser. Sit back, grab your favorite hot or cold drink, and prepare to be totally blown away by the system that is going to revolutionize your at home beverage service!

In addition to making great drinks, it is also very convenient to have plain hot or cold water available at all times. We no longer have a water pitcher taking up space in our fridge. We can also instantly make oatmeal or some baby formula, when needed. Esio makes it a breeze!

I know the price tag might seem a little steep, but if you are currently buying 2 coffees each week at $4 each, the system will pay for itself in about 6 months just by trading out those coffee purchases for using the Esio! Coffees made with the Esio average about 40 cents per 8 ounces. Much better, right?!

As I mentioned in the video, you can purchase the Esio Hot & Cold Beverage Dispenser at select Walmart locations or at EsioBev.com

I wrote this post in partnership with MomSelect and received complimentary products for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. 

Let Edward’s Creme Pies Make Your Holiday Table Even More Delicious! GIVEAWAY!!!

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This post brought to you by Edwards. All opinions are 100% mine.

Edwards.jpgThe holidays are definitely a challenging season for my waist line. I anticipate that every year, and I make a deal with myself that I try hard to keep: if I'm going to eat something higher in calories, make sure it is worth it. So for me, that means that I wouldn't choose a cold, day old doughnut but I might choose a freshly baked hot one. It also means I won't choose a store bought pie over a homemade one.

Or so I thought. 

You see, Edwards Crème pies have caused me to rethink that rule. It turns out, they REALLY know what they are doing with this particular line of desserts. They far exceed anything I could create, and they are priced at a point where it just makes sense to let them do the work for me! You definitely need to look for them in your grocer's freezer the next time you go shopping! While you are there, pick up a Reese's Creme pie for me. Will I share it? Sure…if you can pry it away from me! 

Additionally, Edward's has a site that allows you to make a free holiday e-card to send to a loved one. Not only will you spread a little holiday cheer by sending one of these cute cards, but you also will be sending a coupon for Edward's pie at the same time! And you aren't left out in the cold, either, because the e-card sender also receives a coupon. SCORE! I loved the blue and white card option with the deer and I sent it to a family member to enjoy. I may or may not have included a note on the card to invite me over on the day they serve the pie. Ha! Tots.jpg

As if the coupon isn't often enough, over the holiday season, a portion of all sales from Edward's pies is going to Toys for Tots $1 per pie!). I always appreciate a company that not only makes excellent products, but also gives back to the community. Thank you, Edward's! 

And now, for a special holiday treat, I have a coupon for a free Edward's pie for one lucky reader! Host a gathering and serve it or let it be your own little secret! 🙂 Edward's will also be making a $20 donation to Toys for Tots in the winner's name. 

To enter, simply follow Edward's Desserts on Facebook and leave a comment on the blog post that you did so, along with which Edward's Dessert you would try first and why. For a bonus second entry (make it a separate comment) follow me on Pinterest and leave your Pinterest username in the comment. 

The contest will end at 11:59pm EST on December 27th. Open to residents 18 and up residing in the continental United States. One entrant per household, please. Winner will be drawn via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email before a new winner is selected. 

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How to Have an Older Sibling Teach a Baby Sign Language

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We taught Darah some basic sign language when she was pre-verbal, and it was a really awesome experience to be able to communicate clearly with our baby. I believe that it contributed to Darah’s strong verbal skills as a young toddler, and I also believe it was a key player in helping us potty train her very early (20 months). We knew without a doubt that we would do the same with our second.

What we have found this time around is that our 3 year old really enjoys being reminded of the signs she learned a used a few years ago, and she REALLY loves showing the signs to her little sister. Seeing Darah serve in the role of teacher gave me an idea: I needed to find a signing DVD that she and I could watch together to enjoy, and also to brush up on our skills so that we could broaden Layah’s signing vocabulary.

I Can Sign is the DVD we are using, and I really like it. I personally would not choose to put my infant in front of the television to watch it, but it is really great for an older sibling (age 2 and up, I would say). I have been watching with Darah so that we can practice together. At this point we’ve only been showing Layah the signs for milk, food, more, diaper, and sleep. She’s been signing milk since she was 4 1/2 months old, and I believe that she understands all of the rest of them. But I Can Sign has reminded me that there are many more signs that would be helpful to teach her.

If you have the desire to teach sign language to your baby, this is a good DVD for parents. But I would say it is an EXCELLENT DVD for an older sibling who also wants to be involved. It retails for $14.99 and can be purchased online. While you are checking out this DVD, be sure to look around at other great products from Baby First TV. I’m really interested in their DVDs about my first gym at home. No doubt that could give parents who can make it to a toddler gym class for whatever reason (time, expense) some good ideas for recreating activities at home.

I think this DVD or several others from Baby First TV would make a great shower gift or new big sibling gift. If you’d like to get the latest information from the company, be sure to follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

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