Stuff Parents Need

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

SodaStream: One of My Very Favorite Products (GIVEAWAY!!!)

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Way back in June of 2010 I reviewed the SodaStream, which was a clever product that allowed you to make your own soda at home. You can see my SodaStream video review here, and since it is the very first time I used the product, you’ll notice that I was surprised by the funny noises! 🙂

Last month I created a list of my very favorite products of 2010, and SodaStream made the list. I mentioned that even 2 years after getting it, I have yet to purchase a can of soda but I still get my bubbly fix thanks to SodaStream!

The folks at SodaStream were excited to make the “best of” list and offered to let me try some of their newer products. I was sent a Fountain Jet Soda Lover’s Start-Up Kit. Here’s what it looked like:

I was really impressed with all the goodies that came in this package, and couldn’t help but think that this would make the absolute PERFECT holiday gift for a loved one. You get everything you need to get started and I especially love the sample pack which gives you the chance to try out a  lot of different flavors before you commit to buying any of them in the full-size. We’ve been buying SodaStream flavors for 2 years now, but I’ll admit that we stick to our 4 favorites. This gave us the chance to try out some flavors that we either hadn’t yet seen in the stores or just hadn’t purchased.

I also wanted to show how the Fountain Jet has gotten a really good makeover in the past 2 years. Here you will see the new Fountain Jet next to the old Fountain Jet. It’s much more sleek, don’t you think?

If you have been hesitant to try out the SodaStream, perhaps because of the initial cost, I have to tell you that I’m a thrifty gal and I think this product pays for itself time and time again. It also significantly reduces waste. Think of all the plastic 2 liter bottles and aluminum cans you won’t be using!

But perhaps my favorite reason for loving SodaStream is that their syrups contain no high fructose corn syrup. When you compare the cost of SodaStream to other sodas without that ingredient, there’s really no comparison. This is MUCH cheaper, and SO much better for you than a traditional soda.

I have been an evangelist for this product for the past 2 years (can’t tell you how many times we have shown it to friends who were curious when they were over for dinner or a visit!). I will continue to be a loyal SodaStream fan, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys soda or even carbonated water (yeah, you can use SodaStream to replace your pricey bottled carbonated water, too!).

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a Fountain Jet Soda Lover’s Start-Up Kit which includes the following:

– Fountain Jet – winner’s choice of color (black/silver, red/silver or white)
– 1 carbonating bottle, reusable for up to 3 years
– Reusable carbonator to fizz up to 60L of soda
– Variety 6-pack of popular sample-size flavors
– 3 full-sized flavors of the winner’s choice

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

I received a complimentary Start-Up Kit for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. 

 

Earth’s Best Makes Breakfast Healthy and Delicious: GIVEAWAY!!!

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Breakfast at my house is almost never skipped. I feel super sluggish without it, myself, and since Darah faces 4 hours of school, I know her body really needs the fuel to power through the morning.

Darah loves oatmeal, so when I learned this month at Earth’s Best has an instant oatmeal option, I was really excited. And when Darah saw Elmo on the package, SHE was really excited. This is the only organic instant oatmeal I have seen in my local store. We usually just make our own, which takes a bit longer. But Earth’s Best Yummy Tummy Organic Instant Oatmeal is ready in about 90 seconds. That is so helpful for busy mornings (which is every morning!).  It is available in Maple & Brown Sugar as well as Apples & Cinnamon. Both options are absolutely perfect for a chilly school morning!

Layah also has a yummy breakfast option from Earth’s Best. We’ve been using their organic rice cereal for a few weeks now, but in the near future I will be introducing her to Earth’s Best Whole Grain Mixed Grain Cereal which contains oats, barley and spelt as well as apple and sweet potato. It sounds delicious, and I love that it is packed with all those fantastic whole grains. In my experience, starting babies off with these types of foods ensures that they will enjoy them longer. Darah regularly ate barley and other whole grains throughout her baby and toddlerhood! I usually make the majority of the baby food, but having this mixed grain cereal on hand will help speed things up quite a bit, which leaves me more time to work on other projects. And I don’t sacrifice nutrition in the process. Thanks, Earth’s Best!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win Earth’s Best Organic Yummy Tummy Instant Oatmeal and Earth’s Best Infant Cereal!
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 expressed here are strictly my own.



Why Have Kids? A New Mom Explores the Truth About Parenting and Happiness (Book Review)


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Jessica Valenti, the author of the new book Why Have Kids? is pissed off. There’s no other way to say it, really. In her book, she takes a brutally honest look at the shadow side of parenting. That side that we tend to gloss over by quickly covering our complaints with, “but being a mom is awesome!” or “but I wouldn’t trade this for the world!”


Raising kids is REALLY hard, you guys. Period. No need to qualify it with a profession of deep and abiding love. It’s HARD.



		
		
			
			
		
	


In Why Have Kids? Jessica delves into chapter after chapter of myths about parenting, as well as some truths. She takes a controversial stand with these myths and truths. For example, a myth in her book is that being a mom is the hardest job in the world and a truth is that smart women don’t have kids…I’m guessing at least a few of you got your feathers ruffled over these (I know I did!).


Every “myth” she takes issue with and every “truth” she presents are meant to alarm you. They go against what society tends to claim.


But while I can’t say I agree with her every thought, she most definitely brings a critical eye to some sweeping assumptions that are made in our culture, and challenges some of these ideas as being part of the cause for the ennui Gloria Steinem named back in The Feminist Mystiqe and that women still struggle with, despite decades of “movement” for women’s rights.


I can identify with Jessica’s deep disappointment in some aspects of raising children. These have precious little to do with the children, themselves, and so much to do with the sacrifice of personal identity that seems to be expected of women. I have struggled with this matter ever since I became a mom.


I was shocked and surprised when working full time no longer seemed to fit my identity. My old self simply no longer fit. And I was shocked and surprised when I found myself unhappy staying at home full-time, as well. I was also shocked at the extent to which I had to completely rearrange my priorities and let go of interests and even friendships in order to give parenting the time it seems to demand. From the book, “it’s not so much that children don’t make you happy – they do bring joy into people’s lives – it’s that kids also ‘crowd out’ other sources of happiness.” This has also been my experience, and it honestly has been a very tough pill to swallow. It has become increasingly difficult to remember who I was or what I enjoyed before I became a parent. It’s not that I wish to go back to that, but that I long for an identity outside of “Darah and Layah’s mom” and knowing who that person is has become surprisingly difficult.


Tim and I both also struggle a lot with not having a support system in place here in Chattanooga. We do not have family near by and we wish so much that we did. Valenti talks in her book about the fact that multi-generational families used to be more common, and that there was a great benefit to that for moms. They could utilize the village, so to speak, to help with raising the child. Valenti quotes Petra Buskens, a motherhood researcher based in the Netherlands, who says, “‘Mothers are attempting to carry out rigorous schedules of attached mothering in an increasingly fragmented and unsupportive social context.’ Essentially, we’re Attachment Parenting without a net.”  This really resonated with me, as I find so much of the Attachment Parenting philosophy to be compelling, but absolutely exhausting to me as the parent. It nearly breaks me on a weekly basis. Perhaps this is why…


You guys, there are SO many things in this book that I would love to cover and would love to discuss. But alas, it is time to feed the baby this morning (I wake up BEFORE her 5 am feeding so that I can get some non-parenting work done…it’s the only way I can have this identity as a blogger. Sleep loses). Would anyone be interested in doing an online book club session (or maybe a few sessions) together? Maybe over Skype?


The book is available on Amazon now for $14.00. If you are an Amazon Prime member and have a Kindle, it’s FREE!!! That makes me jealous of those of you in that category, by the way.


Let me know if you want to talk about this book after reading it. It’s likely going to make you mad. And it’s also going to really make you think.


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


The Fabric Makes the Dress: House of Minerva Fabulous Fashions for Girls (GIVEAWAY!!!)


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We just returned from a fantastic trip back to Memphis, where we lived off and on for 10 years before landing in Chattanooga. While I was there I visited a good friend of mine who is passionate about beautiful and unique fabrics and has opened up her own sewing and fabric shop.


Even though I do not personally sew, I still felt completely mesmerized by the walls of fantastic prints. I’d never seen anything like them, and each and every one would make something absolutely gorgeous. It was like an awesome Etsy store’s supply shop! 🙂


When it comes to fashion for little girls, fabric really can make or break the dress. I know I’m not the only one who has swooned at adorable frocks that you might find from time to time at craft fairs or online, and they always are made with unique fabrics in colors that pop. And today I want to introduce you to a store that is overflowing with all this cuteness.


Introducing House of Minerva. We have a dress from this shop and it is the perfect fall statement piece, as here in the South the squirrels are gathering acorns at a feverish pace this time of year!



		
		
			
			
		
	


The pattern of the dress is adorable. The fit is fantastic. And the fabric! Oh, the fabric!!!



		
		
			
			
		
	


I can’t help but smile every time I see Darah in her House of Minerva dress. And that is quite often, as it is one of her favorites!


If you have a little one, you simply MUST check out the toddler dresses. So stinkin’ cute! The one Darah is modeling is out of stock, but it retailed for $34.00 like most of the other dresses in stock.


And if you don’t have a little one to shop for, don’t despair, as there are MANY cute finds for you or a friend, too! I’m currently swooning over this adorable cosmetic bag (just $12!).



		
		
			
			
		
	


House of Minerva also takes care of their customers in some really fun ways. If you post a picture on their Facebook wall of you with any HoM creation, they will send you a 15% off coupon for your next purchase! Additionally, they offer other rewards for helping get the word out about their site, so be sure to read up on all the ways you can share and earn!


So hop on over and check out the fantastic selection of products at House of Minerva. I guarantee you that you’ll see fabrics that are new to you and that will make you positively giddy!


Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win a toddler dress from House of Minerva! EEEE!!!


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. 


Shopping for Fall Basics on a Budget: My CookiesKids.com Experience


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When it comes to obtaining clothes for my children, I am lucky beyond measure. Darah is granddaughter #4 on one side of the family and Layah is granddaughter #7. Additionally, one of my sisters-in-law has a knack for finding great deals on really beautiful children’s clothing online, and we inherit those clothes after her kids have worn them. It is really awesome. But even with all that access to great (and FREE!) clothes, I still find that I need to supplement some things, especially as Darah gets older and the clothes heading her way have been worn for longer periods of time and might need to be replaced. A few weeks ago I realized that I was having some trouble getting Darah fully dressed in the mornings after the weather got a bit cooler. I made a list of the articles of clothing I kept reaching for but that weren’t there in her closet. And I was surprised by how many basics were needed! I was missing the following:


    

  • black long-sleeve shirt
    • 

  • white long-sleeve shirt
    • 

  • jeans
    • 

  • basic skirt
    • 

  • footed tights in a basic color (white, black, red)
    • 

  • black pants
    • 



I’m on a tight budget (who isn’t, these days?) so I was rather nervous when I saw how many things I needed to get. I wasn’t really sure how to get all of these items without spending more money than I really could afford to. And as many of you can understand, its not a fun feeling when you are struggling to figure out how to meet a need for your child. I turned to CookiesKids.com to try to find these basics at a good price. I had been hearing a lot of buzz from other bloggers about the huge inventory and the unbelievable prices, so I decided to go for it. I did my shopping at 4 in the morning (ah, the beauty of the internet!) so that I could shop in peace and quiet and not have to even put on any makeup! Darah is interested in clothes I bring home for her, but at 3 years old, she still has precious little patience for actually browsing in a store. If you’d like to follow along with my shopping experience, check out my Google+ album here.


One of the tricky things about shopping at CookiesKids.com is the fact that they carry a large assortment of brands. And that means that fit can vary quite a bit. I’m impressed that CookiesKids.com is working hard on a solution with a program called Alva Kids. You can find the icon by the size option. Once you register with this free and easy program and provide it with some basic information about your child’s measurements, you can better know how each brand on the site is going to fit your child. That’s very cool and can save a great deal of headache! 
		
		
			
			
		
	Since I was shopping VERY early in the morning, and since I have a child who is very petite, I skipped this size, knowing that there was no possibility of a 3T in any brand being too small for her. PEOPLE, LEARN FROM MY EXAMPLE. I should have taken a few minutes to do this, because I ordered a few long-sleeve shirts, all from one particular brand, and they were all too small. I was really shocked by this, and then annoyed at myself because I could have prevented the problem.


CookiesKids.com did have a very impressive variety of clothing options and I found myself going down a few rabbit holes as I spotted things not on my list that were so pretty. I mean, how adorable is this sweater dress?! And just $9.99!



		
		
			
			
		
	


I actually stumbled upon some gray cords and some gray leggings, neither one of which were on my list but both of which I decided to purchase as staples for this year. I’m so glad I did! But perhaps my most awesome find was a set that included black pants (which was on my list) and also included a really cute black and gray fashion top, and the price was amazing…just $6.99!



		
		
			
			
		
	


This shirt was SOOOOO soft. And it also has a little bit of tulle at the bottom to make it sassy, which Darah especially loves. In fact, when it was time to model a different outfit, she asked if she could keep the top on just a little bit longer. I happily complied with her request, and it gave me an opportunity to see how her new gray cords would work with the top. They looked great! They are also a better option than jeans for her, as she finds jeans to be stiff and doesn’t really like wearing them. She’d actually wear dresses all year if she could, but at some point, pants are a must. So this outfit is a good compromise for her because she feels like she is wearing a dress, just with pants underneath!



		
		
			
			
		
	


Then we moved on to a white top (which will get near-constant use this season, I predict) and those gray leggings, which were from Esprit and still only cost $6.99. They are the cutest things ever!



		
		
			
			
		
	


I think #CookiesKids is a really good online shopping option for parents who need to stretch their dollars as far as possible but who still want to find kids fashion that is on-trend. Again, I want to stress the importance of doing a little bit of prep work by registering for Alva Kids so that you can buy with confidence and you know that everything you order is going to fit as it should!


Even if you don’t have to worry to much about the latest kids style because your child is in a uniform at school, Cookies Kids is still a great place to find good deals on those school uniforms. Basically, they’ve got something for everyone! They are also celebrating their 40th year of business, so you know they are doing something right!


And if you happen to live in the NYC area, Cookies Kids has 7 stores there. For the rest of us, shopping with this store is a possibility 24/7 by going online. You can also stay up to date on the latest happenings (and the SALES!) by following Cookies Kids on Facebook and Twitter. You can also use the code stuffparentsneed to save 10% on your order from now through 12/14/2012! Woo hoo!






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 CookiesKids.com #CBias #SocialFabric. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.






Character Development Book: Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns It’s Ok to Back Away


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Darah is on her third book from the We Do Listen Foundation. she is a BIG fan of the main character, Howard B. Wigglebottom.


Howard is a wonderful little boy (er, bunny) who has some important lessons in life that he needs to learn (don’t we all?!).


In the latest book we received, Howard learns some great tactics to use to help control his anger and frustration.



		
		
			
			
		
	


I continue to be impressed by the extent to which Darah really listens to these stories and applies them to her life. We talk about Howard frequently whenever we are dealing with the issues that get raised in the books we own about him. A few days ago she was telling me bout one of her classmates getting upset and said, “He didn’t know that it is ok to back away.” The message is definitely sinking in with her!


I very highly recommend these books for character development in young children. They also come with discussion questions the adults can ask the kids in order to keep the lessons going beyond the story, itself.


The Howard B. Wigglebottom books are available for $6.00 each or you can get all 10 titles for just $50.00! These are hardcover books with amazing lessons. The price is absolutely unbeatable!


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


The Most Adorable Plush Creatures: Handmade Dollies by Clara Dolly


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Look at this face



		
		
			
			
		
	


This is the Cabbage Monster. And bless his little heart, he tries so hard to be scary. Just yesterday I caught him trying to scale Darah’s Lego towers.



		
		
			
			
		
	


But those tiny little arms and legs don’t serve him well as a climber. So he had to settle for a staring contest with Layah. She broke eye contact first, so he at least won that battle. Just look at his victorious face!



		
		
			
			
		
	


After I took that shot, Layah bit his face. I decided to spare him the humiliation of putting that picture on the internet. Cabbage monster has a reputation to uphold, after all.


While he hates for me to say this, isn’t Cabbage monster just the cutest little thing?! He’s the creation of Clara Lieu and is one of many incredible handmade dollies just waiting for a forever home at Clara Dolly. Stuffed animals have a very special place in our home. They were my favorite toy as a child and seem to have the same place of honor in Darah’s heart. I am always on the lookout for stuffed animals that are unusual in some way. Handmade stuffed toys are a rare treasure.


If you are looking for a gift that will be more than an object to a child, but that will become a true friend, may I suggest something form Clara Dolly? From bats, to chickens to miniature people, there’s something for everyone. And even the fiercest of creatures from Clara Dolly have a soft spot. Don’t tell him that I told you, but Cabbage Monster loves a good cuddle after a long day of being the biggest, baddest plush this side of the Mississippi!


Prices start at just $15. Take a look around and see if you need to bring someone home with you!


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


How I Discovered the Difference Between Smooth and Genuinely Soft Skin


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When I was in my mid-20’s, I had at least 15 bottles of lotion. I was a huge fan of shopping at Bath & Body Works and I would go absolutely nuts during their semi-annual sales. My skin smelled great, but I couldn’t help but notice that its conditioned never really improved beyond the first hour of applying the products.


Eventually I got so overwhelmed with my collection while also feeling so underwhelmed by the performance of the lotions that I quit buying cold turkey. And it took me about 4 years to work through my lotion collection. I now only own two bottles of lotion for myself, and both of those were given to me as gifts.



		
		
			
			
		
	


I’m currently using the Renew lotion and have always been pleased with the results. It’s a stark contrast to my former lotion picks in that it is in a very large container and it is unscented. But my skin feels smooth for hours after applying it. It sits on my bathroom vanity and I usually remember to apply it after taking a shower.


Lotion is an important component for baby massages, which Layah absolutely adores. Darah also loves to apply lotion herself and asks to do so whenever she sees me using it. For my girls, I go natural/organic. I have a goal to eventually set the same standards for my own lotion use,  but I have yet to find an organic product with lasting results for my skin.



		
		
			
			
		
	


Speaking of my skin, I should mention that making my skin feel soft is a very VERY hard thing to do. You see, I have Keratosis Pilaris, which is a very common skin condition that causes lots and lots of little tiny bumps. They don’t itch or hurt, but they also don’t go away. No amount of exfoliating or hydrating will cause them to fade. Trust me, I’ve tried it all, and I’ve done my research on the condition. The bumps are here to stay.



		
		
			
			
		
	


So any lotion I try out on my skin really faces a serious challenge. How do you make bumpy skin feel soft and smooth? I recently headed to Target to do some comparison shopping in the lotion aisle. Want to follow along with my adventure? Click here to see the whole trip and my thoughts about what I saw.



		
		
			
			
		
	


I brought home a product from Nivea, and did a side-by-side comparison of it with the Renew lotion I have been using for the past several months. Below you will see the Renew product on the left and the Nivea product on the right. I immediately noticed how much thicker Renew was, and that left me feeling nervous for Nivea.



		
		
			
			
		
	


After applying both products, I immediately felt both arms, and they both felt quite smooth (remember, “smooth” is a relative term when talking about my skin). I couldn’t tell a difference right away, but I didn’t really expect to at first.


I waited 10 minutes, and then I checked again. I thought that my left arm, which had Renew on it, felt a bit softer than my right arm, which had Nivea. I asked Tim’s opinion (he didn’t know which arm had which product) and he thought the Nivea arm was softer. So we agreed to disagree.


But here’s where things got really interesting. Four hours after applying the product I had Tim feel again. He said, “The right arm (which, as a reminder, is the Nivea arm) feels genuinely soft, and the left arm feels artificially soft…like it has a layer of lotion sitting on top of it.” I was dumbstruck by his observation. And after hearing it, I realized that he was right. The Renew lotion did make my skin feel soft, but it didn’t do a great job of actually absorbing into my skin, whereas the Nivea product penetrated the surface. Below you will see a picture of my right arm. It may not look very different on the surface, but the beauty of this product is that it goes beyond what lies on the surface to provide a more lasting hydration.



		
		
			
			
		
	


After having this experience of wading through the truly overwhelming selection of lotions available, and then realizing that I was being fooled by my own lotion into thinking I was getting good results, I was left with a few thoughts. It is easy to understand why so many women just throw their hands up in the air and either get whatever is on sale or stick with one brand so they don’t have to think about it any more. Even I have been relying on family to give me whatever lotion they like as gifts so I don’t have to mull over my options! And I absolutely believed that a thicker lotion would always mean a better lotion.


I’m surprised by my results, and I feel happy to have a new lotion that I am now using with complete confidence. I look forward to seeing how using Nivea Extended Moisture will impact the overall health and softness of my skin over time.


I would love to hear about your lotion routine. Do you have a favorite product? Are you overwhelmed with the options out there? And have you ever been fooled into thinking that a lotion was improving your skin when it really just sat on top of it to give the illusion of working? Do any of you also have Keratosis Pilaris?


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™ #CBias #SocialFabric. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.


Restaurant Quality at Home: Bertolli (GIVEAWAY!!!)


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I’m not superwoman. I don’t think any mom out there is, really. We all have to-do lists that are impossible to complete in a 24 hour day. Some days we get far enough through them to make peace with what’s left over, and sometimes we are hopelessly behind before breakfast is even finished!


On those super crazy days, I have no reservations about getting some help in the meal prep department. But my budget is tight, so going to a restaurant (or even just hitting the drive-thru) is not something I can do often. I need a more affordable option. In fact, on those days when I’m that pressed for time, it’s inconvenient to have to leave the house at all, even if it is just to pick up dinner!


Bertolli has got me covered, though. They have 4 brand new frozen products. I have tried AND LOVED every single one of them. I can’t tell you what a relief it is to know that dinner needs to be ready in 20 minutes, and to open the freezer and find a Bertolli Meal Soup or a Bertolli Risotto staring back at you. When I had NO plan for dinner and very little time, I suddenly had my pick of Italian-Style Wedding soup, Ricotta & Lobster Ravioli in a Seafood Bisque, Garlic Shrimp Risotto or Roasted Chicken Risotto.



		
		
			
			
		
	


My first pick was that fabulous Roasted Chicken Risotto. I took just a moment to read the directions:



		
		
			
			
		
	


That’s my kind of recipe! Pour contents into a skillet, cover and cook!



		
		
			
			
		
	


I played with Layah and hopped over to the kitchen every few minutes to give this a stir. It was just that simple.


And it was so good that I completely forgot to snap a photo of the final product! We gobbled it up completely before it occurred to me. Oops!


I would highly recommend Bertolli frozen meals. The taste was fresh, the meals were something outside of the norm, and it was a very special treat to have risotto, which is a labor-intensive food to prepare, while putting forth very little effort, myself!


Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will receive 4 coupons for FREE Bertolli Frozen Meals!


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.