Stuff Parents Need

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

Learning Resources: Primary Science Magnet Set Review and GIVEAWAY!!

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The hits just keep coming from Learning Resources, folks. I’ve already introduced you to a few of their great products that make learning fun. Check out my reviews of the Letter Construction Activity Set, the Gator Tweezers and the Primary Science Mix & Measure Kit, all of which are used frequently at my house.

Our newest product that has been giving us experiment ideas is the Primary Science Magnet Set. It comes with 10 activity cards, and also has 10 more activity cards on the site that you can download! Darah has been learning about attraction and repelling thanks to this set. She’s been asking a lot of questions, and trying out different combinations of magnets to see how they come together or stay apart from one another. She especially finds the fact that they can repel each other to be really fascinating!

This toy recently won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Gold Seal Award, so Darah’s certainly not alone in her enjoyment of it! It’s designed for ages 4-12, but with adult supervision, 2 and 3 year-olds can also certainly have fun with it and learn a lot at the same time!

I absolutely love that Darah regularly asks me if we can, “do science” at home, and Learning Resources products have played a large role in opening her eyes to the world of experiments. They are a resource I would recommend to anyone looking for fabulous toys that teach.


Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a Primary Science Magnet Set!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 



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


Disclosure: I received a complimentary product from Learning Resources for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. 


Mom’s Weekly Planner Review and GIVEAWAY!!!


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So I started off 2012 without a planner. Which was REALLY dumb. But I thought, “I’ll manage ok if I just keep up with my daily to-do lists that I love to write.” WRONG!!! I can’t even tell you how many appointments I missed and various things I forgot during January and February. I was a hot mess, people. Something had to give.


So I turned to Peter Pauper Press and their highly praised Mom’s Weekly Planner. And I haven’t looked back! Along with my beloved daily to do lists, my weekly planner has a permanent place on my bedside table, and I consult it daily. It has been a TREMENDOUS help as we have moved houses and had to have various repair people come out for lots of different reasons. It has helped me keep straight when I need to be home so I don’t miss someone, or the dates when important things were being delivered, such as our new appliance or our kitchen cabinets (that would be a really bad thing to forget about!).
		
		
			
			
		
	


The Mom’s Weekly Planner is unique in its design in that it is designed for 18 months of use (July – December of the following year). It also have columns for every family member so that you can keep up with the specific needs of each person. It also has an elastic band place holder, which I use constantly to make it really easy to find the page I need in the book. I also really like the sturdy (and attractive!) cover and the fact that it lies flat when opened. Additionally, I make use of the month-at-a-glance page to keep track of all those appointments so that I don’t double-book anything. It has been a highly effective planner that really is designed for the household manager. I highly recommend it!


The Mom’s Weekly Planner is value priced at just $19.99, and can be purchased here.


Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a 2012-2013 Mom’s Weekly planner!


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


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Mo Willems Collection Now Available on DVD! (GIVEAWAY!!!)


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	Mo Willems is a celebrated children’s author. He is the brains behind that grumpy pigeon we all know and love from Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog. He also has written some other gems that were unknown to me until seeing them on this Scholastic video, Mo Willems’ Pigeon and Pals. Knuffle Bunny is much loved by Darah, perhaps because her best friend is also a stuffed bunny. And he’s got a hilarious story about a naked mole rat who wants to wear clothes. Shocking!


This 6 story, 2 DVD set is now available for $19.95, and also includes some really terrific bonus footage all about Mo Willems and how he does his work. And of course, this dvd set contains the read along function that you can set up, so that the words of the story appear and are highlighted as the story is being read to the child. This helps with reading skills!


I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Scholastic videos are a true treasure. The stories are excellent (which is definitely NOT something you can say about all children’s programming) and they prompt some great discussions between you and your child. The videos also stay very true to the books upon which they are based, which I appreciate very much. You can’t go wrong by picking up this DVD set, or any other from the Scholastic line!


Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a copy of Mo Willems’ Pigeon and Pals!


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Kaspersky PURE 2.0 Total Security Review and GIVEAWAY!!!


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Last year I shared with you Kaspersky PURE. At the time, I called it one of the most comprehensive computer protection plans as well as one of the most user-friendly. We very much enjoyed using it last year, and never once found our computers to be the victims of viruses…not because viruses didn’t TRY to latch on to our systems, though! Kaspersky PURE blocked them every time.


Recently, Kaspersky PURE 2.0 Total Security was launched, and now the software is even better than ever! It includes the following new features, in addition to all the fabulous elements of the original Kaspersky PURE:


1. Scans, updates and backup tasks for all PCs in your house are managed from one PC.


2. Parental controls not only block your kids from inappropriate content, they also prevent personal family information from being sent out. Certain information can be designated as private. Parental controls can also set time limits for kids online every day.


3. Password vault that protects your family from identity theft


4. Backup and encryption for photos, music and financial data. My heart almost stops at the thought of losing my digital pictures, so this feature is VERY important to me!


5. Special clean-up tools that keep your system from slowing down.



		
		
			
			
		
	


I know people who are too scared to have Facebook accounts, or to take advantage of online banking opportunities. My own mother has NEVER made an online purchase, and fear of personal information being stolen or getting some sort of virus drives these fears. They aren’t totally unfounded, either. I’ve even noticed a dramatic increase in malicious websites on places like Pinterest, attached to the cutest photos. Thanks to this software, I am told when I shouldn’t open a page I’ve clicked on. Kaspersky PURE 2.0 Total Security is like an online bodyguard, keeping you safe and sound while you enjoy all the great benefits of living in the digital age.


Kaspersky PURE 2.0 Total Security is available for $69.95 for one year of protection. It is SOOOO worth it, people! As someone who has had her identity stolen 3 different times, I can tell you that one ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, for sure!


Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a one year subscription to Kaspersky PURE 2.0 Total Security!

a Rafflecopter giveaway




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


Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this software for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. 


 


 


Jahgoo Infant Bath: Slim, Portable, Awesome!


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One great thing about your second baby is that you already own a lot of the “gear” you need. One item we didn’t have for Layah, though, was a baby bath, as we had borrowed one for Darah and now it lives back in North Carolina, which would make it slightly difficult to use here in Tennessee!


I knew that I wanted something comfortable for baby, but also slim in its design. Oh, and it needed to be inexpensive, too. Turns out, that’s a tall order! But there is one company that makes exactly what I was looking for: Jahgoo. Check out my 2 minute video review to see why this bath support seat makes so much sense for the modern family!




If you are interested in learning more about the Jahgoo collection of products and want to hear about special promotions, be sure to like Jahgoo on Facebook!


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


Earth Mama Angel Baby Birth & Baby Kit Review and GIVEAWAY!!!


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When you give birth to a child, your nether regions go through a bit of trauma. The physics behind how a baby can physically get out of a woman’s body are astounding. And as any woman who has given birth will tell you, it ISN’T an easy feat. All of that stretching and pushing does a number on you, and most women have some healing to do after giving birth, perhaps because they had a tear or had to have an episiotomy, or perhaps they were blessed with hemorrhoids thanks to all that pushing. Or both.



		
		
			
			
		
	


Both times I have delivered, the hospitals gave me lots of topical medications to help me feel a bit better and start recovery. With Darah, I never gave a second thought to what ingredients might be in these medicines, or if there were more natural alternatives. With Layah, though, I was more prepared, and brought the Birth & Baby Kit from Earth Mama Angel Baby with me to the hospital.


This kit was AWESOME to have from the start, and two weeks after delivering, I’m still using the products that came in the kit. Here’s what you’ll find in this cute organza bag:


Items for the new mom:


New Mama Bottom Spray (1 oz). This is a cooling spray for relief from prenatal and postpartum hemorrhoids and episiotomy discomfort. It has a ZERO rating on the Skin Deep toxin database. And all I’m going to say about this product is that it feels so nice! WAY better than the stuff the hospital gave me.


Mama Bottom Balm (4 samples). This is a balm that relieves some of the same discomforts as the New Mama Bottom Spray. It also has a ZERO rating on the Skin Deep toxin database. This product works to reduce swelling in your tissues and eases pain. It also has ingredients to help your wounds heal. I have really loved this product and quickly ditched the ointment the hospital gave me in favor of this.


Organic Monthly Comfort Tea (four samples). This is designed to reduce your postpartum uterine bleeding. It’s also great to help women on their periods feel a bit more balanced. It has a F


ANTASTIC cinnamon flavor and is the best tea I’ve tried so far EVER. Totally in love with it!


Organic Milkmaid Tea (4 samples). This tea is full of herbs that can increase milk production. I have been drinking mine, and haven’t had any supply issues so far!


Natural Nipple Butter (1 oz). Here’s another product rated ZERO on the Skin Deep toxin database. I’ve been using this since Layah’s first day, and while I’ve had some soreness, it hasn’t been nearly as bad as it was with Darah. No bleeding, either!


For baby:


Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash (60 mL). Any guesses about the rating on this one? That’s right….ZERO! I have opted to not use this on Layah just yet, as it does have a mild fragrance. But in a few months I will use it, for sure. It smells awesome!


Angel Baby Oil (1oz). This has been an excellent bonding tool for Layah and me. I love to give her foot and leg massages with this product. It is unscented, so I feel very comfortable using it on her. I’ve also learned that it can be used as a cradle cap remedy, which is good to keep in mind. And it has a ZERO rating on the Skin Deep toxin database!


Angel Baby Lotion (2 oz). This is another product that I will wait a few months to use on Layah, simply because it does have a light scent (like a creamsicle, by the way…it is AWESOME!).


Angel Baby Bottom Balm (1oz). Since Layah is in cloth diapers, diaper rash isn’t really an issue. But it can be good to preventatively apply some balm from time to time, and I’m glad to have this on hand. I also recently learned that it has properties which can be effective against Candida, which causes not only diaper rash, but also thrush (which we have, of course!). I’m going to try it for this purpose and see if we can get quicker relief!


This kit has been a tremendous help to me and Layah as we have started this journey together. I would highly recommend it as a gift to any expecting mom who wants more natural products at the ready! This kit retails for $29.95.


Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win an Earth Mama Angel Baby Birth & Baby Kit!


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Pack Your Bags and let Roadtrip-a-Matic Plan Your PA Adventure


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This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PA Tourism for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.



	visitPA-Roadtrip_box_720px.jpgVisitPA.com has one of the very most impressive sites I have EVER seen when it comes to vacation planning. I've seen many other sites that offer a plethora of information about things to do and see in a particular state, as well as places to stay. But this site is so much more comprehensive, because it can put together amazing pa-roadtrips for you, all based on different themes such as ghost rides, a shoppers roadtrip, a tasting tour, etc. There's something for everyone, and it offers a detailed itinerary for you based on the things that are absolutely not to miss if you have an interest in a particular area. 



	I absolutely LOVE roadtrips, but now that I have two little kids, planning one seems like so much work that I'm inclined to not even try. But this site makes is super easy! I really appreciate not having to read a million reviews for different hotels, restaurants and attractions. The Roadtrip-a-Matic tells you what you really need to see, and saves you HOURS.



	If I had the opportunity to visit Pennsylvania, I'd want to go on the "All Natural Pennsylvania" roadtrip under the "Trails Mix" heading. This two day, two night trip includes the following: "a scenic pathway through state parks, wildlife viewing areas, and miles and miles of hiking trails. And for the water lovers, plenty of opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and all the rest. To top it all off, there is the Nature Inn at Bald Eagle State Park, a luxurious natural hideaway." This would be the perfect trip for my family, as we'd get to do some great outdoors stuff, which my husband would love, but also be able to be pampered a bit, which is something I would love. 



	I'd love for you to take a look at the various awesome road trips that this site suggests. Which one do you think you'd go on? If you've ever spent time in PA, or if you live there, what do you think about their suggestions? 


Visit Sponsor's Site


Tropical Traditions Organic Insect Repellent Review and GIVEAWAY!!!


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Layah developed jaundice just a few days after she was born. Her pediatrician recommended that we take her outside for a few minutes every day to get some sunshine, which evidently helps with jaundice. So when she was 4 days old, Tim took her out on the back porch for a little Vitamin D fix. I came outside after a few minutes and immediately discovered a mosquito on top of her head, helping itself to a meal.


AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!


Yes, I know that mosquito bites are not the world’s greatest problem, but I went totally bonkers over seeing my brand new baby being bitten! She was taken inside immediately and I was fuming over how she fell victim to bugs within mere minutes of stepping outside.



		
		
			
			
		
	This is exactly why I have Tropical Traditions Insect Repellent in my medicine cabinet. It’s a product that will naturally deter bugs from Layah and Darah. I can apply it to both of them with confidence and without concern that I’m poisoning my children at the same time that I’m poisoning bugs. Like all other products from Tropical Traditions, it uses Organic Virgin Coconut Oil as its primary ingredient. There are no harmful chemicals or artificial fragrances added to the product. It does contain pure organic essential oils that have been known to repel insects, including citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, tansy, and catnip. It smells lovely to me, and just plain awful to mosquitoes.


If you would like more information on How to Use Coconut Oil, Tropical Traditions has some really terrific information that helps you understand all the uses and benefits of this product. And there’s no shop that can compare to Tropical Traditions when it comes to having such an extensive line of high quality products made from coconut oil. We are consistently impressed with everything we have tried from this company.


Buy it!: If you want a natural and effective way to keep mosquitoes off your body (and away from your kids!) this is the way to go. You can purchase this organic insect repellent for $13.95 (and it is frequently on sale, so watch for that!).


Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a 4 oz bottle of Organic Insect Repellent from Tropical Traditions!


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Best Reusable Nursing Pads: Bamboobies


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One of the very first posts I ever wrote for this site was about the best disposable nursing pads. I had such strong opinions about them, and I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences with other moms; they were one of the reasons I started this blog in the first place, if you can believe it.


I still stand behind that review, but I didn’t know at the time that reusable nursing pads even existed. Thanks to other mommy bloggers, I learned about them and have really enjoyed trying out various types of reusable pads. I like that they are washable, that they save money, and that they are more eco-friendly (no icky chemicals on me, thanks!).


But what I don’t like about them, or at least most of them, is that they are also bulky, just like most other disposable pads. I’ll take bulky reusable pads over bulky disposable pads any day, but guess what? Those aren’t your only two choices! I have found reusable nursing pads that are SUPER trim and SUPER soft. They are like a little swatch of luxury! 
		
		
			
			
		
	


They are called Bamboobies. And as the name suggests, they are made of bamboo, which is by far the softest material I have yet to try for a breast pad. They feel so darn nice! And they are super thin, too. I have some other thin reusable breast pads, but they just don’t cut the mustard. I’m usually leaking through them within 1 1/2 hours…what’s the point of that?! Bamboobies have a leak-proof outer lining, and I can tell you from experience, they truly don’t leak.


Also, Bamboobies are heart-shaped, which is much more flattering than the round disc look that most nursing pads have.  The heart shape also doesn’t give you that crumpled look that you can so easily get with round pads. You can’t see your Bamboobies through your clothes, which is more than I can say for most pads.


Bamboobies are made from organic materials, but even goes beyond that wonderful step. They also use sustainable fabrics and advocate for fair labor practices by hiring locally in Colorado (hooray for Made in the USA products!).






I know I will be purchasing more of these and ditching most of my other cloth breast pads. Why wear something uncomfortable and ineffective when a product as wonderful as Bamboobies exists?


Buy it!: Babmboobies products begin at $16.99. You can also save 20% off your purchase by using code SPN20! 




Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a $16.99 credit to Bamboobies, which is enough to get you either a pair of regular or overnight Bamboobies, or you can apply the credit toward any other purchase in the shop! Woo hoo!


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


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