Stuff Parents Need

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

Make a Busy Weeknight Meal Special with Bertolli Meal Soups!

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On Tuesday of this week I got a wild hair about something we had on our list to do before the baby arrives in May. That thing was deep-cleaning our carpets.

I checked out rental fees from our local hardware store, and felt that we should get this knocked out now. I am having company over on Saturday, so I might as well get the house looking nice before they come over!

It was, in theory, an excellent idea. In practice, it was EXTREMELY stressful. I had no idea just how much STUFF we had scattered throughout the house, sitting on carpeted floors. Some of the stuff had a dedicated space (bookshelves), but much of it was stuff that didn’t really have a home, and was left to wander from room to room, pile to pile. I guess we were so used to seeing the piles that we didn’t even notice them any more. So in order to get our carpets ready to be cleaned, we had to start dealing with all that stuff.

It was ugly, people. And honestly, it’s not over. We still have piles in our uncarpeted rooms (like our bathroom and the hallway). But the good news is that we are now forced to make those tough decisions about where things should live, because they really can’t live next to the front door or next to the bathtub!

In the midst of all this craziness, we still had to deal with our everyday responsibilities, not the least of which is making sure we all get something good to eat! This might have been one of those times when calling for takeout or just swinging by a fast food restaurant was in order, but I really didn’t want to spend a lot of money on a meal and I didn’t want to make a really unhealthy choice.

This is where Bertolli came in!

You likely know Bertolli as a great line of Italian food products that you can find at your local grocery store. I have always found what they make to be of an excellent quality. Did you know that they now offer a frozen soup called Bertolli Meal Soups? They are an EXCELLENT alternative to picking up something quick, and they are even easier than take out because they don’t require you to go get anything (other than picking it up the next time you are at the grocery store).

We tried the Tomato Florentine and Tortellini with Chicken soup. Yes, it was every bit as good as it sounds! It was creamy, tasted fresh and fully of flavor and left us very full and satisfied. If I had received the exact same bowl of soup in a restaurant, I would have been very pleased! All I had to do in order to make this delicious meal was open the bag, dump the contents into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it cook for 14 minutes, stirring once halfway through. EFFORTLESS, people!

Other flavors that are currently available in this line include the following:

  • Chicken Minestrone
  • Roasted Chicken & Rotini Pasta
  • Tuscan-Style Beef with Vegetables

I made this meal smack dab in the middle of our carpet cleaning craziness. It also happened to be an unbelievably gorgeous day outside (early February but 66 degrees and sunny!). Darah asked if we could have a picnic outside for our meal. Frankly, it was a great idea, as it felt good to step outside and away from all the clutter and chaos for a few moments! The picnic and the delicious soup combined together made for a very special meal at a time when having a special meal wouldn’t really have seemed possible.

If you want to learn more about this and other great Bertolli products (and hear about special coupons and promotions!) be sure to follow Bertolli on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclosure: I was compensated by Bertolli to participate in the Weeknight Meal Special Challenge. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Travelproducts.com Review and $25 Gift Card GIVEAWAY!!!

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When traveling with kids, it’s really important to have the right equipment so that you can make things as easy as possible. For example, when we were headed back home from California, we made use of Tim’s parents’ luggage scale. We packed our bags so tightly that some of them were less than 1 pound from the weight limit! We were able to bring everything home with us and not face any surprise fees once we got to the airport. It was great!

Travelproducts.com is an excellent online shopping destination for all your travel gear needs. We got to check out two great products from their extensive website. First, I selected this fabulous giraffe print duffel bag. I actually picked this out to give to my mom as a gift. I already own a duffel bag that has an unusual print on it, and I find it to be of tremendous value at airports. In a sea of black bags, mine stands out so I can very quickly identify it. The same would be true of this animal print bag. Plus, it’s cute! I also think the price point is excellent, as this bag is just $19.95, and it absolutely roomy enough to hold all you would need for a weekend away.

Second, we checked out something that I think would make a great gift for most anyone who is attached to a cell phone (and who isn’t?!). It’s a cell phone charger holder, and I think it is great for home or travel. The reason I think it makes sense to travel with this is because it helps your phone and charger be a little more prominent to your eyes. That’s important when you are packing up to leave your hotel room or wherever you are staying. I know I’ve lost at least 3 chargers, and once I even left my phone while traveling. By having a stand like this where your phone and charger nest together, it makes it harder to forget to retrieve it when it’s time to go!

It’s also great for at home use. One of our charging stations is in our office/laundry room. Our phones usually just sit on the floor to get charged. That’s honestly an invitation for them to get stepped on (either by our feet or by our office chair, which lives close by), or for Darah to find it and play with/mess up the phone. I really like being able to keep it off the floor, now. Plus, it’s only $4.95! What an affordable gift option this makes!

Whatever your travel gear needs may be, Travelproducts.com has got you covered? Lucky enough to be traveling internationally this year? They’ve got an extensive collection of electric converters to help keep your electronics safe and sound. Are you in need of some organizers? The selection here is fabulous!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win a $25 gift certificate to Travelproducts.com!

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Guavamitts by Guavakids: Mitts that Stay Put! (GIVEAWAY!!!!)

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My mother loves to tell me about how when I was first born, she marveled at my beautiful face and my perfect peach skin (aren’t moms sweet?). Just as most moms are inclined to feel about their babies, she thought I was the most beautiful baby in the world.

And then she tells me about how on day 2 I was rolled into her room and my face was full of scratches! No harm was done by any of the nursing staff; these were all self-inflicted. She was so distraught that this had happened to me, but given the fact that she’d just been through a c-section (and this was back in the day when you were totally knocked out for this procedure), clipping my nails wasn’t the first thing she had thought to do upon seeing me, and evidently, neither had the nurses.

I took that story to heart when we had Darah, and I even brought little baby mitts to the hospital. They worked only ok. I had a little baby, and those mitts would fall off her hands! And they are small, which means they would then be hard to find. I don’t think we made it out of the newborn stage last time with a single pair of mitts still in tact!

This time, I’ve got a genius product on hand that will help ensure a proper fit. The company guavakids (mom owned and operated!) has come out with guavamitts, and they are SO smart! From their site, “All guavamitts are designed to stay put and protect, engage baby’s senses, and be gentle on the earth — all while looking stylish and modern.”

These mitts have velcro straps at the wrists to help you get a custom fit for your baby’s hands. You can make them snug enough that they won’t fall off when being worn. Hooray!

Take a look at all the pattern options. High contrast options are great for tiny babies, as it does help with brain development. Because these mitts are on their hands, they are at close range and are going to be looked at again and again…very smart to have the design serve a developmental purpose!

The mitts are made with bamboo (a VERY sustainable resource) and organic cotton. I love the thought that went into this choice. Gentle on the planet and gentle for baby! Also, knowing that the product is organic, there’s no concern about baby sucking or chewing on the mitt…it’s chemical-free!

Buy it!: Guavamitts are available in packs of one for $12.00 or two for $20.00. These would make a most excellent shower gift!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win a pair of guavamitts! Woo hoo!

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Organic, Fair, Natural: Wild Dill for Babies and Toddlers

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Wild Dill is an absolutely fabulous resource for parents. This online shopping destination is chock full of organic, fair trade and natural toys, clothes and bedding for your little loves.

We recently received a fair trade stuffed animal and I have to say, I was really blown away by the quality. You may be wondering what fair trade means. It means that the artisans who produced this work were paid a living wage for their skills and time. The people making these products are earning a living that ensures they can care for themselves, and their families. Just as you and I seek to make a wage that can not only support us but also help us thrive, so, too, do these individuals, and Wild Dill sees to it that they are fairly compensated. Yes, that does mean that the prices for the products are going to be a bit higher. But I promise you, the quality is unparalleled.

I love this panda from Yellow Label Kids for a few reasons other reasons, as well. It’s organic, which means that when (not if!) the baby chews on it, I don’t have to worry about all the pesticides and chemicals that might be lurking in the material and stuffing. Second, the coloring is excellent for newborn and young infant eyes, which are drawn to black and white images. This ensures that this panda is going to be played with a great deal, especially in the early weeks of life! I will use it with the baby to help her practice tracking objects. And I can already tell you that big sister thinks it is a fun toy, so I’m sure we’ll be seeing her play with it a lot, too!

The product selection at Wild Dill is fantastic, with over 50 great natural brands featured. Some I have already known and loved, and some are new discoveries to me, which is so much fun! What a joy it is to see the growth of organic and fair-trade products!

If Wild Dill sounds like the type of place where you’d like to do a lot of your baby shopping, then you are in luck! They offer wish lists and baby registries! Also, all orders over $65 qualify for free shipping, which is great!

Buy it!: You can purchase the organic stuffed panda I reviewed for $34.00.

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

Jewelry that Captures the Essence of Motherhood: Vanessa Gade (BIG discount!!!)

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I want to talk for a moment about a matter that has become a bit controversial, largely due to the way people choose talk about it. Ever heard of a “push present”? This unfortunate term was coined to indicate a gift, typically jewelry, that a woman receives from her significant other upon the birth of their child.

I have NO problems with marking such an incredibly special moment in the life of a family with a special keepsake gift. In fact, I will tell you now that I received a beautiful platinum necklace from Tim when Darah was born. It has 3 interlocking circles, representing our new family. I wear it almost constantly (I’m wearing it in the picture on my home page, as a matter of fact!).

I DO have a problem with the term “push present” as it can be perceived to mean that the woman needs some sort of sparkly “treat” for delivering a baby. The work of carrying and delivering a baby FAR exceeds whatever jewels could possibly be offered, people. There’s no way to create some sort of “fair exchange…baby for bling.” I think most any mom will tell you that upon reflection, that concept doesn’t make any sense.

I think of my daughter and my family every time I touch my necklace. It is a reminder of my amazing family that I am blessed to have. I also know that one day I will pass this piece of jewelry on to Darah; it will mark some special occasion for her down the road, and it will be a true treasure to pass on. Not because I “earned” it by delivering her, but because it symbolizes the gift Tim and I were given the day she entered the world.

I have spent a bit of time thinking about what symbol might represent the arrival of our second daughter. It could be a piece of art, a sculpture for our backyard, or yes, even a piece of jewelry. I wasn’t really sure what to look for, but fortunately, something found me. I discovered the jewelry artist Vanessa Gade, and after taking just one look at her pieces, I fell madly in love. For me, her necklaces were capturing what I have been feeling about becoming a mother of two…an interesting dance between chaos and complete harmony.

Piece after piece in Vanessa’s collection show asymmetrical patterns, but all are captured inside perfect circles. There it is…the essence of my day-to-life life as a mom! The particular piece I received to review speaks so clearly to me about having two children. There are two beautiful chains that cut right through the circle (which I am inclined to think of as a symbol of my heart). They intersect with each other and look to me as though they are running and dancing, just as my children will run and dance through my head and my heart every day from now until it stops beating.  The circle is oxidized silver (though it is also available in sterling). I really like this effect. Part of the sacrifice of becoming a parent is that you do get a bit worn down as you stand up against all the elements. Perhaps I’m not as shiny as I was 5 years ago. But look at the light (the gold chains) that radiate from inside of me! Motherhood, even with all of its pains and scars, is a thing of the most tremendous beauty. I have never shined more brightly in my life. Vanessa Gade took all of those complex feelings and captured them perfectly in this piece. This necklace retails for $136 but can be yours for $95.20 (see below for details!).

Vanessa is an incredible artist. Her pieces likely speak to many different people for many different reasons, but I can guarantee that they will tug at your heart as a mother. Please take a look at her collection of stunning pieces. If you are looking for a special memento or perhaps wanting to give your significant other a few ideas for Valentine’s Day, you are sure to find something that calls out to you on her website.

Vanessa is so excited to have you learn about her collection here on Stuff Parents Need that she has decided to offer a BIG discount to my readers…30% off (if you have been following the crazy increase in gold and silver prices, then you know that to offer this sort of a discount is MAJOR)!!!! All you need to do is like Vanessa’s Facebook page and then email her at vanessagade@gmail.com with the piece of interest and she’ll set up a discount code just for you! 

Wanna see my top pick (aside from the piece you already heard about that I obviously adore)? This sterling silver piece with 3 lines going through it is simply stunning! What about you? What do you love the most from her collection? With the 30% discount, this piece could be yours for just $103.60. What a steal for something so unique and special!

Show Vanessa some love by liking her Facebook page. There will be plenty of eye candy to see there as she releases new and gorgeous designs. She also offers her fans special discounts from time to time!

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

(Maternity Monday) Luxurious Shampoo and Body Wash: PK Baby

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Did you know that it is known who actually coined the phrase, “bad hair day”? Credit goes to Philip Kingsley, who is actually one of the world’s most respected authorities on hair and scalp health. He is known for his luxurious line of hair care products, and he is proud to be launching a new baby care line.

The first product that has been released is Philip Kingsley Baby Shampoo and Body Wash. We have been using it on Darah for just about a month, now, and I have to say, I can tell a difference in how her hair looks! We only use natural, gentle products on her, and her hair has consistently been soft, but it’s even softer now! Also, she does have a little bit of curl in her hair, and the definition of those curls has become much more clear since we started using this product on her. I wasn’t dissatisfied with what I was using before, but I have to admit, PK Baby Shampoo and Body Wash has made a noticeable improvement!

I am also a big fan of the fact that it can double as a body wash. Darah is a squirmy worm in the tub, so it helps us a great deal if we are using the same product on her hair and her body. I feel comfortable doing this because it is paraben, SLS and SLES free and its fragrance (which is really nice, by the way) is non-allergen in content.

So what’s not to love? Well, I do have two hangups. The first one is the price. It is $28.85, although the bottle is quite large (500ml). I am willing to pay more for quality ingredients, but it is priced beyond what I would normally spend. Keep in mind that this is coming from a gal who likes to use vinegar and baking soda on her own hair; you may feel differently!

Also, the pump on the container is child proof. What’s embarrassing is that it’s also Tiffany and Tim-proof. After many days of attempts to open it, Tim did have success, but he can’t tell you what he did to get it to work. I’m all for smart pumps, but this one may be a bit too smart! 🙂

Philip Kingsley Baby Shampoo and Body Wash can be purchased here.

Have you ever used any products from the Philip Kingsley line? I’d love to hear about it; after seeing how well Darah’s shampoo works, I will admit that I’m quite intrigued!

Get That Curly Hair Tamed Without the Tears: KRLY Kids!

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If you have a child with Shirley Temple curls, then you are tremendously blessed. Such hair is absolutely GORGEOUS!

You are also cursed, because you, as the parent of a young curly-haired child, have the job of keeping those lovely locks clean and under control. While I don’t have this situation in my own house, it is my understanding that many parents feel that they pay a steep price for their kids’ twirly tresses!

There are some great products on the market that I want to make sure you know about. They are from the Ouidad company, which makes salon quality products for adults. They have introduced the KRLY Kids line, and it is extremely gentle, moisturizing and easy to use.

The three products in this line are as follows:

1. No Time for Tears Shampoo ($12.00, 8.5 oz)

  • proteins and amino acids create luxurious curls

2. No More Knots 2-in-1 Conditioner ($14.00, 8.5 oz)

  • detangling rinse and leave-in conditioner prevent split ends and also leaves a slip in the curls so a comb will glide through with ease!
3. Pump n’ Go Styling Spray Gel ($15.00, 8.5 oz)
  • special wheat proteins define curls and protect against humidity with a soft hold
I can’t speak from experience about how these products worth, but they sound absolutely fantastic. If you’ve ever used these products, please leave a comment below and let others know about your experience!
Disclosure: I received complimentary products for review, though I did pass them along to a friend with a curly-haired child! All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own. 

CoCaLo Reusable Cloth Diaper: The Perfect Bum!

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You’ve no doubt heard before about the economic and environmental reasons to switch from disposable diapers to cloth. But today I want to focus on another reason:

THE CUTE FACTOR

cocalo diapers

Cloth diapered tushies are the cutest thing EVER, and they put every single disposable diaper on the market to absolute and complete shame. They come in a rainbow of delightful colors and patterns, not to mention the fact that their material can be downright luxurious. Tell me, would you prefer your underwear to be made of material eerily close to paper, or of organic cotton? Yeah, your baby feels that way, too.

CoCaLo Diapers

Today I’m featuring a well-known baby company, CoCaLo, who has just released their first cloth diaper. And they went all out when it comes to respecting the fashion aspect of cloth diapering! All of their CoCaLo cloth diapers in the line are made with super fashionable patterns (look at the denim cuteness!), and the fashion sets, which I had the chance to review, come with matching t-shirts, too!
cocalo diaper inside While I haven’t had the opportunity to put this diaper to the test, yet, I do really like the look of it. It comes with a tri-fold insert that looks highly absorbent. This is the type of diaper where you can simply pull out the soiled insert and put another insert in and then go on about your day, meaning that you won’t be changing your baby out of this super cute diaper cover after just one potty session. Love that! Check out the inside of the diaper for yourself. See how deep the insert holder is? I’ve got a feeling that it is designed to hold up really well against leaks!  These diapers are called Perfect Bum,  and isn’t that the truth? I found that in the winter months, cute cloth diapers like these meant that bloomers weren’t necessary with dresses at all. In fall and spring, I’d just pair something like this with a pair of babylegs an be good to go!

The Perfect Bum is available now at Babies R Us and other specialty stores throughout the country. The fashion set I reviewed retails for $29.99, or you can pick up the diaper with a liner for just $16.99. Edit: They are now REALLY cheap on Amazon! Hurry!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win a Perfect Bum fashion set just like the one I received!

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Fun, Affordable Fashion from Mybabyclothes.com! (GIVEAWAY!!!)

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I love being a customer at Mybabyclothes.com. from baby hats to tutus, this site has it all. It’s all photo-session worthy in cuteness, and also worthy of much excitement due to their reasonable prices!

Last week we received this unbelievably cute twirly dress from the site. It is from Bonnie Jean, a company that we have previously reviewed and loved. Darah asked to wear it IMMEDIATELY, and then proceeded to wear it all day, every day, for THREE FULL DAYS. Yes, indeed! I finally had to point out the dirt that had accumulated on the dress and tell her that it must be washed. As I type this, it is line drying (went through the wash on the gentle cycle like a champ, I’m pleased to report). I have absolutely no doubts that Darah will ask for a status update on the dress when she gets home from school today, in the hopes that it is dry enough to wear again.

This dress looks to me like something from an upscale boutique, but minus the upscale pricing. It’s just $26.99, and considering how much Darah loves it and how cute it is, I’d say that price is a steal! Mybabyclothes.com really is a great destination for baby clothes. Consider shopping there before your next baby shower or for an upcoming birthday for a toddler in your life. Right now they are having a big sale, with prices up to 60% off. Squeal!!!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a $25 gift certifcate to My Baby Clothes Boutique!

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