Stuff Parents Need

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

Cheerios Brings Holiday “Cheer” to Military Families (GIVEAWAY!!!)

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It’s always difficult for families to watch a loved one being called into military service that takes them out of the country. The holidays are an especially tough time to be without those closest to you. has teamed up with the USO to help bring a bit of cheer to military families in these especially difficult times.

Right now, you can find specially-marked boxes of Cheerios that feature a Cheer postcard on the front of the box. Simply cut out the postcard and mail it, along with a message of thanks to our troops and their families to the USO (the address is already printed on the postcard). The card will then be delivered to a military family somewhere across the country.

That, in and of itself, is a nice gesture. But Cheerios is sweetening the deal. Cheerios will make a $1 donation to the USO to help fund programs that support military families for each postcard received through November 2012. Pretty cool, right?!

Cheerios has already donated $150,000 to the USO and will donate up to an additional $100,000, just depending on how many postcards get mailed in. That’s where you have a role to play! By sending in a postcard, you not only show your gratitude to our military families and send them a message of holiday joy, but you also help support the USO. So grab a box of Cheerios and spread some cheer!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a Cheerios prize pack that includes the following:

  • 1 Cheerios cereal bowl
  • 1 Cheerios cereal spoon
  • 1 cereal dispenser
  • 1 “Cheer” box of Cheerios

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Update Your Watch with Chunky Bling: Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

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For the past 2 years, I have relied on my cell phone to be my watch. I don’t really even know why I started doing this, but I think it had something to do with my watch battery dying and me being too lazy to get it replaced. I figured that I had a watch sitting in my purse (my phone), so it was no big deal to just use that.

But here’s the problem with this method: it’s really hard not to come across as being rude when you are having a conversation with a person and you need to check the time. Glancing at your watch is super easy and totally socially acceptable. Rooting around in your purse and digging out your phone, and then turning it on to check the time is totally rude. It makes you seem distracted and uninterested in the conversation. For all the other person knows, you are about to start texting someone!

So, I realized after a few awkward instances of trying to discreetly check the time that I needed to go back to a watch. But I wanted to make that accessory really count. I really like the fact that bigger, bolder jewelry is so in style, but I have surprisingly little of that in my own collection. ChunkyBling.com is a company that gives you the opportunity to wear a beaded watch that looks a lot like a fabulous chunky bracelet. Their styles are very on-trend.

They are also quite savvy, bearing the budget-conscious style maven in mind. You see, these watches are designed so that you can mix and match! You have both an interchangeable watch face and an interchangeable watch band. This ensures that you can get exactly the look you want without having to purchase different watches for different color palettes or different levels of dressiness.

I spent a lot of time on the Chunky Bling website checking out all the different faces and bands. There are so many great possible combinations! I ultimately decided on the square silver watch face and the Madison Avenue band. Look at how beautiful the final product is! I have had numerous people comment on what a pretty watch I have. I don’t think my watch has EVER been an accessory that has gotten so much positive attention! I’m extremely pleased with the final product and would definitely recommend a Chunky Bling watch for anyone looking to accessorize in style!

Buy it!: Chunky Bling watches start at $32.90, which is a great deal for a beautiful watch! BUT…I’ve got an even sweeter deal! I have a special coupon code so that you can get ANY watch set for just $24.95. Break out your Christmas gift list and start crossing off some names! Use code TIFFA944 to get the discount (expires 12/07, so don’t delay!).

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win an interchangeable beaded watch of your choice from ChunkyBling.com! Just in “time” for the holiday! 😉

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Bellaband: Extend the Life of your Non-Maternity Pants! Review and GIVEAWAY!!

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Being pregnant brings with it some very interesting challenges for your wardrobe. For me, my non-maternity pants started to get tight around week 7. Yeah, I know…lucky me. But maternity pants would literally fall off of me at that point. So…what to do? Simply unbuttoning your pants might work, or you might find yourself hiking up your jeans frequently throughout the day…not an attractive look, my friends.

The Bellaband from Ingrid & Isabel is THE answer to this dilemma, and it is also a product that will be useful throughout the pregnant and during your postpartum time. Allow me to explain!

First, the Bella Band is a very VERY helpful item to have when you still need/want to wear your “regular” pants. I’m just now fully outgrowing my non-maternity jeans at 16 weeks. Given just how round my belly already is, I feel GREAT about how long I got to wear them, and all thanks to my Bellaband. If you look at the picture to the right, you can see how the Bellaband is designed to fit around where your pants button. They do an EXCELLENT job of smoothing out the pants (so that your unbuttoned look isn’t obvious under your clothes). Additionally, toward the bottom of the Bellaband, there is a silicone strip that I have never seen before on another product, and it REALLY holds your Bellaband in place. I had a similar product in concept for my first pregnancy, but it would never stay in place, so it was only somewhat helpful. The Bellaband doesn’t move and keeps my pants exactly where they should be.

As I’m moving into my maternity pants, some of my stuff from the last pregnancy is still big on me. The Bellaband helps hold those pants in place, too, so that they aren’t baggy and saggy and generally unattractive. I’ve found that my pants just look better with the use of the Bellaband!

The Bellaband is also useful because as my belly grows, and it becomes more and more possible that you can catch glimpses of it as my shirts stick out further, the Bellaband is long, so it can actually help cover up my belly for modesty (and extra warmth in the winter!).

After you have the baby, you will find yourself in a similarly strange place with your wardrobe as you did when you were first outgrowing your old stuff. Simply put, NOTHING fits! Bellaband comes to your rescue, once again, and helps your too-big pants stay put and your too-small pants start to get used.

I have been VERY impressed with just how well this product works for me, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who is expecting. It is now the workhorse of my wardrobe. I have 2, and I think that’s how many everyone should have, because you’ll pretty much always be wearing one!

Buy it!: The Bellaband comes in 5 color choices, has an organic option and a lace option, as well. Pricing starts at $28.00. You will get your money’s worth and then some, I assure you!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need winner will get your choice of a Bellaband or Bellaband Lace! Yay! [Read more…]

Tropical Traditions Coconut Peanut Butter Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

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We happen to have a peanut butter connoisseur in our home. Her name is Darah.  She LOVES peanut butter. And she is particularly fond of special varieties. Lately, she’s been really hooked on Tropical Traditions Organic Coconut Peanut Butter. Doesn’t that sound delicious? I can tell you from experience that it IS delicious! It’s made with two ingredients: organic peanuts and organic coconut. That’s it! NOTHING else!

Have you read the label of popular peanut butter brands? I’m afraid they can’t boast such a short list of ingredients. I love serving Darah something that doesn’t have extra oils and sugars added to it.

The flavor is simply scrumptious, as well. Coconut peanut butter is a genius idea, and it works well by itself, paired with jam, or in many recipes that might call for peanut butter. Darah likes it best on a graham cracker, and every once in a while, I’ll sprinkle a touch of cinnamon-sugar on top for a special treat.

I have been very impressed with this product, and I’m not at all surprised. Every single product we have tried from this company has been superb. They are truly committed to bringing you the highest quality, and they do not make compromises to try to make an extra buck here and there. I really appreciate when a company is this reliable. I wouldn’t hesitate to order anything from them, because their track record has been spotless with me! 🙂

Buy it!: Tropical Traditions Organic Coconut Peanut Butter would be a really fun holiday gift for the peanut butter fan in your life. A 16 oz glass jar is regularly $14.99 but is on sale now for $9.99! Very affordable gift idea!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win a 16 oz glass jar of coconut peanut butter from Tropical Traditions! Yummy!

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A Perfect Soundtrack for the Holiday: Celtic Christmas Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

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Putumayo, the parent company behind one of my favorite children’s music production companies, Putumayo Kids, has just released a fantastic cd that is absolutely perfect for your holiday parties, for listening to while wrapping presents, or for just having on in the background while you relax and enjoy the holiday season. It’s called Celtic Christmas, and it is delightful!

The music on this cd doesn’t have any lyrics, and I really like that; the music itself has the opportunity to shine! Don’t just take my word for how great the cd is, though. Have a listen for yourself here! My personal favorite is O Come, O Come Emmanuel. What a gorgeous rendition!

Buy it!: Celtic Christmas is available for $14.98 and would make a wonderful addition to your holiday music collection.

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win your own copy of Celtic Christmas! 🙂
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New England Coffee Holiday Flavors: Pumpkin Spice and Egg Nog! Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

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Do you remember in early fall when everyone in the US (or at least everyone in the blogosphere) went bonkers because Starbucks started serving it’s Pumpkin Spice Latte again? I was excited, too, but knew better than to make my way over to that place of business, lest I find my bank account starting to waste away in $4 increments.

I’m all about brewing yummy stuff at home, but I was feeling a bit left out since I just had “the usual” to make and nothing that had a delicious seasonal flavor.

Until now! New England Coffee has put out two awesome fall flavors: pumpkin spice and eggnogg! I have tried them both, and I break out into Christmas songs after just one sip. They are delicious, and a great way to get that coffee shop euphoria minus the coffee shop price tag!

Since I’m expecting, I can only indulge of one cup of coffee each day, and I really make that one cup count by having these delicious flavors on hand. Thank you so much, New England Coffee, for bringing the flavors of the holidays straight into my coffee cup!

Buy it!: New England Coffee is available in many different states (click here for your nearest retailer) and you can also purchase it online! Their prices are quite affordable and the taste, simply fabulous!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win 2 bags of coffee from New England Coffee: pumpkin spice and eggnog! Yay!

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The Best New Addition to Our Medicine Cabinet: VeraTemp Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

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One of the things you learn as a new parent is that fevers can be extremely dangerous for little ones, especially those under 1 year of age. It is important to be mindful of any time there is a noticeable rise in your baby’s temperature, and to get an accurate reading of their temp if you are ever worried.

You also learn that there’s pretty much just one way to do that…rectal thermometer. Raise your hand if you’ve ever been able to take your baby’s temperature this way without one or both of you crying. Yeah, me neither.

Fortunately, technology is an amazing thing, and there’s been an innovation in the world of temperature-taking. Introducing the Kids-Med VeraTemp. This thermometer is a dream come true. Not only do you not have to take a temperature rectally, you don’t even have to touch your kid to get an accurate reading. I’m totally serious!

The VeraTemp is designed to instantly give you a reading that is more accurate than rectal, oral or ear thermometers. It has a built-in memory that will record the last 32 readings, which can help you keep track of when a fever breaks.

You simply point the VeraTemp in the direction of what you are reading, and stay 2-3 inches away from the surface. I’ve been testing it out, and it really works! It doesn’t even make any noise, so you can easily take you baby’s temperature while they sleep without interrupting them.

Additionally, the VeraTemp can read the temperature of bottles, bath water and even the room. That’s amazing, and makes it super useful! I have actually been using it to read my bath temp since you have to watch how hot you let your bath water become when you are pregnant. I LOVE hot baths, so if I’m left on my own, I do let the water get hotter than I should, always assuming that “it’s not that hot!”. The VeraTemp tells me for sure, and while I’m bummed to have to cool it down a bit, I’m really glad to know what is and isn’t safe for the baby.

Buy it!: The Kidz Med VeraTemp is available at places where you likely shop, such at Target, Wal-Mart and CVS. You can also purchase it online at Amazon. It retails for $39.99, and you will certainly get your money’s worth from it!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff  Parents Need reader will win a Kidz Med VeraTemp!

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Maternity Bra Nirvana: Cake Lingerie Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

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Welcome to the next installment of Maternity Monday! Today I’m tackling bras. Yes, you most definitely need some new bras when you are pregnant, as your breasts are going to grow a bit! The majority of your growth actually happens in your first trimester, so even before you might need maternity tops and pants, you probably are going to be shopping for new bras.

When I was pregnant the first time, I got some very practical advice about buying bigger bras. Since I was planning to breastfeed once I had the baby, it was recommend that I just go ahead and purchase some nursing bras, and it would be fine to also wear them during my pregnancy. Sounded smart to me. I always appreciate an opportunity make a purchase last as long as possible.

And then I went nursing bra shopping. At which point I gasped in horror, and if I recall correctly, actually cried. I’m not a bra snob by any stretch, and even by the time I was expecting my first, I was beyond the stage of my life where underwear could be cute at any cost (meaning that it was ridiculous to try to wear in public…you know what I’m talking about). I valued comfort and functionality. But oh my lord. When I saw “maternity” bras, I could not believe the degree of ugly that was waiting for me. It blew me away. I also found that the nursing bras looked strange under my clothes, what with all those extra hooks and with fabric that wasn’t all sewn together in one unit. It was awful, and I decided that I’d just fork over more money to get non-nursing bras for pregnancy, and I’d wear those  horrible contraptions not a moment before I had to once Darah was born.

Did anyone else have a similar experience to me? I’m curious!

This time around, I’m a bit more savvy. I know that there are other options, and I was determined to find some nursing bras that wouldn’t want to make me gag at the site of them. Not only did I find that, but I also found some maternity and nursing bras that are downright GORGEOUS. No, really! Check this out!

Can you even believe that the model is wearing a nursing bra???? She totally is! And, ladies, it gets even better….the bra is designed to beautifully support those of us who have fuller busts WITHOUT UNDERWIRE. Say what???!!! Yes! I swear it!I will not keep this company a secret from you one minute longer. They are called Cake Lingerie, and they are revolutionizing the world of maternity underwear (check out the New York Times article on them!). Thank goodness! I was sent the set above, which is called Cheesecake (cute, right?!). I was nervous about it. I mean, come on…I think we’ve all gotten our hopes up over wireless bras before, only to be quickly reminded that gravity wins and we need some extra support up there. But we also know that when you are pregnant, and ESPECIALLY when you are nursing, the last thing you need is a wire digging into you. This bra really and truly gives you the support you need. It is so comfortable.It is also so unbelievably beautiful. Pregnancy is such a vulnerable time, and in my experience, it can be a real challenge to feel pretty as you watch your belly expand and your body take an overall different shape. It adds insult to injury to have to wear a bulky, awkward nursing bra on top of it all. Cake Lingerie has an entire line of exquisite pieces that you will swoon over, and that will make you feel as lovely as you really are!This bra is also a nursing bra, so it will come in handy after the baby is born. But it doesn’t wear the way most nursing bras wear. You cannot tell that you are wearing a nursing bra. The hooks are discreet! This is the first nursing bra I have ever owned that I don’t worry about wearing out in public.My only wish for this bra would be that it had a way to add some extra lining to it. Perhaps something removable since I can see where it would be in the way once you started nursing. I do prefer my bras to have some light padding, just for modesty. But other than that, this bra is a home run, all the way.

And don’t get me started on the joy of having matching underwear to go with it. The set is so pretty and makes me feel so feminine and just beautiful. It’s a great feeling to have, especially right now!

So, if you are expecting or thinking about getting pregnant, now I can give the same practical advice that others gave to me. Go ahead and buy your nursing bras now to wear during pregnancy. But head straight to Cake Lingerie to make your purchases. You won’t regret it for a moment, and you’ll never have to even contemplate wearing those awful maternity bras that they sell everywhere else!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win a Cheesecake bra and panty set from Cake Lingerie! SQUEAL!!!!

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A New Idea for Thanksgiving….BBQ! Pig of the Month Review

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This Thanksgiving will be my 9th as a married lady. During that time, we have had Thanksgiving at our house 4 times. That has given me 4 opportunities to master the art of cooking a turkey. I haven’t even attempted it once. And I don’t feel bad about it, either!

“Why not?”, you may be wondering. There are so many tutorials online and great recipes that it’s not a very hard thing to try, especially if you already have some basic cooking knowledge. Well, I have a few reasons, actually.

1. Tim and I both don’t really like turkey. We do eat ground turkey as a ground beef substitute, but in terms of having big slices of turkey on our plates, we can take it or leave it. It turns out that we both will eat an obligatory piece on Thanksgiving, but have no interest in going back for more.

2. Our family is still small, and if the two adults in the house don’t really like turkey, what in the world are we going to do with an entire bird??? It would likely be cut up, frozen and then eventually thrown away a  year later (to make room for the next leftover Thanksgiving turkey, perhaps?).

3. So many things taste so much better! I don’t like turkey because even when it is cooked amazingly well, it’s still on the dry side, and its kind of game-y, which I just don’t love. There are so many other wonderful main course alternatives that will be simply divine!

That’s why we’ve never ever made a Thanksgiving turkey, and I’d venture to say that we never will. If we ever host a large family gathering, I will happily pass along the honors of making the turkey to someone else, or if nobody wants to do it, then everyone can be welcomed to our turkey-free table…we’ll have plenty of other things worthy to be gobbled up!

So what DO we put at the center of our holiday table? We’ve done rotisserie chickens before when our table had just 2 people at it, and we’ve also done spiral-cut hams, which we enjoy, but also seem to not quite finish before we have to throw it out. I’ve been told about an alternative product that I can’t believe never occurred to me before (given the fact that we lived in Memphis as marrieds for 6 years!)…..BARBECUE!!!

Let me tell you how to give barbecue top honors at your table this year, and all without having to grill out, or really do much work at all on the big day. Order from pigofthemonth.com. This company is run by barbecue experts who have developed products that will blow you and your guests away. We had the opportunity to try their ribs, and they were finger-lickin’ good!

Let me tell you just how easy it was to serve one of the best “home cooked” meals we have had in ages. First, the ribs showed up on my front door (FedEx let me know what day to expect them so that I could plan accordingly). They were still frozen as they had been packed in dry ice. They were sealed tight, fully cooked, had sauce already on them, and just needed to be thawed (it only took a few hours), cut out of their packaging, put in aluminum foil, and heated up for about 40 minutes. Since my family likes “wet” barbecue, I added a little bit of extra sauce for the last 10 minutes that it was in the oven. Then I pulled them out and let them rest for 10 minutes. I had some baked potatoes that had been cooking in the crockpot (here’s my crock pot potato recipe!). And then I heated up some peas in the microwave. Voila! A restaurant-quality meal on a weeknight. Awesome!

After trying these ribs, I can say without hesitation that I would put them or any other product from pigofthemonth.com on my Thanksgiving menu. The food is top-notch. And just imagine how wonderful it would be to take the main dish off your mind for Thanksgiving. There are so many other things to worry about and put together that you’ll be so glad to not have to make room for that turkey in your freezer, fridge and oven!

What about you? Have you ever gone turkey-free for Thanksgiving? What do you think about having some barbecue on the table???

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