Smart Product

We aren’t about to walk around with a tripod in our back pocket all day. Moments for impromptu video captures happen. We pull out the camera and quickly grab a great shot of a baby’s 1st steps or big brother’s perfect shot into the playground basketball hoop. Now, Mercalli Easy is thankfully helping moms with their unintentional jittery videos from those unplanned, and sometimes planned, videos!
Uploading the video to our computers we are often surprised by the jiggling of the video camera as you tried your best to keep the camera still as you were overjoyed with the scene.  Mercalli Easy has come to the rescue of Smart Mamas and Dadas. Running the video through their Mercalli Easy application and the jiggling is gone.  You’ll be impressed with the results. I was.
I recently, and quite proudly I might add, watched and quickly recorded my 5 year old …

Spring Cleaning! Yes, it’s time! Not just our closets! It’s time to get our PCs organized and efficient, too! It’s free and requires small basic steps. Are you ready? Let’s go!

Photo Clutter & Cleanse
Ok, you’ve taken 3000+ photos of your kids this year, uploaded them to your computer and maybe printed out a dozen. Dedicate time to weed through all those photos and DELETE those that you really don’t need, PRINT those you want to put in a scrapbook or frame, and SAVE your photos on an web-based photo site, backup drive, or basic thumb drive. As soon as you have them SAVED in an alternate location go ahead and DELETE them from your computer. Yes, of course you can save a few of your favorites on your computer that you want to easily access.
Document Disarray
Same concept as your photos. Go ahead and see …

Germs and bacteria on your fingers leave traces everywhere in your kitchen. Think of it as the dirty foot(hand)print that gets left behind. You cut the chicken breast on the cutting board and you immediately go to the sink to wash your hands. You dispense soap by pumping or squeezing it onto your hands. Now the poultry bacteria is on the soap dispenser, which you may or may not remember to wipe down after.
Lysol – a brand that we have trusted for many years to leave our spaces germ-free has created a new device that is perfect for busy, Smart Mamas who know that kitchen cleanliness is very important to keep the family healthy. The new Lysol No-Touch Kitchen System is designed to help mom and the rest of the family keep the entire kitchen clean, from the plates to the counters to the very hands …

Friday night arrives and my daughter begs to stay up late. Her 7:30 PM school night bedtime is pushed to maybe 8:15. We would even let her stay up later but her eyes are typically half closed by 7:45. Our Friday nights consist of a family meal, often pizza, sometimes a movie and most commonly a game. The Murphy Family Game Night has really become a tradition.
Family Game Night is a great tradition to start in your home. Learning strategy, sportsmanship, competition and game play, many board games tap into higher level thinking – regardless of your child’s age. It has become one of the immediate request I make to a family member or friend who asks what to get my older daughter for a gift. She loves board games. We love board games. We love to play them as a family.
This winter we’re going “American Idol” …

Would you like to look Sofia Vergara – the sexiest star on Modren Family? Ok, I can’t get you her outrageous curves, but I can give you the insider tips to look as beautiful as she did at the Oscar’s Vanity Fair after party. Her face looked stunning; reminiscent of Sofia Loren – the goal of her fabulous make-up artist Kayleen McAdams, sister of actress Rachel McAdams.  Kayleen has shared, in her own words, the steps she took to give Sofia V. the look of Sophia L.!
I first applied COVERGIRL NatueLuxe Silk Foundation in Nutmeg all over her face, blending into the neck.  I then usedCOVERGIRL TRUconceal Concealer in #4 under the eyes and around the edges of the nose, just where needed to keep the makeup from looking heavy. To set the look, I used COVERGIRL Clean Pressed Powder in Soft …

Whether it’s a family trip to a warm destination, a cruise throughout the Caribbean or simply the summer’s social events, trendy sandals are a must. Flip Out Sandals are now this Smart Mama’s go-to warm weather shoe.
Flip Out Sandals allow you to have a variety of styles of shoes with just one shoe. How does that work? Each pair of sandals is designed with a proprietary shoe accessory screw, allowing the Smart Mama to screw on any of the dozens of interchangeable accessories.
The variety of accessories is impressive. Casual smaller designs to glitzy flowers, butterflies and more can change your shoe from a beach-y flip flop to a stunning dinner sandal.
The Sandals
Brazillian flip flops and jellies are available in standard women shoe sizes. The Brazillian’s are $24.99 and are available in 6 distinct colors. The …

For over 126 years, Avon has delivered quality products that are adored by millions of moms, dads and even kids.  The company has recently launched the sale of Tiny Tillia, a line which includes an adorable collection of playthings, clothing, bedding and more.  Tiny Tillia, was originally created by a mom of 2, Tiffany Lerman, and is now the place to shop for expecting moms and moms of little ones.
Yes, I know I’m partial, but my Baby Cecilia looks so darn cute in this Tiny Tillia 100% Cotton Playsuit and Ruffle Top for $16.00.

This pink leggings and short-sleeved floral top are super soft and have stood up to the laundry – retaining its bright colors after a few washes!
The onsie packs at just $14.00, are available in single size or in a multiple size pack.  They are of vibrant colors, soft …

Wa Wa Wa…the baby aisle makes me want to cry!  Prices of diapers and wipes can drain a mom’s wallet in no time.  Researching the prices is essential for a mom who wants to be smart and on budget!

Last week I attended a blogger event at a local BJ’s Wholesale. Armed with the skepticism that buying in bulk doesn’t always mean saving money, I arrived early to do some price research.  I hit the baby goods aisle 1st. Using a calculator and my smart phone I researched what alternate, discount shopping sites (i.e. Amazon.com & Diapers.com) to see who had the best price for diapers and wipes.  I was in shock to see that what I had thought was the best deal…Amazon.com through their Amazon Mom program…was not.   BJ’s prices for the exact large box of size 3 diapers that I had delivered at my house days before …

Homemade Baby Food – Simple & Healthy with Sage Spoonfuls!
I cannot believe my littlest one is already 7 months.  Where has the time gone!?  I still remember the 1st moments that I held her and when she opened her eyes with a bit of a smile.  I instantly fell in love.  Fast forward a few months and here I am experiencing her 1st crawls, 1st waves hello and her most recently her 1st solids.

I knew I wanted to provide fresh, healthy foods for her.  I had for her big sister 5 years ago.  At that time, I had more time on my hands, and just one child to look after.  Now with 2, a busy blogging career and more, I’ve been nervous about managing the added time of making homemade baby food!
I was presented with the chance to try Sage Spoonfuls – essentially a simple make …

As I await a blogger event here at a BJ’s in Miami, I am walking around the store and impressed with the deals I’m finding!

Stay tuned for the next update!

Something simple, something soothing.  That’s the best way to describe the beautiful sounds of Daddy Plays.  I sat here at my computer listening to the acoustic song samples of the CDs found on DaddyPlaysOnline.com.  I was instantly relaxed & wanted to hear more.  The acoustic sounds of all three Daddy Plays CDs are remarkable.  Your baby will be soothed by the sounds and you will sing the words in your mind or aloud as you hear the gently acoustic guitar playing the different lullabies.
The Acoustic Rock Lullabies CD includes rock classics such as Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles, and Landslide by Fleetwood Mack.  I played each sample song several times, even drawing the attention of Tom, who asked, “Hey, what’s that you’re listing to?”
The Daddy Plays Christmas Lullabies is a perfect CD to get now.  The …

eBay Lemonade Made by Tristan O’Brien – An eBay Money Maker Story
When all else fails, when you’ve lost your job, wife just gave birth and you’re essentially living in a new city with very limited support, what do you do?  Tristan O’Brien, of Westfield, Indiana, took his HUGE bowl of lemons and made a big glass of lemonade, eBay style of course!
If you take a moment and look around your home you will notice the many items you have are out of true desire not need.  Tristan did just that.  Along with his wife, he found numerous items, including an enormous big screen TV that wasn’t necessary in their home.  They took these items and listed them at auction on eBay.  They needed the money in their wallets more than hanging in their family room!
Before they knew it the items began to sell and sell – the …

Happy Cyber Monday!
I will be updating this list as the offers come in so come back throughout the day!
1. Get $120 Off Amazon Kindle DX – Featuring Large 9.7” E Ink Display and Free 3G Wireless
2. 25% Off Sitewide (some exclusions apply) at Crocs.com!
3. Check out the Amazon Toy List – Super Discounts! for deep discounts on what the kids actually want!
4. 48% off of a KitchenAid 6-Quart Mixer plus a $50 KitchenAid rebate is offered!
5. Vistaprint – 20 Holiday Cards for ONLY $7 Shipped from Vistaprint! That’s 35c a card!
 
 
 
Disclosure: I am an affiliate member of some of these sites and therefore receive tiny, and I mean tiny, commission on purchases. All suggestions made above are of my honest opinion.

Thanksgiving Day means a table food of delicacies for many of us, but not for all.  Did you know that 17.2 million (1:7) households in America were living in hunger in 2010?  Astonishing!  It makes your prayers of thanks more meaningful as you recognize how blessed you are to have a turkey and its fixings this Thursday and the other days of the year.

‘Tis the season for Turkeys and football!  We hit the parking lots of our favorite college or Pro teams and cook up some BBQ snacks while enjoying great time with friends and fellow fans!  Kraft Foods’ has tapped into this love of the game and awareness of the growing number of Americans going hungry with their Huddle to Fight Hunger campaign.  This campaign launched in 2010, has already brought 21 million meals to those in need through the support of football fans and other members of the community.  These fans …

Silly Pasta Shapes – Become a pasta designer! Win a $100 AMEX card!
I get so excited when I hear, “Mom, can we have pasta and sauce for dinner?”  I honestly feel like it’s a special gift from someone upabove who is trying to cut me some slack after a chaotic day.

 
My husband is more often than not, not home for dinner these days – he works long hours.  With a preschooler and infant at home, well, you can just imagine what the witching hour (5-7PM) can be like around here!
I like love to cook, but have given up on complicated yummy recipes for nights when I’m the only adult eating.  Don’t get me wrong, I do make good, yummy dinner for me and the preschooler, but they do tend to be less complicated.
I have found that a jar of sauce and a box of pasta can be a busy mom’s …

Buffalo Chicken Dip and Ways to Spookify your Dishes for Halloween
Tis the season for chips and dips!  Football season means easy foods to munch on as you’re watching the college game on Saturday or the Pro on Sunday!  I have some favorites, including the Mexi-Melt of Beans – my father-in-laws favorite!  Here’s another one that will have you wanting to lick the bowl!
Hormel Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup ranch salad dressing
3/4 cup hot wing sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 (12.5-ounce) cans Hormel® Chunk Breast of Chicken, drained
Crackers, tortilla chips and celery sticks

Directions

Heat oven to 400°F. In large bowl, combine cream cheese, dressing, hot wing sauce and shredded cheese until well blended. Gently stir in chicken.
Spoon mixture into 2-quart casserole. Bake 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve with crackers, tortilla chips and celery sticks for dipping.

Kicking it Up a Notch …

Coca-Cola’s Family Game Night – We’re up for it! Are you? w/giveaway
Weekend nights are the best, especially Fridays when we have family night.  We eat as a family and then play as a family.  We enjoy classic board games, Old Maid or a game invented by my near 5 year old, Isabella, as we sit in the family room having fun.   Isabella loves these nights – although we need a few more lessons on not being a sore loser!
MyCokeRewards.com/Family Provides Tips for Families Fun
I’ve recently teamed up with Coca-Cola and their passion for family fun!  Through MyCokeRewards.com/Family you can access fun ways to game, play and snack together as a family.  Their suggestions are great!  I especially loved the snack tip of freezing gummies or small pieces of fruit into your ice cubes. How much fun would your kids have seeing what appears …

iPhone App Marble Jar May Be the Solution to a Crazy Morning
Motivating children to follow directions is a tough one.  I learned as a teacher the value of positive reinforcement – rewarding children for positive behavior rather than focusing on the negative.  As a Smart Mama I try to remember this strategy when my near 5 year old drives me bonkers completing her morning routine – you may remember my whining about how it takes her 10 years to complete a meal!  My “Way to go Isabella!” when she finishes her breakfast within 20 minutes doesn’t always cut it.  She needs something more than that.
This Morning was the Icing on the Cake
We had an especially rough morning today – breakfast was half eaten and I inadvertently sent her to school with dirty teeth.  I need something to motivate her to SIT and EAT her breakfast, NOT PLAY …

Reading, writing and arithmetic.  That’s the focus.  What can you do to support your pre-school or elementary aged children as they embark on a new school year?  It’s important to keep it fun, with a hidden educational twist!  My years as an elementary school teacher have provided me with a keen eye on what’s worth it for educational fun.
I have been a fan of Rock ‘N Learn videos for many years.  In our home we have 5 of the videos and my daughter would watch them over and over if she had the time!  Most recently we enjoyed the Rock ‘N Learn Sight Words in DVD.  I was impressed, especially with the content.  Rock ‘N Learn videos are content heavy, light on graphics and always get the (learning) song stuck in your head.

The child is presented with dozens of sight words through the showing.  (Sight words are words that are …

Thank you to Fooz Kids for providing me with an All-In-One pack to review. The opinions I’ve expressed here are solely my own and represent my honest viewpoint.
It’s not often that you find a keeper.  I’ve come across one that is most certainly a keeper for all parents, especially as we’re gearing up for Back to School 2011!
Whether you are a mother of 1 or 6+, we all wish we could be at our children’s side 24/7.  We wish we could always be there as they’re flipping through channels or playing a game online.  We want to know that they are safe and not viewing inappropriate content.  How can this be done?  As there are no mom clones, we need to instead be Smart Mamas who incorporate excellent tools and resources to help our smart parenting.

There are many ways to stay on top of recent product recalls issued by the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC.)  As a Smart Mama, it is your responsibility to be aware of products that are potentially dangerous in the home of your children.  Easier said than done, when you’re a soccer mom with about a gazillion other important parenting matters consuming your days.
Over the coming weeks I will highlight the various ways

My opportunity as a Hormel Extended Family Blogger is inspiring a little Iron Chef for Smarty Pants Mamas this week!  Let’s try using an ingredient that is often a pantry staple.  It’s used “as-is.”  It’s used in appetizers, entrees and more.  Think of ways you have or could use it.
So, this week I put before you…. Hormel® Chili with Beans!

Yummy! How can you use it?
Here’s my favorite way (compliments of my step-mother-in-law) of using it in a quick and easy appetizer!

It’s always a crowd pleaser and a staple anytime the guys are watching the game! Many variations can be found of this dip.  Maybe you have your own.
Mexi-Melt of Beans
Ingredients

1 can of Hormel® Chili with Beans (without beans if you prefer)
1 box of cream cheese
1 package of shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

Directions
Pre-heat oven to 325, or have microwave ready.  In an oven-safe/microwave-safe medium …

We thought we would always remember the special moments of pregnancy.  We’ve seen beautiful hardcover journals and more to document the daily happenings of our pregnancy.  We swore we would take out the book, find a pen and write (in our best handwriting of course) our pregnancy happenings. I’ve tried to, but it never happens.
We’ve called the crew, from mom to mother in law and everyone in between at the sense of the 1st kick or after each sonogram.  Time spent on the phone is ridiculous at times, especially with a toddler yanking your leg or dinner burning on the stove.

Between the dozens of doctor’s appointments, errands to run, a job to keep and possibly chasing after one or more little munchkins, your down time is usually spent here, online catching up on Facebook, checking in on your registry or just Googling some random thing.
Mama Memoirs (MamaMemoirs.com) …

These are the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls that have been issued recently. As a reminder: In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled in the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts. Be sure to check old hand-me-downs for this!
You can find even more detailed information on all recalled products mentioned below on CPSC.gov, now on SaferProducts.gov, and the CPSC widget on the right-side column of this page!  In an upcoming post I will showcase how the SaferProducts.gov site is a tool for every Smart Mama!
All information below comes directly from the CPSC website.
1)      Britax Recalls B-Nimble Strollers Due to Risk of Brake Failure
a)      Name of Product: B-Nimble Strollers
b)      Hazard: An audible click heard when …

Want to head over to Dublin to buy yourself a beautiful claddagh ring or a quality Irish sweater for the winter months?  Or how about finding a beautiful gift basket full of Irish treats for a friend’s birthday?  If life could afford us with those possibilities wouldn’t that be great?  In reality, Smart Mamas will probably shop the small shops of the Irish countryside in their own homes rather than across the pond.
Thank you to the online retailer Siopa.com, purchasing authentic Irish crafts, from jewelry to lambswool sweaters can be done with a point and click and at an affordable price!  Siopa’s inventory has it all.  Birthday gifts, new baby, Father’s Day, and of course gifts for yourself (yes, your deserve it!) make up their site.
I can attest to the quality of their goods.  I recently received a pair of their

I like things simple.  I like things that work, get the job done and won’t take ten years to figure out how to use.  I spend countless hours in front of the computer, writing posts, finding recipes, playing on Facebook or uploading the latest pictures of my newborn.  I need, because I don’t have time for the alternative, to know that my computer is running at its best speed and doesn’t have any hidden quirks waiting to destroy my day!
If you too are spending time reading this post, you are probably also a Smart Mama who relies on her computer for everything like me!  And, like a Smart Mama, time is of the essence.  You don’t have time for the 20 minutes it takes your PC to start up when your kids are screaming and dinner hasn’t been started.  You need a housekeeper for the computer (maybe even one for …