2009

Smart Mama Teachers: Here’s another book to add to your collection for the 1st days of school! Miss Mingo and the First Day of School by Jamie Harper This story is a sure way to add some smiles and laughs in your classroom! Miss Mingo, the flamingo teacher, is faced with a class of animals […]

The slow push of science and social studies out of the curriculum is something teachers have witnessed for the last 10 years. I have often wondered if the world won’t have any use of scientist in the future, if this is the direction the chaotic land of US education has gone. Thankfully, in the recent […]

We’ve been cutting coupons, scaling back vacations and big buys. Now with the school year on the horizon, we need to consider ways to keep our kids paper bag lunches yummy and economical! Below are some great tips from the Grocery Outlet: Plan ahead. Shop from a list so you’re less inclined to impulse spend […]

I get this feeling in August each year. I hear the teacher chatter, the excitement of the new school year. Getting the classroom ready, from bulletin boards to desk arrangement, putting together new lessons and finding new books and materials that could make all the difference this year! In my 8 years as a teacher, […]

First Name Cotie, affectionately referred to as CJ2 Birthday May 18 Age 3 yrs Likes loves anything related to Cars (the movie), trains (especially Thomas the Tank Engine), puzzles, & riding his tricycle Dislikes waiting for anything & breaks in his breakfast routine (he has to have cereal & toast or oatmeal & toast every […]

Have a clunker? If so, I’m sure you are anxious to head into a dealer to get yourself a non-clunker of a car!!! Hyundai is offering a pretty interesting sales event that I thought my Smart Mama readers might be interested in as you get your clunker rebate. Hyundai recently launched their summer sales event […]

I must share my ridiculous savings at Publix this week!!! On Monday I went to Publix with my Grocery Game list and coupons. I walked out with $126 worth of groceries that I paid $56 for!!! Isn’t that just unreal.??? Just last week I spoke with the store manager of my Publix to confirm that […]

Congratulations to TechSavvyMama from TechSavvyMama.com!!! She is the very lucky winner of the Soy Delicious Candle from the Smarty Pants Product of the Week Giveaway! Thank you to the dozens of readers who entered the giveaway! Here are just of few of the favorite scents… Roxy – Harvest Spice Prissy – I would love to […]

Being “green” with cloth towels and napkins is a bit of a challenge, especially with the convenience of paper products. Do understand that I honestly try to be as green as possible but I really just prefer a tissue to a hankie! I’m sure I’m no alone! Well, I recently read some great “green” news […]

Happy Birthday to Jell-O Jigglers! This year the fun time treat turns 20! Are you a Jell-O Jiggler family? We are! Jell-O Jigglers are a fun, play with your food, treat! Here’s a fun, yummy Jell-O Jigglers recipe to try out: http://media.marketwire.com/attachments/200907/440587_JellinMelonSnacks.jpg Smiles, Caroline SmartyPantsMama.com

Recently my cousin’s son celebrated his 3rd birthday! As a special treat Isa and I made him a cupcake of his favorite character! Guess who it is!!?? Not too shabby for a non-artistic Smart Mama and her munchkin!!

Do you save your soda bottle caps with the Coke Rewards number? If not, start doing so! On MyCokeRewards.com you can enter the reward number and watch your Coke points accumulate! The points can be redeemed for a variety of different sweepstakes and products! Right now, MyCokeRewards.com is holding, what I believe, an excellent opportunity […]

I was lucky enough to spend two great summers at a sleep away camp, Camp Bernadette, in New Hampshire. The summers were a blast, filled with nightly pranks, fun sports, funny camp songs and more. I left on the long bus ride back to NY with fond memories and millions of lessons learned – sharing […]

Class gift for the teacher, gift for your parents from all the kids, a friends birthday or retirement….think of all those times where a group gift is appropriate yet always such a pain to organize! I recently learned about FrumUs.com (yes, it’s a u NOT an o in their spelling of from.) Starting a collection […]

As we’re just about midway through the summer it’s a great SMART MAMA move to be reminded of some life saving safety tips for our munchkins. Thank you to the Kessler Foundation, http://www.kesslerfoundation.org/, one of the largest nonprofits serving people with physical disabilities, for providing these great reminders! Kessler Foundation ThinkFirst Safety Tips: Check all […]

Driving to Grandma’s house? Or have an exciting getaway in store? Here are some great FREE ideas courtesy of PBSParents.org to keep kids of all ages engaged during family trips! Have a sing-a-long! Sing your favorite tunes from Sesame Street along with other songs… Take turns playing games with your child. Find something inside or […]

I’ve found just what you need for quick, easy entertainment for your little one! Kideos.com! It’s the one stop shop for all your child video needs! Kideos.com provides dozens of videos, organized in a kid and adult-friendly format! All videos are kid-loved and parent approved. Categories range from Baby Einstein to Wiggles and everything in […]