2015
Top Posts in 2015
You arrived on SmartyPantsMama and what did you read? According to Google Analytics, the following 10 pages were my most read in 2015. How to Make a Photo Booth for a Barbie Party DIY Microwave Popcorn Turning a Stinky Sponge Into a Clean Sponge DIY Idea for a PVC Towel Rack The Easiest Yummiest London […]
ICE at Gaylord Palms Twas the Night Before Christmas
ICE at Gaylord Palms Twas the Night Before Christmas Now through January 3, 2016 Visiting Orlando around the holidays? Be sure to bring the family to Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for ICE! ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas! Our family of 4 spent around an hour walking around the attraction. The girls were amazed with the ice. […]
What to Buy Cruise Travelers
Based on my experience cruising with our family, I want to share with you what to buy cruise travelers. Will you be cruising in the coming year? Or is a friend or family member? When you are thinking of what to buy those cruisers, take a peak at the list I’ve put together based on […]
Setting Goals with Kids
I sat in the Herbert Wertheim Performing Arts Center to watch this year’s TEDxFIU. The theme was Always Forward. Eight individuals took time on the stage and stood on the big red dot to share their story, their experience, their passion to live “always forward.” Setting Goal of Living Always Forward The speaker I was […]
Hot Gifts for Kids that Hold Educational Value
STEM gifts are trending under the tree once again! On your mark, get set, go! It’s time to hit the stores or shop online for the best gifts for 2015! The biggest theme for this year’s gifts in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) toys. That makes this former teacher very happy. Â In reality, I […]
Norwegian Escape for Family Cruising
There are several things to consider when selecting a cruise for the family vacation. Itinerary is understandably important, as is price and specifically what you get for the price. Beyond that, my experience has shown me that it is very important to consider the following three things within the actual cruise ship you may travel upon. […]
How I Spruce Up My Home For Thanksgiving
Autumn is filled with family time and festivities. Not only do we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, but our family celebrates 3 birthdays – one of which is mine. With everyone running in and out of the house, it becomes a bit of a party central. I love it, but it does take a bit of work […]
3 Considerations for Creating a Thanksgiving Menu
Planning a Thanksgiving Menu doesn’t have to be too difficult. There are LOADS of recipes in your own kitchen, in cookbooks and online. My husband loves this sausage stuffing that his family always makes. And I love to make my aunt’s corn casserole. As you begin to decide what you’ll serve and what you’ll ask […]
Travel Guide: Key West with Kids
Is Key West with kids a good idea? YES! Key West with kids can be fun, educational and enjoyable for an entire family. We enjoyed 7 days/7 nights in Key West, Florida on a family vacation. Daddy was there on a business trip, so we crashed his hotel room at Find the best deal, compare prices, […]
Watermelon Salad Recipe with Mint & Feta
A watermelon salad is a perfect side to your barbecue! Throw in some mint and feta and your watermelon & feta salad is a crowd-pleaser. Watermelon is an American summertime treat! Chomping down on a bite of a juicy slice of watermelon on a hot summer afternoon is so utterly refreshing! Kids and adults love […]
A Phone for International Calling Moms
This blog post is part of a paid SocialMoms and Cricket Wireless blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. There are a few things that are staples in our bags. Keys, a credit card and our phones are always on hand. We rely on our phones for so much. Along with being the […]
Pasta-ful Fun
Those days creep up on us. A day when the kids are home from school. It might be a holiday, a weekend, a snow day – whatever it might be – they are home. Finding activities for them that will not only take up some time of the long day but might actually teach them […]
What Smart Mamas are Reading & Buying
Since its launch in 2008, Smarty Pants Mama readers have relied upon my candid advice on products, vacation destinations, recipes, DIY projects and more. Honored by your trust, I want to share with you what seems to be the most popular posts based on traffic and transactions. I’m a numbers girl, so I find this […]
How to Polish Penny Loafers
Problem: How do I polish penny loafers? Smart Mama Solution: Read my experience and follow the steps I’ve shared. We saved money this back to school season by polishing last year’s penny loafers. Yes, her foot grew over the summer, and yes, her loafers were pretty beat up after last school year. But this family […]
Share a Haircut at Back to School
It’s time to Share a Haircut at back to school! We’ve got paper, pencils, backpacks, and now haircuts! As part of the back to school routine of kids across the country, boys & girls are lining up at hair salons to get their hair trimmed for the new school year. We are partnering with Hair […]
We Made an Emoji Matching Game
This summer has been full of just a handful of camp weeks. The girls have been active at home. Running around, swimming, playing with games, lots of crafts and so much more. To add some fun, without cost, we decided to make a game for the family to play. We all know the game of matching. […]
Roominate Chateau Review
A toy that taps into the imagination and gets girls using STEM skills! Yes, the Roominate Chateau is all that, and more! My 8 year old, Isabella, purchased this product with her very own money. She spent much time going up and down the aisles trying to decide what she wanted to buy. The moment […]
Kids Making Wrapped Dogs with VIDEO
This summer has been mostly camp-free, so the girls and I have had a blast doing all sorts of things in and around the house. Recently they wanted to “make lunch” while I make a video. They came up with their recipe and we got to work. Production by the Murphy Girls Yes, the 8 year […]
Shooting for the Stars, Reaching for the Dream
This is part of a sponsored campaign with DiMe Media and Coca-Cola. However, all opinions expressed are my own. Her Dream She asks already. My 8 year old talks about the future. She asks us questions about high school, college and careers. She is curious about everything. Her future is ahead of her. There is so much that […]
Flash Sale for Waldorf Orlando & Hilton Bonnet Creek
Rates drop to as low as $99 for the Hilton Bonnet Creek and $159 for the Waldorf Orlando! Huge savings! For a super limited time you need to book at the Waldorf Orlando or the Hilton Bonnet Creek to take part of their FLASH sale! See details below! Do you remember how last month we spent an incredible weekend […]
More Dental Tips for Kids
Did you know that as soon as your little one has two teeth that touch, that they need to be flossed? Yep, neither did I! There are many poor dental habits that are linked to adverse health. We have heard it as adults that the chance of gingivitis and even heart disease can begin with a poor […]
Make a Backyard Scavenger Hunt
We have been playing scavenger hunts since our preschool days. We are given a list of objects to find and then we run around searching for them all. It really is a blast and brings back so many great memories. This summer when you continue to search for fun and creative ways for the kids […]
Dental Tips for Summer Sports Injuries
Ouchie! It’s going to happen! Someone on the summer baseball team or sports camp is going to get knocked by the bat. A dental injury could be scary. A chipped tooth or worse, a lost tooth, can be emotional and nerve-wracking if mom and dad don’t know what to do. In this post I share […]
Ready, Set, Go! Road Trip Games for Fun
Who is heading on a road trip this summer? I get exhausted with the “Are We There Yet?” pleas/whines. With so many digital devices available and built-in DVD entertainment system in so many family cars, one would think that kids could patiently sit for hours. LOL! We all know the truth! (Let’s not even get […]
Carnival Vista, The Latest Milestone
I won’t forget the excitement and awe that I felt earlier this year when I attended the unveiling of the Carnival Vista. I learned of how spectacular she will be. How full of activities for adults, kids and families, alike will make up so much of the ship. My tastebuds began to salivate when I […]
Cruising the Carnival Breeze
We’ve done it twice. We have cruised with the kids on the Carnival Breeze in 2012 and again in 2015. Both experiences were excellent and provided fun family travel! Since its inaugural sailing in December 2012 out of Port Miami, the Carnival Breeze has changed, just a bit. Most of the changes we loved! Dr. […]
