Happy Friday! Smarty Pants Product of the Week!!!

I have exciting news! Beginning next week, Smarty Pants Mama will have a new weekly feature - Smarty Pants Product of the Week.

What is a smart product? A smart product is something that is helpful, and at times essential, for moms to have or use with their children or in their homes. Products will range from organic baby clothing, to kitchen organizers, to books for children or adults and more!

I will share information on a different smart product each Monday and then, in most cases, raffle the product at week's end! How exciting - you'll learn each week all about a great smart product and then you'll have the chance to win one!

Smart Product Nomination

I continue to look for smart product nominations! If you know of a product that is a smart product please be sure to post a comment or email me. I am especially interested in learning of smart products made by mom's.

Looking forward to sharing smart products!

PS - I will still continue to hold Munchkin Monday!

Don't forget to enter your munchkin for chance to be Munchkin Monday! Simply email me a photo, 1st name, birthday, likes and dislikes. Your munchkin will have some 15 minutes of fame as you get to share the posting with friends and family.Email: SmartyPantsMama @ gmail . com

Thursday Thirteen - The BBQ Menu

This weekend I'll be hosting a BBQ Going Away party for a coworker of my husband. With about 20 or so expected to come, and the vast majority being men, I've decided to make the food simple, and of course, yummy. Here are 13 items that I'll be serving. Much of the food will be placed at 2 tables where they'll be sitting around. I'll have a 3rd table set as the "bar" and the larger items, like the salads.

1. Tortilla chips and salsa/queso
2. Chips and dip
3. Veggies and dip
4. Hard pretzels
5. Nuts
6. Crackers
7. French Potato Salad (yummy Barefoot Contessa recipe!)
8. Pasta salad
9. Garden salad
10. Churassco (skirt steak) - cut into bite size pieces and set at tables
11. Hot and mild sausage - cut into bite size pieces and set at tables
12. BBQ Chicken
13. Cookies & brownies

Don't forget to enter your munchkin for chance to be Munchkin Monday! Simply email me a photo, 1st name, birthday, likes and dislikes. Your munchkin will have some 15 minutes of fame as you get to share the posting with friends and family.Email: SmartyPantsMama @ gmail . com

Recall Wednesday! 11 Product Recalls!!

Happy Wednesday!
I have received a whopping 11 recalls from the CPSC in the last 7 days!!! Please be sure to check the products listed below to see if you or a loved one has one at home. There are several child toys.
The information below comes directly from the CPSC recall email that I received!

Name of Product: Fireplace Gas Valves

Hazard: Gas can continue to flow into the fireplace pilot light area after the switch has been turned "off," posing a fire or explosion hazard to consumers.

Description: The recall involves American Flame AF-4000 series fireplace gas valves installed in residential fireplaces made by twelve manufacturers under the following brand names: Pacific Energy, Travis Industries, CFM Corporation, Canadian Heating Products, Portland Willamette, Rasmussen, Chimeneas de Columbia, Twin Eagles, FDM, Inca Metals (Savannah Heating), Even Temp, and Valley Comfort. The valves were installed in some but not all fireplaces. Date codes included in the recall include 0622 through 0718. The gas valve model number is located on a label on the bottom of each gas valve. The date code is located above the label.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08277.html

Name of Product: Pirates of the Caribbean Sleeping Bags
Hazard: The surface paint on the sleeping bag’s zipper pull contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
Description: The recalled Pirates of the Caribbean sleeping bags have a cartoon pirate design of Davey Jones and Jack Sparrow on the front. Style number F1652B0003 is printed on the logo label inside the sleeping bags. The sleeping bag with the skull art design is not included in this recall.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08278.html

Name of Product: Various magnets
Hazard: Surface paint on the magnets contains high levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard.
Description: This recall involves magnets listed in the chart below. The model numbers are located on the magnets packaging. Only painted magnets are included in this recall.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08279.html

Name of Product: Basic Beat Shaker Guiro Instruments
Hazard: Surface paint on the recalled shaker guiro instrument contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
Description: The recalled shaker guiro is a ridged, cylinder-shaped percussion instrument that contains beads and is played by scraping a stick along the surface. The shaker guiro measures about 2” wide x 5” long. One end of the instrument is painted red and the other end is painted blue. The center section and stick are natural wood. “Basic Beat 5” Guiro/Shaker,” “SHBB5,” and “Recommended for Ages 6+” are printed on the packaging.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08280.html

Name of Product: Char-Broil Two-Burner Gas Grills Model 463720108
Hazard: On the recalled grills, the main burner does not fit correctly and does not connect properly to the gas valve which could result in a propane leak. This poses fire and burn hazards to consumers.
Description: This recall involves the Char-Broil gas grills with model number 463720108 and serial number ranging from 000001 to 000402. The gas grills have a main burner with two-burner plates, a 170 square inch swing-away rack, two side shelves and a condiment basket. Char-Broil’s logo is on the top of the lid of the grill. The serial and model numbers are located on the white rating label on the back of the horizontal support of the grill.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08281.html

Name of Product: Tinker Bell Wands
Hazard: The paint on the pearl beads in the flowers of the wands contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
Description: The recalled Tinker Bell wands are green and light up and sound when a button in the handle is pressed. The top of the wand has white plastic flowers, a green bow, and a pin with Tinker Bell’s face on it.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08282.html

Name of Product: Yellow Sure Grip Paint Brushes
Hazard: Surface paint on the handle of the yellow paint brushes contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
Description: The paint brushes were sold in multi-color packages of four. Only the yellow brushes are included in the recall. The paint brushes have a rounded cylinder body with tan bristle tip brushes and measure about 4 inches in height.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08283.html

Name of Product: Magnets
Hazard: Surface paint on the magnets can contain high levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
Description: This recall involves horseshoe, rectangular bar and U-shaped magnets sold primarily to schools for use in science classes. The magnets have red and blue paint on the surface of the magnet. Item numbers included in the recall are listed on the CPSC detailed report.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08284.html

Name of Product: Floppy Friends Horse Toys
Hazard: Surface paint on the toy horse contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
Description: The recalled horse toy has a push up base. When the base is pushed up, the toy horse is floppy. When released, the toy horse stands up straight. The horse is brown and white and the base is green with orange, red flowers and dark blue flowers.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08285.html

Name of Product: Counterfeit Circuit Breakers labeled as “Square D”
Hazard: The recalled circuit breakers labeled “Square D” have been determined by Square D to be counterfeit and can fail to trip when they are overloaded, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The counterfeit circuit breakers are black and are labeled as Square D QO-series models 115, 120, 130, 215, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260 and 2020 and Square D QOB-series models 115, 120, 130, 220, 230, 250, 260 and 1515. Actual Square D circuit breakers have (a) the amp rating written on the handle in white paint on the front of the breaker (authentic Square D circuit breakers manufactured prior to 2003 did not have white paint on the amperage numbers); (b) the Square D insignia molded onto the breaker side, and; (c) a yellow chromate mounting clip with half of the top of the clip visible. If your breaker, labeled as Square D, does not match this description, it could be counterfeit.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08286.html

Name of product: Gel Candles
Hazard: The candles can have excessive flame height, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.
Description: This recall involves Everlasting Jelly candles. Models include Champagne Glass with Heart, Model #502; Large Oval Bowl with Sand & Shells, Model #109-XL; Tumbler with Sand & Shells, Model #101-S; Round Shape with Curly Top and Red Roses, Model #506; Round Shape with Penguins, Model #604; Tumbler with Blue Roses & Leaves, Model #805-11; and Round Shape with Two Butterflies, Model #806-8. The candles were sold in clear glass containers of various sizes with a smaller glass of gel in the middle of the candle.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08287.html

Don't forget to enter your munchkin for chance to be Munchkin Monday! Simply email me a photo, 1st name, birthday, likes and dislikes. Your munchkin will have some 15 minutes of fame as you get to share the posting with friends and family.Email: SmartyPantsMama @ gmail . com

Tuesday Toot - 95 Degree Knee Bend!

My toot....I have to say I'm pretty excited about how I can now bend my knee to 95 degrees. Also, at physical therapy I was able to do a full forward and backward rotation on the bike last week!!! (For those of you who don't know, I had major knee surgery a little more than 3 months ago - I had to have half of my right kneecap removed due to a severe break. It's been quite a challenge with a little munchkin running around!)

See you tomorrow when I list over 10 recalls issued by the CSPC in the past week!!!

Don't forget to enter your munchkin for chance to be Munchkin Monday! Simply email me a photo, 1st name, birthday, likes and dislikes. Your munchkin will have some 15 minutes of fame as you get to share the posting with friends and family.Email: SmartyPantsMama @ gmail . com

Free for Me Friday - Memorial Day Recipe!

Can you believe that it is already Memorial Day? Where has this year gone??!!
Anyone have any great Memorial Day BBQ plans? We're still underdevelopment for our weekend plans.

I wanted to share a great recipe that is perfect for BBQs or other get-togethers!

Sesame Noodles
3 1/2 tbsp - seasame oil
3 1/2 tbsp - soy sauce
1 1/2 tbsp - white vinegar
2 tbsp - sugar
1/2 tbsp - hot chili oil
4 tbsp - chopped scallions
3 packages - Top Ramen Noodles - any flavor (you are not going to use the flavor packet)
Mix all ingredients, except noodles. Set sauce aside. Cook noodles and rinse in cold water. Toss noodles in sauce. Mix well. Serve at room temperature.
Tastes best when made the day before.

Don't forget to enter your munchkin for chance to be Munchkin Monday! Simply email me a photo, 1st name, birthday, likes and dislikes. Your munchkin will have some 15 minutes of fame as you get to share the posting with friends and family.Email: SmartyPantsMama @ gmail . com

Thursday Thirteen - If 19 Month Old Girls Ruled the World!

If 19 month old little girls ruled the world, days would be spent...

1. Watching Diego.


2. Coloring - books, floors and walls.


3. Watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.


4. Eating Play-Doh.


5. Asking Mami to put the dolly's hat back on.


6. Eating random Cheerios found in the car seat.


7. Eating only Cheerios, fruit, waffles and cookies.


8. Dancing!


9. Wearing a dirty diaper.


10. Watching Dora the Explorer!


11. Bringing Mami the remote to change the channel.


12. Playing with Glad-ware.


13. Reading the Baby Einstein books!

Don't forget to enter your munchkin for chance to be Munchkin Monday! Simply email me a photo, 1st name, birthday, likes and dislikes. Your munchkin will have some 15 minutes of fame as you get to share the posting with friends and family.Email: SmartyPantsMama @ gmail . com

Recall Wednesday - 9 Recalls!!!

Happy Wednesday!

I have received 9 recalls this week! Please be sure to read the info below that I took directly from the email notifications I received.

1. Name of Product: Squeeze Kids Girl's Corduroy Jackets

Hazard: The garments have a drawstring through the hood, which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

Description: The recalled garments are brown corduroy jackets with a pink hood and pink sequins on the front pockets. "Squeeze Kids" and style number 4JZ642FK are printed on the care label sewn into the back collar area of the garment. The sweatshirts were sold in girls' sizes small (7/8), medium (10), large (12/14) and x-large (16).

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08266.html

2. Name of Product: FireX Branded 10000 Series Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms and 12000 Series CO/Smoke Combo Alarms

Hazard: The recalled alarms can sound a "double chirp"/fault alarm in the presence of CO, prior to going into full alarm. Upon hearing a double chirp, the Owner's Manual instructions recommend a consumer take the alarm out of service, which could expose consumers to hazardous levels of CO and suffer injury or death.

Description: The recall includes FireX branded 10000 and 12000 series alarms with item numbers: 10000, 12000, 12000C, 12000-6, 12200, 12220, 12400, 12400C manufactured between June 1, 2007 and February 1, 2008. The date code appears on the back of the unit with a four digit year, three digit month followed by the day (ex: 2007JUN1 for June 1, 2007). Units with a manufacture date code prior to June 1, 2007 are not included in this recall.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08267.html

3. Name of Product: Tumble Tower Infant Rattles

Hazard: The blue plastic end caps of the rattle can break, resulting in small parts, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Description: The recalled Manhattan Toy(tm) baby rattle is 5 inches long and made of clear plastic with blue end cap pieces. The two clear handles feature colorful beads inside and brightly colored rings on the outside. A blue face spins on a purple post inside the rattle center when it is turned.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08268.html

4. Name of Product: "Tall Red" Fuel Cells

Hazard: The fuel cells used to power cordless framing nailers can leak fuel, posing a fire hazard.

Description: This recall involves "Tall Red" fuel cells designed for use in Paslode cordless framing nailers. The fuel cells have part number 81600 printed in the upper right hand corner of the product's packaging. The recalled fuel cells have the following date and manufacture codes.Best-Use-Before Dates - located at the bottom of each fuel cell:09 AUG 2009 10 AUG 2009 11 AUG 2009Manufactured Dates - located on the outside of master cartons:11 FEB 2008 12 FEB 2008 13 FEB 2008

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08269.html

5. Name of Product: Shindaiwa Backpack Blowers

Hazard: The blower's impeller (fan) can separate from the base and break apart, causing plastic pieces to be blown out of the machine, and pose a laceration and impact hazard to consumers. The flying pieces also can cause property damage and injury to bystanders. Note: These backpack blowers were previously recalled due to a fire hazard.

Description: This recall involves Shindaiwa Models EB8510 and EB8510RT. All models up to serial # 7014728 are included. The backpack blowers weigh approximately 24 pounds and include Serial Numbers through February 2007 production (S/N 702XXXX) which are located on the side label. These machines are black and blue with a red and black label that reads, "EB8510, Shindaiwa."

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08271.html

6. Name of Product: Cowboy on a Horse Little Rider Toys

Hazard: Surface paint on the shoe and pants of the rider toy contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Description: This recall includes a battery operated cowboy riding a horse toy. The model number 8610B is located on the product packaging. The horse and rider together measure about 8.5 inches in height by 7.5 inches in length. The rider is wearing blue pants and a red shirt and the horse is brown. Only Little Rider Toys with UPC code 603678086101 printed on the product packaging are included in the recall.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08272.html

7. Name of Product: K2 "Auto" Series Snowboard Bindings, Model Year 2007

Hazard: The cable that links the toe strap to the binding could break, posing a fall hazard to snowboarders.

Description and Models: This recall involves the 2007 model year K2 "Auto" snowboard bindings. They were sold in black or white. "K2" and "Auto" are printed on the toe strap.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08273.html

8. Name of Product: Candle Holders

Hazard: Sunlight passing through the glass portion can cause nearby flammable materials to ignite, posing a fire hazard.

Description: The sun-shaped candle holder is glass and metal, and was sold in four colors (red, green, blue, and yellow). "15.75" Candle Holder" is printed on the product's hang tag.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08274.html

9. Name of Product: Lil' Snugglers(tm) Children's Blankets

Hazard: The blanket's satin edge can come loose, posing a strangulation hazard.

Description: The recalled children's blankets are 14 inches square with an animal head sewn in the middle. The satin border around the outside edge is about one inch wide. The blankets were sold in the following styles:Style Number Description(Only blankets with a P.O. number of 1330 or below are included in this recall)1327 Cream Lamb1328 Cream/Tan Horse1329 Green Frog1330 Pink Horse1331 Blue Bear1332 Yellow Giraffe1333 Tan Pup1339 Yellow Duck1341 Brown Monkey1351 Pink Bear The style number, followed by the P.O. number, is identified on a white tab sewn into the blankets behind the Douglas red label.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08275.html

Don't forget to enter your munchkin for chance to be Munchkin Monday! Simply email me a photo, 1st name, birthday, likes and dislikes. Your munchkin will have some 15 minutes of fame as you get to share the posting with friends and family.Email: SmartyPantsMama @ gmail . com

Tackle It Tuesday -

Happy Tuesday!

To me there is something so special about getting a card...birthday, congratulations...in the actual mail. Yes, I agree that sending your birthday cards through Hallmark.com or BlueMountain is in doubt easier and cheaper, but the thrill of finding a special little envelope addressed to you is awesome!

My grandmother-in-law, should receive an award with her card sending. A week before any of our birthdays we ALWAYS receive a personally picked birthday card. She has inspired me! I asked her to write out all the birthday of the family (over 60 people) so I can try to be like her!

To organize myself, I purchased, via eBay, a birthday/greeting card organizer. The book has a page for each month. On the page I can jot down the birthdays of that month and put in the cards in the sleeve. In the middle of the month (ideally) I take out the cards for the next month, look at the bithday/events, write out the cards, seal them and put the event date where the stamp will go. Now I'm all set. Periodically throughout the month I look to see if any cards need to be stamped and sent and put out with the mail. (By the way, I also keep a book of stamps in my organizer! That gives me no excuse to get the cards out!)

Smart Mama Move -

1. Create or purchase a card organizer!


2. Dedicate some time (Tackle It Tuesday) to gather birthdays and other events. Write them in the organizer.


3. Buy some cards and begin addressing the cards for the next month.


4. Send the cards.


5. Enjoy knowing the smile you put on a loved ones face when they received your card in the mail!

By the way, I puchased greeting cards in bulk also via eBay. It's an odd assortment of cards but usable. I saved tons of money and time on purchasing the cards.

Don't forget to enter your munchkin for chance to be Munchkin Monday! Simply email me a photo, 1st name, birthday, likes and dislikes. Your munchkin will have some 15 minutes of fame as you get to share the posting with friends and family.Email: SmartyPantsMama @ gmail . com

Munchkin Monday - Meet Munchkin Jude!

Munchkin Monday!!!
Drum roll please.....Today's Munchkin Monday is.....Munchkin Jude!!!

Name: Jude
Birthday: December 13, 2006
Age: 17 months
Likes: Trucks and airplanes, bathtime, Veggietales, staring out the window, reading books with Mama, climbing things all by himself and going down slides unassisted.
Dislikes: Eating normal food, sitting still, getting out of the bath or wearing a hat.

Don't forget to enter your munchkin for chance to be Munchkin Monday! Simply email me a photo, 1st name, birthday, likes and dislikes. Your munchkin will have some 15 minutes of fame as you get to share the posting with friends and family.Email: SmartyPantsMama @ gmail . com

Friday! Family Tree-ing?!

Smarty Pants Mama Move of the Day - Buy genealogy software!!!

One of the items on my "list" is to digitize our family tree. Years ago, a distant cousin in Germany gave me a family tree that he had done. It was written in pencil on a long bulletin board paper. I've had it rolled up in the poster holder since then with the idea to buy a family tree software and enter in what he had done and add more. I've been forever excited with this but have not yet found a moment to begin!

I'm super inspired to start! I spent some time yesterday searching for what's the best application out there. I'm stumped. I've read good and bad reviews on what I beleive to be the 2 top competitors - Family Tree Maker and Legacy. What I'm searching for is real true advice from people who have used either, or another, applications.
Please share!!!

Don't forget to enter your munchkin for chance to be Munchkin Monday! Simply email me a photo, 1st name, birthday, likes and dislikes. Your munchkin will have some 15 minutes of fame as you get to share the posting with friends and family.Email: SmartyPantsMama @ gmail . com

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Ways to Save Money with Your Own Garden!

Ok, we all have seen it, the crazy prices at the supermarket, the gas station and just about everywhere else! This year I have decided to do my own "green" way of helping the country and my family - I have started my own garden. The garden serves a couple of different purposes. First, my 18 month old LOVES it! She is learning little by little how I take care of it - watering, removing dead leaves and picking the veggies when they're ready. Second of all - it's now one less thing to buy at the store - could amount to one less trip - which could amount to less gas - which means less $$$ spent! Go ahead, be a SMART MAMA and try it out!

I promise that I DO NOT HAVE A GREEN THUMB. I have just had some luck and some great help at the beginning (a friend who was staying with us around Christmas would take the seeds out of any veggies I would buy and plant them. We often don't even know what's growing until the fruit/veggie starts to grow!)

Also, you'll see some pictures of cocoons that formed this week around one of our mysterious plants. The plant was covered with ugly black and white caterpillars for a couple of weeks and the next thing you know we are going to have a butterfly garden!!! I can't wait!

Enjoy viewing my 13 best parts of my garden. (Please note that I live in South Florida so things grow here at different times than up north!)

Don't forget to enter your munchkin for chance to be Munchkin Monday! Simply email me a photo, 1st name, birthday, likes and dislikes. Your munchkin will have some 15 minutes of fame as you get to share the posting with friends and family.Email: SmartyPantsMama @ gmail . com

Recall Wednesday - Just One!

Hi! Today I have just one recall. It's a Munchkin bottle warmer. Please check to see if you or a loved one has this item. Follow the directions for the CPSC website. Below are the details I received directly from the email notification.


Name of Product: Deluxe Bottle and Food Warmers


Hazard: The bottle and food warmers can overheat, posing a fire hazard.


Description: This recall involves the Munchkin Deluxe Bottle and Food Warmer with Pacifier Cleaning Basket 2-in-1 Design, model #13301 and lot number TP-1487. The product is used to warm food and bottles of various sizes. The set includes a main basket, a lift-out basket, an adapter ring, and a measuring cup. "Munchkin" is located on the front of the warmer and "TP-1487" is located on the bottom. Only warmers bearing lot number "TP-1487" are included in this recall.


To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08263.html





Don't forget to enter your munchkin for chance to be Munchkin Monday! Simply email me a photo, 1st name, birthday, likes and dislikes. Your munchkin will have some 15 minutes of fame as you get to share the posting with friends and family.Email: SmartyPantsMama @ gmail . com

Tackle It Tuesday - THe Hallway Closet!

Well, I did it! I faced the inevitable - the hallway closet! This weekend I opened up the monster and took it apart. My goal was to free up 1 shelf to put my grocery stockpile. What a great feeling!!!

BEFORE

AFTER

Adding the stockpile!!!! (I love being organized and prepared!)

Don't forget to enter your munchkin for chance to be Munchkin Monday! Simply email me a photo, 1st name, birthday, likes and dislikes. Your munchkin will have some 15 minutes of fame as you get to share the posting with friends and family.Email: SmartyPantsMama @ gmail . com

Mother's Day & Grocery Game Recap

No nominations were given for Munchkin Monday...so instead it's Weekend Recap!!!

We had a great weekend - as I'm sure many mommies did!

Saturday - We were out of the house by 8:45 and on our way to The Original Pancake House. It's a yummy restaurant that is extremely OVERPRICED! I was so impressed with my munchkin. We sat her at the high chair, up close to the table. Tom cut up a pancake and she, just like a big girl, used her little plastic fork to feed herself! I was so impressed and proud. That alone could have been my Mother's Day gift! We spent the rest of the day running other errands.
Mother's Day Sunday - I received a beautiful bracelet that came with a matching bracelet for my munchkin. We both wore our bracelets and looked adorable! They are beautiful! I actually started the day with coffee in bed, along with the newpapers and the scissors (to cut my coupons!) After showers and such, I printed out my Publix Grocery Game list! I highlighted what we would buy and pulled the coupons. We excitedly headed to Publix. I couldn't wait to see how much we would save! We pulled up to the cashier with the cart nearly overfull and learned that we saved $70 and only spent $55!!! I couldn't believe it! Later in the day we had a great lunch with my parents - where my daughter again was such a big girl eating all by herself! We stopped at Winn-Dixie on the way home to buy some meats and other little things that I had printed from the Grocery Game and we ended up spending $50 and saving $49! This is crazy! I am a real Grocery Game addict!!! It is just unreal how much money you can save! I wish losing weight was as easy as this!

Feel free to email or leave a comment if you have any questions on the Grocery Game. You can also visit their website http://www.thegrocerygame.com . If you decide to join in on the savings, please put me down as your referral: cubtie@aol.com

Don't forget to enter your munchkin for chance to be Munchkin Monday! Simply email me a photo, 1st name, birthday, likes and dislikes. Your munchkin will have some 15 minutes of fame as you get to share the posting with friends and family.Email: SmartyPantsMama @ gmail . com

Free for Me Friday - Happy Mother's Day!

Friday!!!!!!!! Gotta love it!


We don't have too much planned this weekend, with the exception of Mother's Day. On Saturday I hope to spend a little time at the pool. My daughter LOVES it, as does my husband, plus it's great for my therapy. (By the way, I was able to bend my knee to 90 degrees this week at the doctor's - I'm so excited!!)


On Sunday, we'll be going out to an early brunch with my parents. It's tough now with Isa and her nap schedule to coordinate things. If she misses or is late in having her nap it completely impacts her mood! Don't want that!!! So, we're going to be eating a little earlier than we would normally.


I'll also head to the supermarket on Sunday to keep up with the Grocery Game. I'll let you know on Monday how well I do! I've started a ticker on the farthest right column on my blog to track my savings. Check it out!


What are your plans for Mother's Day weekend?

To all the mommies out there, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!! I hope it's super special!



Smiles,
Caroline


Don't forget to enter your munchkin for chance to be Munchkin Monday! Simply email me a photo, 1st name, birthday, likes and dislikes. Your munchkin will have some 15 minutes of fame as you get to share the posting with friends and family.Email: SmartyPantsMama @ gmail . com

Thursday Thirteen - A Photo Collage

Happy Thursday!

I can't believe that it is already Thursday - this week has flown by!

I've stumbled over what to list for Thursday Thirteen. I was nearly going to share thirteen things my 18 month daughter would do if she ruled the world - i.e. play with play-doh all day or watch Dora for hours straight! But, instead I'm going to share 13 of my favorite pictures of her from the last 18 months. Enjoy!