Parents: Doing Something Nice For Yourself Isn’t Selfish
Do you ever feel guilty for doing something for yourself, no matter how big or small it is? I do. It's actually something I'm constantly working on, and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one. I can tell when other moms are struggling with mom guilt, and you probably can, too. You know, they're the ones you see standing in the coffee aisle, looking longingly at the flavored specialty coffees. Some even reach out and grab one of those little bags that hold enough to make a single, indulgent pot. But … Read More
But Daddy Said It Was Okay!
One of the most prized electronics in our house is my husband's tablet computer. He originally purchased it to keep track of appointments, have a remote Internet connection and other business-related functions. My tech-loving sons had different ideas as soon as they saw it. After all, it looks like a giant smart phone, so they knew it had serious entertainment potential right away. Because the hubz has a soft spot for all things nerdy and loves to pass his passion for technology on to the boys when … Read More
Tips For Using Basic Flashcards With Preschoolers
I bought my preschooler a few simple decks of flashcards I found at the local dollar store for Christmas. One set is a matching game that splits a picture into two halves, another shows shapes and colors and the last has numbers and colors. They're all pretty straightforward and easy for my son to understand. The thing with flashcards is they can swiftly become boring if you use them the same way every time. Your child's attention quickly drifts to other things, and they lose their flair. But, … Read More
Smarter on Facebook: Let’s Learn Together
Smarter is always looking for ways to make your life easier, and shopping is no exception, especially for the busy parent. With excellent resources at your disposal, Smarter gives you a one-stop shop for all the important savvy mommy needs, from makeup to diapers. No hassle, no problem. Joining Smarter on Facebook will not only get you connected with other savvy parent shoppers, but it will also keep you clued in to our latest contests, expert recommendations, and exclusive deals, giving you more … Read More
Recent Babies & Kids Posts
Valentine’s Gift for Grandma: Baby Hands and Feet Flower Painting
Valentine's gifts for grandparents from your kids are easier when you have older children. They can do all sorts of fun crafts, from jewelry to the classic Valentine's card. When you have a baby, options are little more limited. They can't very well hold … [Read More...]
But Daddy Said It Was Okay!
One of the most prized electronics in our house is my husband's tablet computer. He originally purchased it to keep track of appointments, have a remote Internet connection and other business-related functions. My tech-loving sons had different ideas … [Read More...]
Parents: Doing Something Nice For Yourself Isn’t Selfish
Do you ever feel guilty for doing something for yourself, no matter how big or small it is? I do. It's actually something I'm constantly working on, and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one. I can tell when other moms are struggling with mom guilt, and … [Read More...]
Strangely Territorial Sibling Squabbles
When you have more than one kid, you know that eventually they're going to argue over this or that, from what show to watch to who's turn it is to choose the bedtime story. Little squabbles over who had the spy kit binoculars first are bound to happen. … [Read More...]
Motherhood: A Not So Risky Business
In my early 20s, before I was blessed with my three little noisemakers, I was a lot less cautious than I am now. I was never a huge risk taker, but I didn't spend a lot of time thinking through the pros and cons of some of the simpler things, like driving … [Read More...]
‘Modern Family’ and the Toddler F-Bomb: Humorous, Heinous or Who Cares?
Last night's episode of Modern Family on ABC caused a bit of a stir when producers announced that a toddler would be dropping the "F-Bomb" during the show. While the child was actually saying "fudge," her mouth was to be pixelated and the word bleeped … [Read More...]
Useful Tips For When The Whole Family Gets Sick
When your kids are sick, but you're healthy, it's miserable because you feel so helpless watching them suffer. When you're sick and your kids are healthy, it's miserable because moms aren't allowed a day off. When you and the kids are sick, it's miserable … [Read More...]
Alternative Goodie Bag Ideas for Kids’ Birthday Parties
My kids love receiving goodie bags at birthday parties, but often they're full of a bunch of little trinkets that wind up breaking quickly, getting lost or, to be honest, are wildly maddening to parents (like whistles or clackers). The attraction to these … [Read More...]
5 Useful Tips for Thrift Shopping Parents
One of my favorite hobbies is thrift shopping. I can find incredible deals for all over the home, including the kids' toy room and bedrooms. Just as everybody else is strapped for cash these days, we've certainly felt the economic pinch, but the boys … [Read More...]
Netflix and Disney and Family, Oh My!
Netflix took a lot of flack last summer after announcing it was raising its prices and splitting its streaming and DVD plans. Still, my husband and I had been customers for quite a while and we loved the ease and value of the service, so we decided to … [Read More...]
