Fall Checkup

As the weather starts to change (at least where I live) it's time to do some spot checks around your home to prevent costly repairs later and also to minimize your energy loss.

• Check your gutters, get them cleaned out, look for any holes or broken/ loose areas, better to do maintenance now than during the wet season.
• If possible, check your roof for any loose shingles. Be careful... only assume this task if you are physically able to handle going up a ladder onto the roof. If not, consider hiring a professional for an inspection.
• Check the seals around your windows and doors. Use caulk where necessary to fill any air gaps and reduce your heat loss.
• If you have ducting in your home, clean the vents and ducts if possible.
• Put away any outdoor furnishings that would deteriorate with exposure to the fall/winter weather.
• If you live in an area prone to snow and freezing temperatures, make sure you have outdoor faucet covers ready as well as a snow shovel and ice melt.
• Make sure you have adequate insulation around your pipes.
• Check your outdoor lighting, replace any burnt out lighbulbs.
• Be prepared for possible power outages - locate flashlights, batteries, candles and other emergency supplies. Organize them in an easy to find location.
• This is also a good time to test your smoke detectors and change the batteries.

If you have any other tips to share, please leave a comment, thanks.
Smart Mom

Freebie Friday...

Ok, so these are really freebies for tomorrow, but today is the day to be planning your weekend, right?

September 26 is National Public Lands Day and entrance to all 391 national parks is free!
How about visiting a national park for tomorrow; if you happen to be in the neighborhood... admission to all 391 National Parks is free! Get outdoors and enjoy the beginning of fall.

Geoffrey's Birthday Party  at your local Toys'R'Us store Saturday, September 26th from 12-3 pm. There will be activities, a parade and prize giveaways. So, if you can handle the stress- take your little ones there for a few hours of free fun (of course, your kids will ask you to buy them something... be prepared!).



Museum Day Visit this website to get your card for free general admission on Saturday, September 26 to participating museums! Sponsored by Smithsonian Magazine.

Have fun and a blessed weekend!
Smart Mom

Blog Giveaway at Webs4Success

Just a quick note today to share a giveaway on another blog I participate in. Enter to win a quick vacation getaway for 2 at a destination of your choice! Visit Webs4Success for all the details! There are many opportunities for gaining extra entries, go check it out!

Have a great day!
Smart Mom

Health-saving tips!

No doubt there is an endless supply of tempting goodies in the grocery store and on restaurant menus, many of which are laden with fat, calories and unhealthy additives and preservatives. If you have a family you probably want what's best in terms of nutrition and taste for them, yet perhaps struggle with balancing a healthy diet with your busy lifestyle. Here's a few tips today to get your kids eating healthy choices:

• Make healthy food convenient. Keep a bowl of fresh fruit on the counter top, readily available for quick, easy snacks. Prepare cut veggies ahead of time ready to pull out of the refrigerator for snacking.


• Get the kids involved. Let them help pick out fresh produce at the grocery store, they love to weigh items on the scales too. Also, recruit their assistance in preparing food at home, my kids usually enjoy the meal more if they helped to make it.


• Provide fruits and veggies as part of your meals on a daily basis.


• Set a good example. Don't expect the kids to want veggies for a snack if you are always eating donuts!


• Eliminate sodas and sugar laden beverages from your shopping list. There are many healthy, tasty alternatives nowadays. My top recommendation, however, is WATER!!!


• If you need to lose weight, be smart about it. There are a multitude of weight loss programs out there. Be sure you get adequate nutrition, systems such as Herbalife offer balanced nutrition along with a weight loss plan.


• Get moving. Find ways to be active. This year for my birthday my hubby and kids bought me a Wii and several fun games to workout with. I am not a gamer and my family knows it; they all like video games so it was kind of funny for me to get the Wii. Anyway, we have a great time. I love the Wii Fit and the Wii Sports Resort. Also good for a workout is EA Sports Active and Gold's Gym Cardio Workout. Whatever you choose, have fun and enjoy an improved fitness level.
  

Don't put off establishing good, healthy choices for you and you family. Start now!

Blessings,

Smart Mom

The Most Precious Savings

Yesterday was Labor Day here in the United States which meant for my family that we got the day off work and school, in fact it meant a nice 3 day weekend, and it felt great! Over the last few years we haven't had a lot of days off due to the nature of our business and so now when we get them we try to savor them.

As we spent our weekend doing things together as a family and just casually hanging out at home, it reminded me of the importance of savoring the time we share and saving the memories we create. My family is at the top of my priority list directly below my relationship with the Lord, I love them and feel blessed by the special connection we have. So many times over the years I have heard people say to "enjoy your children, because the time passes so quickly", it is true. It is also unfortunate that we sometimes get so caught up in the busy-ness of life that we fail to take time just to enjoy each other, therefore missing out on creating and preserving memories.

I suppose we will all have regrets at some time in our lives regarding one thing or another, I hope that they will not be because we missed out on special times with those we love. Here are a few suggestions for creating and preserving good memories:

• Spend time with your family


• Look for opportunities to do things together


• Treat each other with respect and honor


• Encourage each other


• Be forgiving of each other


• Laugh together


• Cry together


• Take photos


• Pray together


• Create home movies


• Take family vacations (if possible) or at least days at the park/beach etc.


• Have family mealtimes


• Enjoy each other

We don't all have picture -perfect home and family situations, but we can still try to create and save good memories with those who are special to us.

Be blessed.... and be a blessing!

Smart Mom

Cash in on Your Abilities

If you are looking for a way to make a little extra money, first take a look at your abilities. What is it that you enjoy doing and are good at? Maybe you like to make crafts or jewelry and are pretty good at it. Perhaps you bake the best breads, muffins and cookies in your neighborhood. Or, maybe you love to write, draw or paint. Are you a photography enthusiast?

Whatever it is that you like to do and can do well, consider turning it into a business opportunity for yourself.

• If you like to craft, get involved in local craft fairs where you can sell your items, or organize workshops at a community center or church where you can teach others how to make crafts. If you do well and can produce a steady source of product, you may even consider selling your items online.


• If you are a baker, you may be able to sell your goods at a local farmers market or even to family and friends in your community.


• If you enjoy writing, consider submitting articles to newspapers or article directories. (There are many of these directories, I recommend doing a search and checking some out, I don't have a specific recommendation of one) Many businesses will pay to have articles written for them. You can start your own blog and potentially make some income through advertisements on your blog or by writing product reviews.


• For the artist, there are many opportunities to promote your artwork, including web services which will put your designs on t-shirts, hats, mugs, etc. for you to sell. (www.zazzle.com is one example)


• Many individuals and businesses are looking for fresh photos for their websites. Take quality photos and submit them to photo services; depending on their terms you will get paid various amounts when your photos are downloaded. (Again, a search will bring you numerous options, just be sure to read the terms so you know exactly how you will be paid and how your photos can be used.)

These are just a few ideas, if you have any suggestions or success stories, please share!

Blessings,

Smart Mom

Simplify your life

Where does the time go... has it really been two weeks since my last blog entry? Wow.. things have been hectic around here, I'm hoping to get it together here soon, and having said that I want to share some tips for simplifying your life to reduce your stress and save you energy!

Examine:

Take stock of what is consuming your day. If you don't know where your time is going, keep a log for a day or two. Write down everything you do and how much time you spend on each task. You might be surprised at what you find.

Evaluate:

Evaluate each item/task on your list and determine if it is a necessary/valuable use of time (obviously if you have a job to go to, you better not quit). Prioritize the use of your time. Time for fun and relaxation should be part of your day too.

Eliminate:

Eliminate things from your which are unnecessary, add stress, or take away from any goals you have established for your life.

In addition you might want to consider these tips for simplifying your life:

• discard junk mail as soon as you get it, to prevent piles of paper growing in your home


• clean out your refrigerator and pantry


• purge your e-mail inbox and unsubscribe from newsletters you no longer read


• donate or sell unwanted items and clothing

Watch for more tips in the future. Be sure to let me know if you have any great tips to share too.

Smart Mom