Saturday, October 31, 2009

Daylight Savings Time!


Its that time of year again, the end of Daylight Savings (that is, of course, if you live here in the U.S.) So I thought I had better give you a little reminder, otherwise you'll be out of sync tomorrow with those around you.
I have to say I prefer DST in the fall because we get to put the clock back, which usually means for me that I get an extra hour of sleep. Can't complain about that!
Technically the time change is over night but we usually adjust our clocks before bed so that we don't forget in the morning.
If you choose not to use your extra hour for sleep, perhaps you can find another way to enjoy having one extra hour.... you could :
  • read a book
  • watch a movie/ TV show
  • spend time with friends/ family
  • clean your house (or not!)
  • pamper yourself
Whatever you choose to do I hope you have a blessed day and night!

Smart Mom

Share/Save/Bookmark

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Just added... Smart Mom's Store!

I am among the many people who are looking for ways to replace and/or supplement their income. There are countless opportunities available, and of course we all have different circumstances so what works for one, may not work for another. Blogging is fun for me even though it takes time and effort, however on it's own it doesn't pay any bills.

I have just added an Amazon Store to my blog -"Smart Mom's Store". If you are not familiar with Amazon stores, it's pretty simple: my Amazon store lists hundreds of items that are sold on Amazon.com, you simply click on the link to my Amazon Store and begin shopping for items you want. As purchases are made, I earn a small commission! All payment transactions are processed by Amazon and they ship your products just as usual. So you get what you want and I get blessed by you!

With Christmas just around the corner, if you are considering purchasing any gifts online, please keep Smart Mom's Store in mind. I am offering many categories, from clothing to beauty products, electronics, video games, toys, music, books, DVDs, gift baskets and more, I think you will find something for everyone. Purchases are safe and secure and Amazon's pricing is very competitive. Also, many items qualify for free shipping, so please click on the banner above this post to enter my store and check it out!

Thank you!

Smart Mom


Share/Save/Bookmark

Monday, October 19, 2009

Warm Your Hearts and Home

Warm your home as you bake these yummy treats and warm the hearts of your family as you share special moments together on a cool day! Quick breads such as these are easy and inexpensive to prepare, and they will fill your home with a wonderful aroma. These recipes are also a great way to utilize an abundance of zucchini or apples at this time of year! Enjoy!



Zucchini Bread IV from allrecipes.com I have made this bread quite a few times and my family loves it. It is especially good with some chocolate chips added!






Apple Bread also from allrecipes.com. This is also yummy, I had some Sweet Cinnamon Sprinkle from The Pampered Chef which I sprinkled on top before I baked it. Adding cranberries would be another nice alternative.



Make the most of it:

  • Be sure to serve up your family's favorite hot beverages - tea, coffee, hot cocoa, apple cider along with these breads.


  • Bake extra loaves to share with friends/ neighbors. A warm loaf of bread is a gift of friendship!


  • Bake extra and freeze some for another day.


  • Invite friends over to visit and share your freshly baked breads.

Have a great day!

Smart Mom
Share/Save/Bookmark

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). Since the program began in 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women age 50 and older and breast cancer deaths have declined.

This is exciting progress, but there are still women who do not take advantage of early detection at all and others who do not get screening mammograms and clinical breast exams at regular intervals.

• Women age 65 and older are less likely to get mammograms than younger women, even though breast cancer risk increases with age.


• Hispanic women have fewer mammograms than Caucasian women and African American women.


• Women below poverty level are less likely than women at higher incomes to have had a mammogram within the past two years.


• Mammography use has increased for all groups except American Indians and Alaska Natives.

“If all women age 40 and older took advantage of early detection methods – mammography plus clinical breast exam – breast cancer death rates would drop much further, up to 30 percent.”  (NBCAM website)

“The key to mammography screening is that it be done routinely – once is not enough.” (NBCAM website)


For more information about NBCAM, please visit www.nbcam.org. For additional information, please call one of the following toll-free numbers: American Cancer Society,


(800) 227-2345, National Cancer Institute (NCI), (800) 4-CANCER, Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization, (800) 221-2141.



The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month program is dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Fifteen national public service organizations, professional associations, and government agencies comprise the Board of Sponsors, who work together to ensure that the NBCAM message is heard by thousands of women and their families.



Share/Save/Bookmark

Monday, October 12, 2009

Energy-Saving Tips



The change in season with it's cool air makes being indoors so warm and inviting. My family enjoys being together in our family room with hot drinks - the kids are loving hot apple cider and freshly baked pumpkin bread! Mmmm... we are already looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas with all the fun activities, gift-giving and baking.
However, the fall and winter months bring something I'm not so fond of - higher gas & electric bills, so of course I'm always looking for ways to lower our expenses. Here's a few tips:
  1. Check out The Home Energy Saver website to find out how much the average home energy bill is in your area, then find ways to make your home more energy efficient.
  2. Use a programmable thermostat to manage your climate control; program your heating to meet your family's schedule and needs and avoid heating your home unnecessarily.
  3. Train your family to close doors and windows, turn off lights in rooms that aren't being used and to use less hot water. (I know... good luck with that!)
  4. If it's time to replace any of your household appliances, be sure to compare the energy efficiency labels before you buy. Also, check with your local utility company for any rebate programs being offered.
  5. Heating water can account for up to 20% of your energy bill, so do pay attention to how long you let the water run while you are doing dishes or showering etc.
  6. Set your outdoor lights on a time or dusk to dawn sensor so that you don't accidentally leave them on all day.
Keep looking for ways to save, those small changes can make a difference!

Smart Mom
Share/Save/Bookmark

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Ok.. another giveaway..

Well, I just couldn't resist this one, so I had to enter and of course being the generous, tip-sharing person that I am, I figured I shouldn't keep the information to myself. Yes, I get an extra entry for blogging about it too!

Anyway, here it is: A giveaway at A Mom After God's Own Heart for Karen Kingsbury's new book, Miracles: A 52 Week Devotional. If you have never read Karen Kingsbury, I highly recommend her books, but visit A Mom After God's Own Heart and read her review.
She has 5 copies to give away and the giveway ends on October 31st. So what are you waiting for?

Share/Save/Bookmark

Friday, October 2, 2009

Get Free Admission to Disney Parks!

Want a day at DisneyLand or DisneyWorld but not sure you can afford the admission fees? Here's your opportunity to get free admission and to give back to an organization.

BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2010, when you sign up here to volunteer a day of service with a participating organization (and your service is completed and verified) you'll get one day admission to a Walt Disney World® or Disneyland® theme park, FREE! Disney wants to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service.


Check it out, be sure to look at all the terms. You can sign up for e-mail reminders too!

Share/Save/Bookmark