Smarty Pants Mamahttp://smartypantsmama.comBecoming a Smart Mama ... one piece at a time!en-USMon, 17 Jun 2013 13:02:45 PDThttp://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1hourly1smartypantsmama/fNDchttp://feedburner.google.comSubscribe with My Yahoo!Subscribe with NewsGatorSubscribe with My AOLSubscribe with BloglinesSubscribe with NetvibesSubscribe with GoogleSubscribe with PageflakesSubscribe with PlusmoSubscribe with The Free DictionarySubscribe with Bitty BrowserSubscribe with Live.comSubscribe with Excite MIXSubscribe with WebwagSubscribe with Podcast ReadySubscribe with WikioSubscribe with Daily RotationHow to Use Beans in Home Decorhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/smartypantsmama/fNDc/~3/nZc_5OhB6JI/Smart HomeVLogGreen Livinghome decoratingCaroline MurphyMon, 17 Jun 2013 13:02:45 PDThttp://smartypantsmama.com/?p=8281You’ve learned how to make lentils, the delicious power food for families. But have you ever considered how you can use dried beans to add some color in your home. Yes, I’ve used green split peas to decorate my home.

At my local Whole Foods I picked up a big bag of green split peas from their bulk foods section and in no time I added a punch of color to my dining room!

Selecting the Beans for Home Decor 

Most grocers sell dried lentils and other beans. Common colors can be a bit drab – browns and blacks. You might be surprised with the other more vibrant colors. Beans like lentils are available in yellow, red and green. Consider kidney beans for their deep maroon or the lighter green in the split peas I used. Purchase a few pounds of beans to place in a vase or other clear container. Mix different beans for contrast. 

Using beans from cooking to decorating is a smart mama way. I look forward to learning how you use beans in home decor!

The post How to Use Beans in Home Decor appeared first on Smarty Pants Mama.

]]><p>You&#8217;ve learned how to make lentils, the delicious power food for families. But have you ever considered how you can use dried beans to add some color in your home. Yes, I&#8217;ve used green split peas to decorate my home. At my local Whole Foods I picked up a big bag of green split peas...</p><p>The post <a href="http://smartypantsmama.com/2013/06/how-to-use-beans-in-home-decor/">How to Use Beans in Home Decor</a> appeared first on <a href="http://smartypantsmama.com">Smarty Pants Mama</a>.</p>http://smartypantsmama.com/2013/06/how-to-use-beans-in-home-decor/feed/0http://smartypantsmama.com/2013/06/how-to-use-beans-in-home-decor/Organized Travel Planninghttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/smartypantsmama/fNDc/~3/aK2V2ZcyAWg/GiveawaySmart ProductSmart TravelSponsoredgiveawayOffice 365Organized TravelCaroline MurphyWed, 12 Jun 2013 20:33:09 PDThttp://smartypantsmama.com/?p=8292Planning a vacation can be overwhelming. There is so much to do. There is so much to remember. There are so many details involved with family travel. The hotels, transportation, dining, itinerary and activities need to be planned with thought and consideration.

In partnership with One2One Network, I’m test-driving the new and swanky Office 365 Home Premium and the features it has for busy, smart moms planning family vacations. I’m impressed. I know you will be too.

Using the Travel + Leisure Travel TemplateTravel Planning

We recognize Travel + Leisure for its expertise in travel. They have been there, done that in travel, across the globe. Travel + Leisure has recently released a travel planning template to use with Microsoft Office 365, specifically OneNote.  This notebook/template provides the planning space a traveler needs to properly prepare their vacation. The Travel + Leisure OneNote Template is organized like a well-designed travel notebook. Categories of the different aspects of travel planning are outlined for before, during and after the trip.

Best of all, with OneNote, your travel notebook will be store in the clouds using the Microsoft SkyDrive. So if you plan your family travels for Orlando you can access all your plans no matter where you are. There’s even a mobile app, so there is no excuses on getting the confirmation number or address for dinner.

Planning a Vacation with OneNote

Travel Planning

Loads of research must be done before your trip. Selecting the destination, hotels, activities and even created an itinerary. The OneNote Travel Notebook by Travel + Leisure is loaded with tips and links to helpful travel planning. Areas to note your plans and comparison of hotels, activities and more are included. You can Send to OneNote webpages you encounter, photos that pertain to the trip or any other useful information. 

Enjoying a Vacation with OneNote

Vacation planning doesn’t stop when you leave your house. With this template you can continuously update your plans on the go. Keeping your itinerary fresh and ready to share with other vacationers or those keeps tabs from home. Thanks to the cloud technology of OneNote you travel planning is mobile, just like you. 

Reminiscing About a Vacation with OneNoteTravel Planning

The journal tab of the template provides a space to record the daily memories of the trip, including tips you will want to share with future travelers. You can even record audio notes of your trip. It’s a great way to get the kids involved! 

Office 365 Templates

The Travel + Leisure Travel Template is one of hundred of professionally created templates for Office 365 users. Think weddings, parties, home improvement and more…templates designed for you! 

Office 365 Giveaway

Win a Office 365 Home Premium

  • The latest and most complete set of Office applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher and Access1
  • One license for the entire household to use Office on up to five devices, including Windows tablets, PCs or Macs, and get Office on Demand from any Internet-connected PC2
  • An additional 20 GB of SkyDrive cloud storage, nearly three times the amount available with a free SkyDrive account
  • 60 free Skype world calling minutes per month to call mobile phones, landlines or PCs around the world3
  • Future upgrades, so you always use the latest time-saving technology
  • Fast, fluid design that responds to touch and stylus as naturally as it does to keyboard and mouse
  • Automatic save to SkyDrive, so your documents — and even your personal settings — are always available from virtually anywhere and on your favorite devices

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Organized Travel Planning appeared first on Smarty Pants Mama.

]]><p>Planning a vacation can be overwhelming. There is so much to do. There is so much to remember. There are so many details involved with family travel. The hotels, transportation, dining, itinerary and activities need to be planned with thought and consideration. In partnership with One2One Network, I’m test-driving the new and swanky Office 365...</p><p>The post <a href="http://smartypantsmama.com/2013/06/organized-travel-planning/">Organized Travel Planning</a> appeared first on <a href="http://smartypantsmama.com">Smarty Pants Mama</a>.</p>http://smartypantsmama.com/2013/06/organized-travel-planning/feed/6http://smartypantsmama.com/2013/06/organized-travel-planning/How to Make Lentilshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/smartypantsmama/fNDc/~3/0TGdERQuMeY/RecipesSmart FoodrecipeCaroline MurphyTue, 11 Jun 2013 12:13:06 PDThttp://smartypantsmama.com/?p=8276Lentils are considered a power food. They are loaded with fiber, folate, iron, protein, and other vitamins and minerals. The fiber in a 1/2 cup serving of lentils gives you 1/3 of your needed daily requirements. Plus 9 grams of protein are in that same 1/2 cup! That’s a smart food! That’s tremendous power! A few years ago I learned how to make lentils. My entire family loves this recipe. We typically serve it atop of a small amount of rice and at times place a fried egg on top. Whatever the way you choose to make and eat lentils, be sure to include it in your family’s menu. How to Make Lentils

How to Make Lentils

Print
How to Make Lentils
Author: 
Recipe type: soup
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 

 

Learn how to make lentils – a power food for smart mamas and their families!
Ingredients
  • 1 bag of dried lentils, rinsed
  • 2 potatoes diced
  • 1 large tomato diced
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 knorr cube
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (you can use cooking spray instead)

Instructions
  1. In a large pot add lentils and enough water to go approximately 3 inches above lentils. Bring to a boil and add potatoes. Bring to a simmer and stir occasionally.
  2. In a fry pan, saute onion, garlic, tomato and knorr cube with olive oil or cooking spray. This is called the sofrito.
  3. After potato and lentils are soft (20-30 minutes) add the sofrito to the pot. Cook at a low simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt & pepper to taste.

 

Where to Buy Lentils

Dried lentils can be purchased at your grocers in the dried bean aisle. There are different types of lentils – red, green and brown. Choose your favorite!

 

 

The post How to Make Lentils appeared first on Smarty Pants Mama.

]]><p>Lentils are considered a power food. They are loaded with fiber, folate, iron, protein, and other vitamins and minerals. The fiber in a 1/2 cup serving of lentils gives you 1/3 of your needed daily requirements. Plus 9 grams of protein are in that same 1/2 cup! That&#8217;s a smart food! That&#8217;s tremendous power! A few...</p><p>The post <a href="http://smartypantsmama.com/2013/06/how-to-make-lentils/">How to Make Lentils</a> appeared first on <a href="http://smartypantsmama.com">Smarty Pants Mama</a>.</p>http://smartypantsmama.com/2013/06/how-to-make-lentils/feed/2http://smartypantsmama.com/2013/06/how-to-make-lentils/Best Scents in My Clothes. I’m Becoming Obsessed!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/smartypantsmama/fNDc/~3/q-pVq3ehOvQ/GiveawaySmart HomeSmart ProductSponsoredbest scentsgiveawayCaroline MurphySat, 08 Jun 2013 15:55:31 PDThttp://smartypantsmama.com/?p=8247Some of the best scents out there are found right in my clean clothes. It’s sort of weird, I guess. As I take clothes out of the dryer and begin to fold them, I smell each garment. There is something about the smell of clean clothing that I love. The last detergent I purchased was GAIN Lavender and I’m becoming a bit obsessed. The scent is so awesome. I think I add an extra 15 minutes to my laundry time just so my neurotic self can smell the clothes over and over again. I’m being honest. 

Disclosure: I was provided GAIN detergent (I did purchase the one I mention and photograph in this post) to compensate my time. All opinions and scent obsessions are my own!
Best Scents in Laundry

Apparently it’s not just me. Dr. Alan Hirsch from the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, states that certain aromas, such as the ones from fresh-smelling clothes, induce people to feel happier and more optimistic and positive. Lavender has been shown to reduce anxiety and I’m proof that it just might do that – at least when in the laundry room! It’s one of the best scents for a non-stop mom like me.

Best Scents and Moods

Think about how you feel when smell cookies baking in your home. You get hungry and happy. How about the scent of coconut? That makes me think of the beach and instantly relaxes me.  Think of the successful market for scented candles. Those candles give off a scent that bring about fond memories, happy times or other good moods. It makes sense to induce those scent moods right on our clothing…we wouldn’t want to be scent insufficient!

GAINS Laundry Scents

Wondering what other scents GAIN has to induce a happy mood in your home? Here’s their menu:

  • Original with Clean Boost
  • Original
  • Lavender
  • Island Fresh
  • Floral Fusion
  • Apple Mango Tango
  • Ocean Escape
  • Gain Hawaiian Aloha with
Febreze Freshness
  • Gain Butterfly Kiss with a
Touch of Softness
  • Gain Icy Fresh Fizz with 
Oxi Booster
  • Gain Sunflower and Sunshine 
with Febreze Freshness
  • Gain Original Fireworks 
Scent Booster
  • Gain Sweet Sizzle
  • Gain Dreamy Desire
  • Gain Flirty Fresh
  • Gain Apple Berry Twist
  • Gain Honeyberry Hula 
with Bleach Alternative
  • Gain Lemon Zest

I’ve tried 4 of the GAIN’s scents. Apple Berry Twist and Butterfly Kiss are next on my list! Will they be some of the best scents? What’s the best scent from GAIN? Share your favorite GAIN scent to win a 1 year supply of detergent! Imagine all the sniffing you could do!

GAIN Detergent Giveaway

Ready to join the scent obsession with me? I am offering one reader a one-year supply of GAIN detergent! Follow steps below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Best Scents in My Clothes. I’m Becoming Obsessed! appeared first on Smarty Pants Mama.

]]><p>Some of the best scents out there are found right in my clean clothes. It&#8217;s sort of weird, I guess. As I take clothes out of the dryer and begin to fold them, I smell each garment. There is something about the smell of clean clothing that I love. The last detergent I purchased was...</p><p>The post <a href="http://smartypantsmama.com/2013/06/best-scents-in-laundry/">Best Scents in My Clothes. I&#8217;m Becoming Obsessed!</a> appeared first on <a href="http://smartypantsmama.com">Smarty Pants Mama</a>.</p>http://smartypantsmama.com/2013/06/best-scents-in-laundry/feed/69http://smartypantsmama.com/2013/06/best-scents-in-laundry/Guides to Help Buying on EBAYhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/smartypantsmama/fNDc/~3/I7DdPT2JVyQ/Smart Homebuying on ebayebay parentpartnershipCaroline MurphyFri, 07 Jun 2013 13:41:46 PDThttp://smartypantsmama.com/?p=8232EBAY Buying GuideBuying on EBAY is still a regular activity in this house. My partnership with EBAY has continued, but a bit differently this time around. I continue to recognize the income EBAY can provide families and the great deals consumers can make on EBAY. Now, I’m sharing my experience through EBAY Buying Guides that are published directly on EBAY.com. 

How to Maximize Summer Learning

Within this guide I share a variety of ways to integrate learning during the summer months. Yes, summer is all about fun and swimming, but there are loads of ways to sneak in some education between camps and movies. This guide provides specific examples of what you can do to maximize summer learning and links to purchase items that will be helpful!

Buying on EBAY

4 Steps for Planning a Family Dinner Menu

A family dinner menu is a must in an organized home. If you are interested in learning the simple ways to planning a weekly family dinner menu check out the basic steps offered in this guide. Links to cookbooks, tools and other products are included. 

buying on ebay

Using Guides for Buying on EBAY 

Hundreds on EBAY Buying Guides are available to help you make great purchases on EBAY. Check out the EBAY Buying Guides page for category listings of the different guides. 

The post Guides to Help Buying on EBAY appeared first on Smarty Pants Mama.

]]><p>Buying on EBAY is still a regular activity in this house. My partnership with EBAY has continued, but a bit differently this time around. I continue to recognize the income EBAY can provide families and the great deals consumers can make on EBAY. Now, I&#8217;m sharing my experience through EBAY Buying Guides that are published...</p><p>The post <a href="http://smartypantsmama.com/2013/06/guides-to-help-buying-on-ebay/">Guides to Help Buying on EBAY</a> appeared first on <a href="http://smartypantsmama.com">Smarty Pants Mama</a>.</p>http://smartypantsmama.com/2013/06/guides-to-help-buying-on-ebay/feed/4http://smartypantsmama.com/2013/06/guides-to-help-buying-on-ebay/