What We Love Right Now February 1, 2012: Spring Yard Sale Tips

We know, it’s only February, but spring is just around the corner and when it gets here you might just get spring fever and want to declutter your home by doing some spring cleaning. If you’re like us, you’ve got things lying around that you no longer need. If you’re in an area that lends itself to an outdoor yard sale this could be a great way to get rid of a few unwanted items (and if you’re not, then you can always gather up those things and donate them to charity). If you’ve never held a yard sale, you might be a little unsure of just where to begin. Our tips will help you get started!

1. Go through your home room by room and collect unused items.

2. Once you’ve got the items collected, begin sorting by categroy (home items, clothing, toys, etc.). You can but each category in its own box.

3. Price your items. Some folks like to do a blanket price for some things i.e. All stuffed animals $1.00. You certainly don’t have to do this, but it makes shopping for your buyers a little easier.

4. Set a date. If you live in a larger neighborhood, you might be doing a sale together. In that case, this will be taken care of. If not, pick a weekend that looks to have a good forecast. Be sure to put signs up at the front of you neighborhood, as well as on near by roads. If your home is the only one hosting a sale in you neighborhood, balloons on the mailbox are always a good idea.

5. Be sure to have a lot of small bills and coins on hand for making change.

6. Recycle your old plastic grocery bags and use them for purchases.

7. Set up your sale the night before (in your garage or under the carport). If it rains, at least things will be in a covered spot.

8. Be ready for early shoppers. Even though you stated your sale won’t start until 8 a.m. there will always be a few early birds.

9. Stay firm on your prices early on, especially on bigger items. You can always come down on your price later in the day.

10. Be sure to place your larger items towards the front of the sale as an eye-catcher. Many yard sale regulars will do drive bys to see if the sale is “worth” visiting.

Easy to Make School Night Dinners

When you’re a mom, working or not, you know things can get hectic quickly some school nights. Shuffling one child to dance classes. Racing to basketball practice. Before you know it, you’re hitting up the nearest drive thru to grab a quick bite to take home for dinner. Instead of turning to greasy hamburgers and fried foods, try out these easy weeknight meals.

Pizza Bread

Just about every kid we know loves pizza so you won’t be disappointing anyone at the table with this pizza bread recipe.

What You’ll Need

1 loaf of French bread, sliced into 1/2-1 inch pieces

Grated Parmesean Cheese or Shredded Mozzerella

Spaghetti or Pizza Sauce

Pepperoni slices or any other toppings you might enjoy

Fix it Fast:

1. Place bread slices on a cookie sheet.

2. Layer sauce, cheese, then toppings

3. Bake at 450 for 10-15 min

Serve with prewashed salad and/or carrot sticks with ranch dip

Quick Chicken Taquitos

A lightly flavored Mexican dish that will not be too bold for your child that isn’t too adventurous.

What You’ll Need:

1. 1 can of cooked chicken

2. 4 oz of sour cream

3. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4. Soft tortilla shells

Fix it Fast:

1. Mix chicken, cream, and cheese.

2. Spoon mixture onto tortilla shells and wrap shells burrito style (closed ends).

3. Spray baking sheet and outside of shells with cooking spray (we recommend olive oil spray).

4. Bake at 450 for 12-15 minutes or until shells are lightly brown.

Serve with Mexican style rice (we like this because it’s prepacked and usually cooks quickly).

Ham and Cheese Roll-ups

This cresent roll meal is a classic go to for many moms. It’s super easy to prepare and cooks in under 30 minutes!

What You’ll Need:

1. 1-2 cans of cresent rolls (we prefer Pillsbury)

2. Ham slices

3. Cheese slices

Fix it Fast:

1. Grease a cookie sheet.

2. Unroll rolls and layer with ham and cheese.

3. Roll up cresent rolls and place about 2 in. apart on baking sheet.

4. Cook at 350 for 20-25 min, or until lightly golden brown.

Serve with broccoli (frozen broccoli cooks in under 5 minutes in the microwave), green beans, or corn.

The Top Recalls of 2011

Toys, medications, and other household items seem to be recalled all the time these days. Be sure to check out this detailed list of the biggest recalls of 2011.

View the recall list.

What We Love Right Now December 14, 2011: Easy to Make Holiday Treats

Christmastime is a great time to roll up your sleeves and bake. If you’ve baking up a storm maybe you’re looking for an easy treat to make or, if you’re not really into baking, you might be looking for a cookie recipe that requires just a couple of ingredients and just a little time. Our two holiday cookie ideas are perfect for either category you may fall in!

Christmas Cookie Sammies

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We found this cookie idea on another blog and thought it was a great, simple idea to share! All you need are the Pillsbury slice and bake cookies, some yummy icing (homemade or store bought), and some fun, festive sprinkles! These require little effort and they’ll be yummy and, not to mention, cute on a nice little platter. For the full recipe click here.

Christmas Tree Brownies

Another simple creation, these treats take just a few minutes to bake and decorate and it’s the perfect way to involve you little bakers as well. You’ll need one box of brownie mix, candy cane sticks, green gel icing, and peppermint M & M’s.

1. Bake the brownies according to the box.

2. After brownies have cooled, cut into triangle, tree shape with a steak knife.

3. Insert candy cane stick at bottom of brownies for the tree stem.

4. Apply icing and place M & M’s on brownie.

Hanukkah Popsicle Stick Craft

Hanukkah is just around the corner and this craft is super easy for your little ones to create. You just need popsicle sticks, yellow construction paper, craft glue, and paint.

1. Cut paper into small flames.

2. Paint sticks any color you like and assemble to make a very festive menorah!

Tips for a Less Stressful Holiday Season

Since the calendar turned to December 1st, my goal has been to enjoy this holiday season. If you have children this can be an especially busy time of year with Christmas projects at home and school, end-of-the-year recitals, and just the everyday hustle and bustle of the holidays. Here are a few tips to help you (try) enjoy and relax a little more this year.

1. Send holiday greetings through email

We do live in the age of technology, right? I am guilty of stressing about choosing just the right Christmas card to send out each year. Then, if you opt to do a photo card, you have to worry about ordering early enough so they arrive in a timely manner. Sending your grettings via email is a great way to touchbase with everyone on your list. You can even add a photo upload to some email greetings. Still not so sure about doing an email card? Then how about greeting everyone with a Happy New Year card! Still just as festive and Shutterfly has a great selection to choose from.

2. Plan your meals and baking days ahead of time.

If you have family coming into town for the holidays, set your plan ahead of time. Your crockpot can be your best friend during these hectic days! Also, look for recipes that have just a few ingredients, so they can be prepared easily. If you’re big on baking, mark a day on your calendar to bake while your kids are at school. Then, if you have young children, set another afternoon aside for cookie making and holiday crafting.

3. Set a budget for gifting.

Buying gifts for others is stressful enough, but if you plan ahead of time it can actually be enjoyable. Try setting up a “gift fund” and start putting a little money aside here and there. You’ll be surprised how much will add up by the end of November! If you didn’t plan early, try using a set amount of money to purchase your holiday gifts. If you’re not into budgeting, you can always start shopping early (hey, who says Santa doesn’t work in July?).

4. Don’t skimp on traditions.

Again, planning early will help you do all that you want to during the month of December. Check your local events calendars to see if there are any programs or other events you’d like to attend. Watch all those great movies together as a family, drive around to find Christmas lights, and make that extra effort to have quality time with your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. We always set a day aside for making gingerbread houses, visiting a local park with a light display, and try to read at least one Christmas storybook every day or so. Just remember, you don’t have to attend every cookie exchange and holiday gathering!

5. Set up a gift-giving strategy with your family.

If you have several brothers and sisters or lots of cousins, try drawing names out of a hat so that you are only buying for one person instead of five. If you have children, set up a wishlist online. Almost all major retailers have this feature and it is a great way for grandparents and, anyone else who might be buying for your children, to see the items they like and do not already have. When your family can buy from a list, then you won’t be spending the day after Christmas returning duplicate items.

How do you destress during the holiday craze?

2011 Cyber Monday Offers and Deals

Plan on shopping this Cyber Monday? Our quick list of offers will help you navigate through your online shopping experience more efficiently!

Bath and Body Works: 25% the entire site with code CYBER2011 at checkout

Pottery Barn Kids: Free shipping on all orders (excludes furniture) with code CM1DAYFREESHIP at checkout

Old Navy, Gap, and Banana Republic: 30% your order with code HUGECYBER

Piperlime: 20% off with code HUGECYBER

Children’s Place: 30% off and free shipping with code CYBERMON at checkout

Land’s End: 30% off your order and free shipping on all orders with code DRUMSTICK and PIN 1121

The Company Store: 20% off with code CYBER20

Gymboree: 25% off and free shipping (over $50), no code needed

Ann Taylor LOFT: 50% off everything and free shipping with code SHOP50

Land of Nod: 15% off and free shipping (excludes some furniture) with code BIGWIG at checkout

Ideas for Your Elf on a Shelf…What Kind of Mischeif Can He Get Into?

Do you have young children? Do you have an Elf on the Shelf? It’s only one of the best ways to help your brood behave throughout the holidays. He’s been around for years and it seems now almost everyone with kids has one. When do you  bring out your elf? Some have him visit a week before Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving night. Maybe the day after Thanksgiving or December 1st. Regardless of when your elf arrives, if your elf has been making an appearance for years, you might be in need of some fresh, fun ideas. Allow us…

15 Mischievous Ideas for Your Elf on a Shelf

1. Make snow angels with flour on your kitchen counter.

2. Hide in the freezer. (He probably really misses the North Pole, right?)

3. Get into the left over Halloween candy and scatter it all over the floor.

4. Take a bite out of your Christmas Cookie stash or be found peeking out of the cookie jar.

5. Ride a Barbie horse or My Little Pony.

6. Write his name on the bathroom mirror with toothpaste and hang out by the sink.

7. Be found reading a new Christmas themed book.

8. Build a fort out of blocks.

9. Cover up the names on your stockings with  masking tape and replace them with his own.

10. Write a Christmas message on the easel chalkboard or whiteboard.

11. Found in a coat pocket.

12. Found playing on the computer because he “elfed” your family at www.elfyourself.com.

13. Hiding in the Christmas tree.

14. Bring matching Christmas pajamas for everyone.

15. Set up a board game to play.

Don’t have an elf? Get one here!

Simple Minestrone Soup

We love a good bowl of soup on a cold wintery day. The veggies in this recipe are available year round so they’re always available at your local market and fresh! Make a batch to eat now or freeze some for later!

What You Need:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 medium carrots, sliced

1 stalk celery, sliced

1 clove of garlic, finely chopped (or substitute with 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

1 tablespoon pot herbs (or substitute with a teaspoon of oregano and basil)

1 can chicken broth (about 2 cups)

1 can diced tomatoes (also add one can water)

1 can white kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup frozen peas

1 cup cooked elbow macaroni

Fix it Fast

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium/high heat.

2. Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs.

3. Cook, stirring until onions look slightly wilted.

4. Add broth, tomatoes, water and beans. Bring to a boil, then turn heat on low and simmer 10 minutes or until carrots are tender.

5. Add peas and macaroni to hot soup, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and serve!

What We Love Right Now November 16, 2011: No Bake Pilgrim Hat Cookies

Our no bake streak continues with these super cute, simple pilgrim hat cookies! They’re sure to be the big hit at your weekly play group or as the centerpiece and dessert at the Thanksgiving kid’s table!

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All you need to make these cute creations are fudge stripe cookies, mini Reese’s cups, and yellow icing. The picture shown uses orange Chiclets at the hat buckle, but we think substituting with orange M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces would be just as adorable!

Pottery Barn Kids Coupon Code Giveaway!

If you love Pottery Barn Kids, then you’re gonna love this giveaway! The holidays are right around the corner and PBK offers such a cute selection of decor and gifts for the upcoming occasions we’ll be celebrating–from Thanksgiving and Hanukkah to Christmas! We’re giving away a 15% code good on your next order from PBK and winning the coupon code is simple!

Here’s all you have to do:

1. Like us on Facebook or Twitter (@sharpmoms). Be sure to tell us in the comments here if you’re you’re a fan/fellow tweep! (share this deal on Facebook or Twitter and earn an extra entry!)

and

2. Leave a comment here telling us what you love from the Holiday selections at PBK.

We’ll choose a winner and announce it on our Facebook page! Giveaway ends Thursday, Nov. 17th, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. EST.

Coupon code can only be used online. Must be redeemed by Nov. 22, 2011.

And, just for fun, here are a few of our holiday favorites from the PBK catalog this year…

Mini Bags for the kiddie table…love!

Fun Hanukkah countdown calendar

Elf on the Shelf tableware

Quilted Stocking

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5 Quick Tips for Healthy Eating

With the holidays coming up soon, you’re probably already looking forward to the extra goodies that will be cooked up by yourself and loved ones. Or you might be dreading the extra calories you’re going to end up consuming! Here are a five quick  kitchen shortcuts to help you cut back on salt intake, fat, and calories. Eat better now and enjoy a few extra treats later!

1. Think before you reach for the salt shaker! There are a few ways you can add flavor without adding salt. Try a bit of fresh squeezed lemon to a lightly salted meal. It will make the salt taste like there is more than there actually is. You can also perk up your taste buds with a little vinegar or pepper.

2. We all love yummy dips and spreads at holiday parties (or while you’re just snacking at home!). For those that call for cream cheese, substitute half a cup of ricotta cheese blended with half a cup of fat-free cream cheese. This offers a yummy-and healthy-alternative dip to accompany your party veggie tray.

3. It’s comfort food season! The weather is crisp and the air is getting cooler. When making soups and casseroles that call for heavy cream, try replacing it with evaporated fat-free milk. And, don’t forget to bulk up your stews and soups with extra beans and veggies!

4. Have you gotten into pie-baking mode yet? Instead of using pastry dough as your crust, try graham crackers!

5. Use applesauce rather than butter and oil when baking. A half-cup of applesauce equals one cup of oil or butter.

How do you cut back on calories and fat when cooking? We’d love to hear your tips!

Give Thanks: A Cute DIY Thanksgiving Board

Can you believe it’s November?! It seemed like as soon as Halloween was over the holiday ads started up. I love this time year and all the holidays that come along with it. Thanksgiving tends to kind of be forgotten holiday, but it’s really one of the most important and a great time to relax and enjoy a day of family, food, and blessings. Making turkeys, pilgrims, and other cute crafts with your children is always fun, but this Thanksgiving board is something a little different and just as fun and easy to create. All you need are left over scraps of scrapbook paper or wrapping paper, index cards, ribbon, and a large piece of poster board or cardboard. Use the scraps of paper, along with glue, to create pockets (one for each day of the month). Then fill each day with something you and your family are thankful for. You’ll all have a great time sharing what you’re thankful for each day!

Wal-Mart’s Christmas Price Guarantee

With Christmas and other holidays coming up in the weeks ahead, it’s time to think about what you want to get for those on your shopping list. Even if you’re just looking for a few items, you’re probably still on the hunt for the best price. And doesn’t it sting when you buy the “perfect gift” and you think you got a great deal and then a few days later find it for an even better price at another retailer? Wal-mart has a cure for your holiday shopper woes this year with their Christmas Price Guarantee. From Nov. 1-Dec. 25 if you buy a product from Wal-Mart but then find it cheaper at another retailer, Wal-Mart will give the customer a gift card for the difference. 100% Guaranteed.

So, if you’re not a Wal-Mart shopper we suggest maybe you should give them a try this holiday season. It may be worth your time and money!

Read the full Wal-Mart Christmas Price Guarantee.

What We Love Right Now October 26, 2011: Wickedly Cute No-Bake Witch Hat Cookies

We’re kind of on a no-bake kick around here, but why not? If it’s easy, yummy, and looks good in the end, then it seems to be worth sharing in our book! If you’re on the hunt for a last minute Halloween treat these witch hats are for you! They only require 3 ingredients and almost no time to make!

What You’ll Need:

1 pkg. Fudge Stripe Cookies

1 bag Hershey’s Kiss

Orange Icing

Fix it Fast:

1. Place cookies chocolate side down.

2. Squeeze icing onto center of the cookie, making a circular shape.

3. Place Kiss on icing, flat side down.

Spooky Eyeballs: The Yummiest Halloween Treat

With Halloween just a few days away, we’ve got the perfect little treat for your ghosts and goblins. These donuts are SO simple to create and will make a great addition to your Halloween gathering! The directions are pretty easy (this is another no-bake creation!). Just grab a pack of powdered donuts, red icing, and green m&m’s and in a few minutes you’ll have a platter full of the spookiest eyeballs you’ve ever seen!

Do you have a great no-bake Halloween creation? Share it and link up with us in the comments below!

No-Bake Chocolate Acorns

Here at SharpMoms we’re all about making things as simple as possible. Whether you work or stay at home, have one child or four, everything you do should be as easy as it can be. These no-bake chocolate and peanut butter acorns are the perfect little fall treat and are so simple to make. Not to mention all the ingredients are the perfect size for the little helpers your kitchen!

What You’ll Need:

1 bag of semi sweet mini chocolate chips

1-2 bags of Hershey Kisses

1-2 bags of Nutter Butters (you’ll need the bite-sized)

Fix it Fast:

1. Melt 1/2 bag of mini chocolate chips in microwave {5 second intervals, stirring very well each time}
2. Dip the flat end of the Hershey Kiss into melted chocolate, or spread chocolate on flat side of Kiss with a butter knife, and top with a bite-size Nutter Butter.
3. Dip the flat end of the mini chocolate chip into the melted chocolate and stick it to the top of the Nutter Butter bite.

These acorns are the perfect treat for your next fall party at home, school, or play date. If you have a child with a peanut allergy, you can always substitute your Nutter Butters with bite-sized Ritz Bitz of Vanilla Wafers.

RECALL ALERT: BOB Stroller with Embroidered Canopy

Do you own one of the popular B.O.B. jogging strollers? If so, check out the latest recall from the stroller company.

CLICK HERE to view the recall message.

Fall in a Bottle!

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We’re all about decorating for the season, especially when it’s something that can be enjoyed and remain out in your home for a lengthy period of time (and surpass the Halloween craze). We absolutely love these cute fall bottles. They are super simple DIY project that can be done in minutes and at a low cost. All you need are four amber bottles from a local craft store (or maybe you have some at home– left over from a girls wine night?), vinyl stick on letters from your local craft store (we happen to heart Hobby Lobby), and some super fallesque wheat stalks or any fall floral you like (also from your local craft store). We think these cute fall bottles would look amazing on your mantle, entryway table, or dining buffet. Happy fall decorating!

What We Love Right Now October 19, 2011: Spooky Spider Pumpkins

Halloween is coming up soon and we’ve got all things scary on the brain. We love the idea of DIY, simple projects that you can do with your kids and these cute, spooky spiders are perfect. We love pumpkins because they make for great fall decor that can last from September to November, but these fun spiders will add a little extra fun to your displays around Halloween time.

What You’ll Need:

6 mini pumpkins (or as many as you like!)

black glitter glue

small paint brush

googly eyes

black pipe cleaner (for spider legs)

craft glue or glue gun

How to Make it:

1. Hold pumpkins by the stem and cover in black glitter glue. Allow pumpkins to dry.

2. Apply googly eyes and (shaped) pipe cleaner legs to pumpkin using craft glue or glue gun.

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