Is this food still good?

When food passes the expiration date, you are probably left wondering if you should take the risk and keep the item or pitch it? Here are few things you might have in your kitchen that get a pass to stay or should head straight to the trash can.

MILK-It’s good in your fridge at least one week past the expiration date. You can always give the jug the ole sniff test to be sure.

EGGS-Eggs stay fresh 3 to 5 weeks after the purchase. To ensure extra freshness be sure to keep the eggs in the body of the fridge and not on a shelf door.

BANANAS-You can store this fruit for up to five days in your refridgerator. The skin may turn brown, but when peeled the fruit is still fresh.

BREAD-It’s best stored on the counter for up to week after purchase. Avoid putting your grains in the fridge because they will go stale faster.

STEAKS & GROUND BEEF-If they have turned brown but have been in the fridge they are safe to cook and eat up to five days after thawing. Anything past five days is questionable and should probably be disgarded.

What We Love Right Now: 2011 Do It All Mom Calendar

We love, love, love this very functional calendar by Orange Circle Studios. Why? Well, it is perfect for busy moms, just like us. Here’s what’s to love about this calendar…

• Unique Hanging Features – Hang your calendar on a bulletin board on right on your refrigerator.
• Built-in Pen Holder with Pen – No more scrambling for a pen to note your son’s next Dentist appointment.
• 17-Months of Organization – The calendar starts in August as you are getting ready for Back to School and runs until the following December (and is already offered for 2011)
• Individual Tabs – record the activities for up to five family members! (need we say more?!)
• Make Notes – Side columns for room for making notes the calendar doesn’t allow for
• Organization Pockets – keep business cards, stamps, receipts, a good coupon-all in one handy place
• 616 Fun, Colorful Stickers – Mark days visually with fun stickers for birthday, holidays and other events (we really, REALLY like this feature).

And last, but not least, another added bonus… The calendar version may not suit you, but it is also made as a softcover planner to-go. WE LOVE IT!

Where can you find this calendar? Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com

Get Back to Nature with These Crafts Inspired by the Outdoors

The weather outside is cooling down, it’s back to school time, and that means one thing: Autumn is approaching! This is a wonderful time of year to get outdoors with your family. While you’re out playing and exploring, you can pick a few things mother nature has to offer and use them for crafts later on. Not sure what to make? Read up on our craft ideas.

Pinecone Birds

We’ve all heard of making pinecone bird feeders (which is still a great little craft), but what about a pinecone bird? It is so simple and the kids will love displaying them or playing with them when they are complete. You’ll need orange pipe cleaner for feet, orange and brown felt for the wings and beak, wiggly eyes, small pom-poms, and a glue gun or craft glue.

To make the bird, glue the wiggly eyes onto the pom-poms and glue them onto the top of the cone. Then cut a small triangle out of the orange felt. Cut two trianlges our of the brown felt for wings and bend the pipe cleaner to make two feet and wedge into the cone. Let all glue dry before your children use them for forest fun!

Pumpkin Seed Art

Besides roasting the seeds, do you ever wonder what you can do with all those pumpkin seeds you’ve scooped out after all the carving is done? Seed art is a great way to have some fun and use those seeds wisely. Wash all the seeds and let them dry out completely. Then using green, orange and black paint, let your children color and then glue the seeds onto paper to make a seed pumpkin. You can also use other paint colors and use your imagination to create other things too-an apple tree, tractor, flowers…the possibilities are endless!

Shell Creatures

It may be too cool to head to the beach, but if you traveled to the beach over the summer and picked shells you have all you need for our next craft idea. Use shells and wiggly eyes to create shell creations. Your child can use their imagination and think outside the box, creating any kind of creature of the shells. Use craft glue or assist with a glue gun to help your child make these cute creatures.

Rock Painting

Kids seem to love rocks and even start their own rock collections. Jazz up some of those boring stones with a  little paint. All of a sudden the rocks become wonderful works of art and can even become an added decoration to mommy’s garden or potted plants or a new desk paper weight for dad’s office. There so easy to make: paint, let dry, and enjoy!

Fun Playgroup and Play Date Ideas

Play dates can be a wonderful tool for both the child and parent. Children learn to socialize, share, and just have fun with other kids their age. Play dates will help your child become more comfortable in group settings with other children and help boost your child’s imagination. If you brainstorming for fun, creative ideas for your next play date, here are a few for you to consider.

Play-doh and Pretzels Play Date

This theme is probably most ideal for ages two and up. It may get messy, but a good time will be had by all the kids. Purchase play-doh in different colors and let their imaginations go wild! You can even let them use some cookie cutters or a play-doh kit for making animals, squeezing and building. For snacks, you can keep can keep with the “P” theme. We chose pretzels, but the possibilities are endless…pancakes, pizza, popsciles, cheese puffs.

Painting Play Date

This might be a messy acitvity too, but sure to be fun! All kids love creating and expressing and painting is a great way for them to do it. Cover a table with newspaper and use watercolors as your painting tool. For smocks you can use some old t-shirts.

Meet Someplace

The park is a great place for a playdate. There are playgrounds for the kids, you can play freeze tag, or even a good game of red light, green light. After all the playing is done you can have a lunch picnic with your playgroup. Fast food restaurants, while not the healthiest choice, also offer a great playdate scene. You can eat, let your kids play at the playground (which is often indoors, so this is a great idea for rainy days), and also socialize with the other moms while the kids play.

Do Something That Goes Along with the Season

Try visiting a pumpkin patch in the fall or seeing a holiday play in near Christmastime. In the spring you can hit the zoo or a local splash park in the summer. These activities may not be free, but will definitely provide a great experience for the kids.

Free=Fun: Look-Up Free Activities in Your Area

Many local libraries and some bookstores do a free story time as often as once a week. It is a great 30 minute activity. Afterward you can take the kids to lunch or to the park to play. During the summer months, Regal Cinemas offers free movies once a week. Check your local venues and see what your city has to offer!

What Kind of Mom Are You?

What is your Mommy Style?

Take our fun, quick Mom quiz to identify your “Mom Type”. Keep up with your answers and see your results at the bottom of the page.

1. What song best describes your life?

a) I’m Every Woman b) Material Girl c) I Got You Babe d) The Gambler

2. What is your must have accessory?

a) day planner b) designer handbag c) bubble bath and must have relaxation products d) refillable water bottle

3.  Which baby gear item is your favorite?

a) Ergo Baby Carrier b) Pram or Chic European Stroller c) Organic Sling/Wrap d) BOB Jogging Stroller

4. Which vacation seems most interesting to you?

a) Kiawah Island-It’s clean, family oriented, and has great shopping

b) Paris-Who needs a beach when there is great cuisine, sight seeing, and a 5-star hotel calling my name?!

c) Disney World-I’m a big kid at heart so this would be great for me as well as my kids.

d) Whistler-I love the outdoors and this could be a great getaway for me and my hubby.

5. What would be your dream job?

a) CEO-Not only am I organzied, but every one takes me seriously and what I say goes.

b) Fashionista-I already keep up with all the latest trends so this would be not only easy, but very interesting to me.

c) Teacher-I already love my kids so much what’s another 15 more?

d) Olympian-I’m very competitive and sporty.

6. What do you love the most about your family?

a) We know how to stay organized and keep up with all our hectic schedules.

b) Our sense of style. All of us know how to accessorize!

c) Keeping up with our memories. I love to scrapbook and keep a digital book up to date with all our yearly happenings.

d) A family that plays together, stays together. Our bike rides and trips to the park create wonderful family memories.

7. What’s hanging on your fridge?

a) This week’s to-do-list and the grocery list for the week

b) An inpirational clip from a magazine-It’s never too late to redecorate or dream to be 10 lbs lighter.

c) Family photos and the kid’s artwork

d) Our family calendar packed with this week’s Zumba class times and the kids’ soccer game schedules.

If you answered mostly a’s…You’re a multi-tasking mom. You are organized, can run the carpool, and drop off an pick up at various places in a flash. You make time for everyone’s activities, including your own, and still look good in the process.

Your celebrity mom match up: Brooke Burke

If you answered mostly b’s…You’re a hip mom. You love looking your best and keeping up with all the latest trends for yourself, your famiy, and your home. You might let looking good come before your kids sometimes and ordering in for dinner every night doesn’t bother you-as long as it is from the best restaurant in town.

Your celebrity mom match up: Victoria Beckham

If you answered mostly c’s…You’re a classic mom. You may not be June Cleaver, but you’re pretty close! You love keeping up the house, aren’t afraid to drive the latest mini-van, and you love doing things to better your family. You’re the room mom of your child’s class and have a great sense of style.

Your celebrity mom match up: Jennifer Garner

If you answered mostly d’s…You’re a sporty mom. You make motherhood look good with your casual, sporty style. You and your family enjoy the great outdoors. You make time for workouts and keep up with a good routine. Your kids enjoy team sports and you’re there for them, every game, cheering on the sidelines.

Your celebrity mom match up: Kendra Wilkinson

Kroger Recalls: Check Your Shelves!

If you shop at Kroger then you don’t want to miss reading the list of up-to-date recalls. The list does include eggs which are the big buzz in the recall world right now.

Products Include:

• GOYA FROZEN MAMEY PULP, 14 OZ
• MOUNTAIN DAIRY AA GRADE LARGE EGGS, 18 CT, MOUNTAIN DAIRY AA GRADE LARGE EGGS, 12 CT, RALPHS AA GRADE LARGE EGGS, 12 CT, RALPHS AA GRADE LARGE EGGS, 18 CT, MOUNTAIN DAIRY AA GRADE MEDIUM EGGS, 5 DOZEN
• KROGER MEALS MADE SIMPLE SHRIMP LINGUINI, 24 OZ
• FRESH EXPRESS VEGGIE LOVERS SALAD, 12 OZ

To see a full list of recalled products available at Kroger CLICK HERE.

Tips for Making the Most of the First Days of School

It’s hard to believe that summer vacation is ending and it is time to send kids packing back to the classroom. This can be an axious time for not only your child, but yourself. We’ve got some great advice to help you and your child start the school year off right.

Routines

This is an important part of everday parenting, but after a lazy, care-free summer getting back into a good morning routine and bedtime routine. Start adjusting about a week before school starts by putting your child to bed at a good bedtime so you know they’ll be rested for the day. If your school doesn’t use uniforms, work with your child the night before on picking out clothes for the next day. This will really cut down on decision making in the morning.

Throw a Back to School Party

Give the kids a reason to celebrate! Have a back to school party at your house, community pool, or park. You can host your party just before the school year begins or you can wait until the first week of school and invite all your child’s new friends in the class!

Getting To and From School

This can be a big worry, especially for young children. If they will be riding the school bus, make sure your child knows where the bus will pick up and drop off. Riding the bus can be overwhleming-lots of noise, frustrated drivers, mixed age groups-so be sure to listen to your child. If they seem afraid or frustrated with riding the bus, be sure to address it with the driver or their classroom teacher.

Make it Fun

The first days of school should be memorable, all axieties aside. Pump your child up about a great school year. Choosing a new backpack or school supplies together is a good way to get them a little more excited about the school year starting. Don’t forget your camera if your child is entering Pre-K or Kindergarten. Snapping a picture of your child on the first day of school is a great keepsake (don’t forget to take one with their teacher too!). You can even send a disposible camera to school with them to take a few pictures of friends during recess time. Your child will love looking back on the photos later (plus they can be used for a collage craft later).

Quick Tips to Stop Yelling Today

When your child is driving you crazy, it can seem as though they are always misbehaving. Whether you have one child or three, discipling is remains one of the hardest parts of parenting. Here a free tips to kick yelling to the curb!

1. Breathe. You know people say to do this all the time, but it really does work. When you asked your child to pick up their toys for the millionth time and everything is still laying just where you last saw it, you are probably on the verge of exploding. Instead of ranting take a minute to inhale, exhale and repeat. Breathing techniques have been known to really reduce stress levels and can even help the onset of a headache. Once you taken a moment to breathe you’ll be ready to deal with your child in a much calmer manor.

2. Address the Issue. When you teach your child to write, ride a bike or even use the potty you teach them in a very positive way. So when your child hits, kicks, or bites you should do the same. Address the issue with your child-young or old-and talk about why the behavior is wrong and shouldn’t be done again.

3. Mean Business without Being too Mean. You can still speak a firm tone without yelling at your child. Get down on their level and speak face to face in a soft, but firm voice about what happened and why it was wrong.

4. Have Clear Rules. If you are constantly making threats such as, “If you don’t eat your peas, you’ll go to time out” or “If the room isn’t clean by the count of 10 you’re not getting a snack” but you don’t follow through your child will continue to test you. Say what you mean and mean what you say! This will let your child know that you are boss and will carry through with your words.

5.  Give Praise for OK Behavior. Maybe not every toy was picked up when asked, but it was a good attempt. Doing it right the first time is great, but doing some of the job is progress as well and should not go unnoticed.

How do you keep your cool when discipling your child?

Yummy Lunch Box Ideas!

It’s that time of year. The kids are heading back to school and if you are a working or a stay at home Mom the thought of coming up with lunch ideas is looming over your head. From daycare to the school cafeteria, we’ve got your covered!

First things first, you’ll need to start with a sectioned dish/tupperware container. This will make packing a lunch much more simple. You’ll probably also want to get a thermos if you do not have one already. Second: Don’t stress! Last night’s left overs can make a great meal the next day for your child’s lunch. Sandwiches be gone!

Idea #1: Wraps. These are great alternatives to sandwiches. We suggest whole wheat wraps, topped with your child’s favorite meat, shredded cheese and condiment. Roll it into a tight log and slice in half. For sides slice some strawberries or peaches and baby carrots with some dipping sauce. For big eaters you can also pack a thermos of tomato soup-yummmmmmmm!

Idea#2: Meat and Cheese Skewers. This lunch idea is very simple and will take just a few minutes to prepare. All you’ll need a meat and cheese pack from your local grocer’s deli section. Many times the cheese is already cut into cubes and the meat in bite size pieces also. On toothpicks alternate meat and cheese, add wheat crackers, fruit and a hard boiled egg as sides.

Idea #3: As fall approaches and the weather cools soups are a great lunch option. Pack their favorite soup in a thermos and add cheese and crackers as a side.

Idea #4: Veggies and Pasta. We love this idea because it can be served hot or cold. Rotini pasta and broccoli topped with Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella. For sides create a trail mix and add a simple fruit such as grapes.

Idea #5: Classic PB and J. Every child loves a good peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Throw in a cheese stick, orange slices and cucumber bites for a very nutricious lunch.

Idea #6: Left over sandwich tray. If you hosted a party over the weekend, use left over sandwiches for your child’s lunch and serve with apples, baby carrots and your child’s favorite snack cracker.

Idea #7: Spaghetti Night Done Right! Left over spaghetti in a thermos will make a delicious lunch! Send a yogurt cup and granola bar as sides.

We loves these lunch ideas and hope you do too. Not only are they great to pack for school lunch, but they are easy to make for lunch at home too. Do you have a lunchbox idea? We’d love to hear about it! Email the head SharpMom melissa@sharpmoms.com or leave a comment at the bottom of this post. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Great Deal on Ergo Baby Carriers TODAY ONLY 6-23-10

The incredibly popular but never on sale Ergo Carrier will be featured TODAY on BabySteals.com. This carrier is all the rave with Moms (and Dads) across the country. It has been featured in several parenting magazines and was listed on the Today Show as the number one, best carrier to own. Last time they were on sale close to 50% off (reg. price is $105 to about $150). They’ll be sure to go fast, so be ready at 8 am. PST (11 a.m. ET) if you want to get in on this deal. Great for yourself or a gift for first time parents.

Blockbuster Express FREE Movie Codes

Uh-Oh Spaghettios: Massive Spaghettios Recall

Campbell’s Soup has issued a major recall on these Spaghettio products for possibly containing undercooked meat:

• “SpaghettiOs” with Meatballs in 14.75-ounce cans;
• “SpaghettiOs” A to Z with Meatballs in 14.75-ounce cans; and
• “SpaghettiOs” Fun Shapes with Meatballs (Cars) in 14.75-ounce cans

The cans will have a use by date of June 2010 and December 2011 with the plant code EST4K on the can. You can return any cans to the store where the Spaghettios were purchased for a exchange or refund.

FREE Pampers Gifts to Grow Rewards Codes

Does your Gifts to Grow account need a boost? Rack up over 50 pampers points with these promotional codes. As of today, June 15, 2010, all the codes are working, but they could expire any time! Hurry and enter your Pamper Points codes today. There is some really good stuff available in the rewards catalog right now. Enjoy!

25GTGSUMMER2010

15GTGSUMMERFUN

XKCMYXFVD96VXVK

GROWWITHVILLAGE

THRIFTYMOMMYGTG

OHAMANDAAWGTG08

WELCOME2VILLAGE

Planning a Picture Perfect Baby Shower

Welcome to Baby Showers 101! If you think baby showers have to be planned around tacky party games like guess the poop, then think again! There is absolutely nothing wrong with games at a shower or event, but many soon-to-be-moms and their hosts are taking a more sophisticated and fun approach to planning baby showers and leaving the games behind. Showers these days let the mommy-to-be spend more time socializing and, of course, include many presents to shower mom and baby as the main focus of the party. Here are a few ideas and planning tips we have to help you throw a great baby shower!

1. Have a “Baby-que”~This low key backyard bbq is a great idea for a couples shower. Throw on some hamburgers and hotdogs, throw some bottled beverages into a galvanized party tub, make some virgin daiquiris for the expectant mom. Throw on your favorite tunes, hang up some party laterns or string some lights, and have some fun. This is a more low key kind of party, but a guaranteed good time and a great way to include men at the event.

2. Talk it up~Be sure to ask the mom-to-be about a guest list. If she is having more than one shower you may be planning for a small gathering vs. a larger one if your shower will be her only one.

3. Choose great invitations~Part of party planning fun is choosing a great invitation. If you are crafty, you can make invitations with scrapbook supplies. Other hosts will opt to order invitations in bulk. We love printed invites for guests because they give a nice clean look. Don’t forget to include all the details and a map/address to the event. Do some research online. We’ve found some of the best deals are online and not a your local shops. Order invitations 8 weeks in advance and be sure to send them out no later than 6-4 weeks in advance.

4. Plan the party schedule~Most showers will only last 1.5-2 hours so keeping time is important. As the host, greet guests as they arrive and allow 30-45 minutes for mingling and eating. At about 30-45 minutes into the party, cut the cake with the mother to be (or serve cupcakes, depending on what you choose). Then delve into the presents. If you have alot of guests this part could take up to 30 minutes or more. After presents are opened, usually there is more time for socializing and eating. Be sure to help the mommy get all her loot to the car before she leaves.

5. Decorating~Rather than picking a theme, we suggest choosing a few colors to work around. For boys we like brown/baby blue, brown/blue/mint green/orange/white, or red/yellow/blue/green. For girls we think pinks, greens and yellows are a good fit. You can always add jungle animals as a center piece or cake topper for a litte more fun, but finding paper products to coordinate with a color scheme will be easier to find. You can always jazz things up a bit with stripes, dots, paper lanters, pictures of the mommy-to-be, etc.

Am I Pregnant? Sure Signs That a Baby is on the Way!

Think you might be pregnant? If it is too early to take a pregnancy test and you think you might be pregnant, look for some of these signs.

1. Sore Breasts: This is a tell-tale sign and will usually appear within the first few weeks of pregnancy. Your breasts may feel sore or heavier than usual.

2. Cramping: It may feel as though Aunt Flow is knocking on your hormonal door, but it is just your uterus stretching and therefore causing some period-like cramping.

3. Spotting: Many women mistake early pregnancy spotting for a period. If your period seems lighter and shorter than usual, take a pregnancy to see if your “period” actually means pregnancy.

4. Extreme Fatigue: Okay, we all know tired, BUT if all you can think about is a nap, and isn’t even 9am, you might be pregnant. Tiredness is a big symptom of the first trimester.

5. Nausea: Certain smells turning your stomache? Can’t eat your favotite snack? Nausea is a sure sign that you are pregnant. Morning sickeness plagues about 85%of pregnant women.

6. Bloating and Constipation: Can’t zip your favorite pair of jeans? Bloating may be the cause. While this sympton is also a characteristic of PMS, it can be a major side effect of pregnancy.

7. Peeing more often: Getting up at all hours of the night to tee tee can also be a sign that you are pregnant. Your kindneys kick into high gear when you conceive and this can also be a problem near the end of pregnancy as well.

8. Headaches: Increased blood volume and hormone changes can trigger lots of headaches during the first trimester.

9. Mood Swings: Hormomes are raging and added fatigue can cause a lot of moodiness. If you notice that some things are bothering more than before, take a pregnancy test.

10. Increased Basal Body Temperature: Charting your BBT can usual help you tell when you ovulate. However, if your BBT stays elevated this is a good sign that there is a bun in the oven.

While many of these symptons mimic PMS, it can be hard to tell if you are acutally pregnant. If you think you are pregnant and have not had a period in 40 days, take a home pregnancy test. You know your body best and will be the best doctor when it comes to knowing if some things are not adding up.

Short List of SharpMom’s Summer 2010 MUST HAVES

With summer right around the corner, we thought it would beneficial to make a list of the things we feel are essential for every SharpMom to have this summer. These are things you must have at home or shouldn’t leave home without!

1. Clinique Bamboo Pink Lipstick: This lipstick is sheer, shimmery, and PERFECT for summer. No mirror needed! Just dab on before running out the door (or at the nearest red light) and add a little glam to your look. The best part: It’s only $14.50. This is a must have item for your make up bag!

2. Old Navy Striped Dress: We totally blogged about this dress back in April, but with some styles on sale for $10.99 (YES!) we thought it was worth mentioning again. For the price, this IS a summer essential. We know all moms are super busy and this dress will work around your schedule. It’s a great  choice for a casual day at work or a wonderful alternative to a tee shirt and shorts. Perfect for your day at the park, a trip to the mall…AND for this price we think you need TWO!

3. Suave Mango Mandarin Body Wash: Smell spectacular without breaking your bank. This body wash smells so good, you won’t be able to tell the difference between this brand

and the high end brands at specialty boutiques. Extra Bonus: CLICK HERE for a Suave coupon.

4. PBK Diaper Bag: We love this bag for many reasons. 1) It doesn’t look like your typical diaper bag. 2) There are a variety of patterns to choose from. 3) You can also use this a multifunctional tote the whole summer (for those of us with older children). 4) You can monogram the bag for just $6.50 extra with 3 initials or just 1 initial. Prices range from $39.00-$59.00 and we think for the style and functionality it is worth every penny!

5. Metallic Sandal: Don’t be shy about bold metallics. They are in again this season.

Metallic sandals can dress up a plain black dress or add a little flare to a pair of shorts and a cute top. We really like these strappy sandals from

American Eagle, $29.50 or, for our SharpMoms on a budget, try these at Old Navy for only $12.99.

6. A Little White Dress: Every woman has their go to little black dress, but what about a crisp, flirty white dress for the summer? We did some deep digging through many stores and boutiques and found two super cute dresses. Our first dress is a lightweight Jersey cotton dress by C & C California, $46.99. We like this dress because it is pleated so it will hide your tummy, if that is your trouble area. We also liked the price. Not too cheap, but not breaking your bank account either. The second dress is by GAP and retails for $69.50. Both of these dresses are perfect for date night, a day at the beach, lunch dates with your girlfriends, or a bar-b-que with friends. And, won’t both dresses go so well with those metallic sandals? We LOVE this look!

7. One Go-To Tee: For those moments when you don’t have time to think, we love this scoop neck tee from Banana Republic, $24.99. Available in a variety of colors, this tee is perfect with khaki shorts, a jean skirt, or jazzed up with your favorite necklace, earrings, and jeans for a night out. Why we love, love this tee? It has a hint of spandex for great comfort and fit.

8. Silver Hoop Earrings: Why do we think this is a must have? Well, for starters, it is a timeless looking addition to a solid tee, sundress, or many wear-to-work styles. It is a great little item to stow away in your glove box or purse. If you want a great pair, check out these hoops available at Macy’s. For a less pricey version, try this pair which can be found at Kohl’s.

9. Partyware: We all love a good time and, if you love a good drink every now and then, you must have this seven piece glass set available at Target, $24.99. This will be perfect for your next patio party-break out the blender!

10. Beaded Necklace: There is no stopping this trend. Wear it with your favorite solid dress. Wear it with a ribbed tank. The options are endless. The great things about a big beaded necklaces is that they can be found in a variety of styles, for a variety of prices.

These are just a few of our favorite things for summer. What are your must have items? Drop us a line and tell us about your essential pieces. If you try out some of our suggestions, let our other readers know what you think and leave a comment as well. We’d love to know how you would rate some of these items. HAPPY SUMMER 2010!

Free Nursing Cover!

Hey SharpMoms, if you are nursing this super fabulous freebie is JUST for you!

Visit uddercovers.com for a FREE patterned nursing cover! (if you’re not currently breastfeeding they make great baby shower and holiday gifts)!

These regularly retail for $32, you can get one for free. You just pay the shipping. The code is “Family2010“.

Go to uddercovers.com, click on “Shop Now”, select the product you would like and you will automatically be directed to the center of the page where you can enter in the promo code! Type in “Family2010” and it will pull up the ones available. They are selling out fast. You can use the code more than once – you just have to open a new browser/window to do so. Good Luck!

This promotion gives you a $32.00 discount off your total order no matter what you put in your cart! This promotion code is valid once per transaction, so you can order as many times as you would like!

Make Mother’s Day Memorable

While most of us will be the ones getting pampered this Mother’s Day, we know that there are still Grandmas and other mommy figures in our lives that will deserve a special treat on Mother’s Day. We’ve got some great gift ideas and some other tip to help you (and Dad) make this Mother’s Day a very memorable one.

SharpMoms Short List of Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

1. Something from the heart: Every Grandma loves something handmand from their number one grandchild. Try letting your little one get creative. A handmade card is a great way to start. Pull out your craft box and let your child make a work of art for a special mom in the life.

2. What’s cookin’? Hit up your local Hobby Lobby or craft store for a blank canvas apron and some fabric markers. You can let you child decorate the apron or take it upon yourself to spice up a blank apron and turn it into gift that will be cherished forever.

3. Rest and Relaxation. Let Dad help the kids serve you breakfast in bed and do all the chores for the day. Better yet, push for a spa day package/getaway and then invite a few of your girlfriends to tag along for some added fun.

4. Keep it Traditional. Send her favorite flowers to her front door or compile a “beauty basket” with bath salts, lotions, candles, a bottle of wine and new paperback read.

5. Name it. Monogramming is always a fun and personal touch to gifts. Engrave a keychain, picture frame, or piece of jewelry. Add her initals to a make-up case, travel duffle, or beach bag filled with some summertime goodies like a fun new towel, sunhat, sunscreens and pool passes to a local pool.

RECALL ALERT: Children’s Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec and Benadryl

Attention Moms: This may the biggest medicine recall yet! Medications affected are Children’s Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec AND Benadryl. Please check your medicine cabinets and review the information below!

**Consumers can contact McNeil at 1-888-222-6036 and also at www.mcneilproductrecall.com.**

To see if your Tylenol products qualify for the recall click here.

To see if your Motrin products qualify for the recall click here.

To see if your Zyrtec products qualify for the recall click here.

To see if your Benadryl products qualify for the recall click here.

Toddler and Schoolage Birthday Party Ideas: UPDATED

Guess what Moms? Our party idea list has been expanded! Check out a few of our newest ideas for great kid birthday parties. Don’t worry all of our original ideas can be found here.

Still planning for infants? Don’t miss our birthday party ideas for babies click here!

A HARD KNOCK LIFE PARTY

If you love the movie classic Annie, this party is perfect you! First pick movie themed invitations. A lot of party stores are carrying these now so they are easy to find. Be sure to tell the guests in the invite to dress the part as an orphan. This does not require buying anything new, just get creative! Suggest wearing button-down shirts, cardigans over a sundress, boots, and do a little “dirty” makeup to make your guest extra scruffy. You’ll want your little darling to be the star, Annie, so save that part or her. Serve popcorn in classic containers (also available at many party supply stores) and have a showing of Annie playing for your guests. The kids will have fun dancing to the songs, especially “A Hard Knock Life”. Serve cake and juice boxes, open presents, and your classic Annie party is complete!

A DAY AT THE ZOO

What child, especially toddlers, doesn’t love animals? A day with their friends at the zoo would be a perfect way to spend a birthday. Many zoos offer birthday party packages that include cake, drinks, and zoo passes for you and your guests. This idea is a little pricey but, if you can afford it, it makes for a very memorable party. But, what if you want to do the zoo on a budget? This is a great theme for an at home party too (or even a party that can be held a local park). To plan a zoo party at home, get crafty. Create a game of “pin the nose on the lion” and provide bowls of peanuts in the shell for guests to snack on. Fill cute treat bags or boxes with zoo themed favors. We love, love, love the treat box we have pictured (find it at birthdaydirect.com). For added fun, send your little explorers on a safari hunt. This can be done through a scavenger hunt (don’t forget to let the adults help if it’s a toddler party). The objective can be to find the lost tiger, lion, etc. and the winner will get to keep their new stuffed animal treasure! Facepaint tiger whiskers on the girls and zebra stripes on the boys. If the neat freak in you doesn’t like the mess of facepainting, check party stores for animal masks that the guests can color on their own. The party animals will all love getting wild with your little one at this party!

TAKE A TUMBLE

Is your little one an aspiring gymnastics star? A party at your local gymnastics studio is a great way to celebrate another milestone. It is good gender neutral them and good way for all your party guests to get their wiggles out. This party is super easy to plan because there is minimal planning involved. Find some cute invitations (lots of variations are offered at many paper product vendors online) and then let your guests have fun tumbling around. After they’ve all had their fill of jumping and tumbling, open presents, and eat cake with your guests. For favors keep it simple. We love the idea of making ribbon dancers for guests. Just hit up your local craft store for 12″ wooden sticks and colorul ribbon. Cut the ribbon into 3 ft. long pieces and hot glue one end to the top of the wooden stick-VOILA! Instant ribbon dancer! We love this party idea because it is great for a boy or girl! Who wouldn’t love to rough and tumble with their friends for their birthday?!

ICE SCREAM, YOU SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!

This delicious idea is a wonderful party theme for spring and summer parties. We think it’s most ideal for ages 3-7. You can host it at home or once again take it to your local park and keep the mess out of your house. You can buy invitaions, but if you want to be thrifty, search clip art through your word processing program and print out an ice cream cone with one or two scoops on top. You can type your details on top of the scoops before you print. We like “I scream, you scream, {Child’s name here} scream’s for ice cream!”. For party favors buy cone shaped party hats and cover them in brown paper. Use pink blown up balloons for girls and white blown up balloons for boys. Turn the party hats upside down to make a cone and place your balloon scoop on top (keep in place with tape). Write party guests names on the cone. The kids are sure to love their own personal “ice cream cone”. Don’t forget to give the guest of honor extra scoops (3 scoops for 3rd birthday and so on).  For fun, have an ice cream relay. Three teams will compete: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. You can pair up the kids and let a few compete at a time. The winners can go make their sundaes/cones first. Have an ice cream station set up on a table and be sure to include bowls filled with all the toppings-sprinkles, M&M’s, nuts, syrups, etc. Wind down the guests with a story that goes along with the theme. We like Curious George Goes to the Ice Cream Shop!

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