Category: Smart Mom’s Guide

By Cammie Jones If you have a camper, then you know when it comes to packing for an overnight camp experience, it can be both time consuming and confusing. Depending on the duration of the camp (one week, two weeks or a month), it can be tricky getting the right stuff and not overpacking your child’s trunk. Most camp websites include a packing list to use as a guide but sometimes hearing from some seasoned campers and parents could be more accurate. Here are some tips from the experts: 1. Less is More. There will be a huge list...

By Cammie Jones Spring is a great time to give the outside of your home and yard a mini makeover. Think a fresh coat of paint, a new potted plant or even some fun and funky house numbers. 1. Start with Your Yard. The first thing people see as they are driving by your home is your front yard. Now is the time to take note and create a cleanup plan.  Add wood chips or fresh, long-cut pine straw to your flower and plant beds. Trim the bushes or trees to look neat. Cut the grass and fertilize if...

By Cammie Jones When it comes to gift giving, I have to admit I am not the best. We all have that certain someone who has the knack for finding that perfect present but I am more of the last minute gift giver. Birthdays creep up on me and the next thing I know, I am working against time while racking my brain to get that perfect gift. Same goes with children’s birthday gifts. I tend to do something age appropriate but mundane. What are some unique gifts you can give to any birthday child to make gift giving...

By Cammie Jones “Old habits die hard” is the quote that sticks out in my mind because it is so very true. Replace the word “old” with “bad” and you have a story there! So, what can you do to break those negative habits and make a change for the better? 1. Understand How Habits Are Formed What is it that triggers you to engage in a bad habit? Is it the carton of mint chocolate chip ice cream in the freezer that tempts you every time you open up the freezer door? If it’s as simple as that,...

By Cammie Jones It sneaks up on me every year. All of a sudden, I am making a list of all the gifts I need to purchase for the holidays and it is overwhelming. When I say overwhelming, it is not just from a lack of time perspective, it is also the amount of money I am about to spend. It makes me a little nervous, but there are some great and clever ways to budget for the holidays ahead of time so that you can enjoy those festive weeks of hustle and bustle and avoid those January regrets....