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Mind-reading Robot Teachers…Hmmm

May 31, 2012 by 1 Comment

…WHAT?!?!? Have you heard about this? Where was this when I was in school?  In World History class to be exact. On second thought I’ll pass on the mind-reading part…Nope! (smells like detention)

 

I was listening to NPR news. God, I love that broadcast (nerd). Anyway, I heard about this and it piqued my interest. And, I found an article about it at New Scientist.

OK, so they used a robotic teacher that monitors students’ attention levels and mimics the techniques human teachers use to hold their pupils’ attention promises to end the snoozing (yeah right), especially for students who have their lessons online. Tests indicate the robot can boost how much students remember from their lessons. Here’s how they did it:

The robot teacher first told a boring, short story about the animals that make up the Chinese zodiac, in order to get a baseline EEG reading. Next, the robot told a longer, which is I’m sure an EVEN MORE BORING, 10-minute story based on a little-known Japanese folk tale called My Lord Bag of Rice, which the student was unlikely to have heard before.

During this story the robot raised its voice or used arm gestures to regain the student’s attention if the EEG levels dipped. These included pointing at itself or towards the listener – or using its arms to indicate a high mountain, for example. Two other groups were tested but the robot either gave no cues, or sprinkled them randomly throughout the storytelling. Afterwards, the students were asked a few questions about the Chinese zodiac to distract them before being asked a series of questions about the folk tale.

So, basically, the students who were given a cue by the robot when their attention was waning were much better at recalling the story than the other two groups. Ummm…OK. Predictable outcome, which is why tutoring is successful. Interaction is stimulating.  Hmph! Part of me says I’m so happy I’ve never let anyone read my mind. That just sounds DANGEROUS! And the other part of me is upset that I couldn’t participate in this when I was in school. I would probably have been a little Smarter, but I don’t think I can get any Sassier! :-)

Keeping it Smart & Sassy (KISS),
Filed Under: Children, Lifestyle, People Tagged With: , , ,

If you suffer from sun allergies…Here’s your new bestie!

May 30, 2012 by 6 Comments

Chances are, that if you are one of my Facebook friends, you know that I was bitching, moaning, and complaining about spending $70 for SUNSCREEN!!! Well, as it turns out, after our trip to the beach last weekend, It was worth $170!!!!!

La Roche-Posay SPF 60 Melt-in Cream with Meroxyl

 

For the past 7 years of my life, I have suffered from a sun allergy. The first 3 years, I had no idea what was happening. By the 3rd Summer, I’d had enough hiding and running from the sun and wearing cover-ups and tunics and not enjoying the sun at all! Anytime I was exposed to it, I was covered in rashes, and itching like  CA-RAZY! It has been a terrible vicious cycle: I’m having fun in the sun–> 15 to 30 minutes afterward –> MISERY. I went to my dermatologist and she explained to me the importance of a physical sun block as well as a chemical sunblock. In order for me to be protected, I needed both. OK, I swallowed my pride and slathered on the thick, creamy sunblock that turns my pretty brown skin a nice shade of GREY! UGH! Only to find a little relief but nothing completely.

This year, I researched and Googled and came up with a nice discovery. Its called La Roche-Posay SPF 60 Anthelios XL Melt-in Cream with Meroxyl. (What a mouthful!) I asked one of the girls in the dermatologist’s office about it and she said it was good. I looked a product reviews and skin cancer patients swear by it. Again, I saw the price and thought to myself I have to consider two things: 1) I’m going on vacation and I want to have fun with the family and 2) I’m going to ALABAMA for most of the Summer and you know I need it there!

I went to Amazon.com. I added it to my cart, closed my eyes and clicked PAY  NOW….

 

Got my bottle in the mail and I went from this:

 

All covered up

to this:

Look Ma! No rash!

It blended right into my skin. I wasn’t GREY. Its smelled decent and there was not a rash, not a bump, not ONE itch!!! I’m so happy that I can feel like a human being again and not covered up in stylish tunic or a long-sleeved rash guard. I can pull off a lot of “looks”, but surfer girl wasn’t doing it for me. Sorry!

 

So now, I’m just paying it forward. Oh! And CVS pharmacy now has La Roche-Posay  skin care line and i was excited to see an entire display along the wall, but they didn’t carry my combination of SPF 60 plus the unique ingredient Meroxyl that I bought. You may still be able to find the perfect sunscreen for you. Hope this will help you or someone you know enjoy their Summer!

Keeping it Smart & Sassy (KISS),

Filed Under: Health, Lifestyle, People, Shopping Tagged With: , , , , ,

Back to Reality

May 29, 2012 by Leave a Comment

“Play in the sand; splash in the water; get dirty; get wet. The beach is the only place my mom doesn’t get mad about me doing that stuff. Of course I love the beach!” –Dixie Dykens (age 5)

 

photo credit @smartnsassymom

 

I had THE most refreshing, drama-free weekend I’ve had in a while. Ok, that’s a stretch…but I had a wonderful time at the beach this weekend. I have found that, while I grew up land-locked, our kids are beach/water lovers. They are so at peace on the shore. They laugh, they smile, they are obedient (for the most part) and really have a blast – to the point of utter exhaustion. That part I LOVE!!! That’s why I found the above quote to be so fitting. They are relaxed because Mom and Dad are relaxed…DUH!

We had the opportunity to go back to Ocean City, NJ. Its only 1.5 hours away from us and we really like it there. Its nothing like our absolute fave – South Beach at Martha’s Vineyard, MA. But it’s nice and family friendly. That’s what we need.

 

It was the baby’s first trip to the beach and she had a ball!!! She LOVED the sand in her toes. She was completely fascinated with the waves and I even heard a giggle or two. (I love baby giggles). The Big Kid was swimming in a different part of the Atlantic this Memorial Day Weekend. He jet-setted off to Florida to be with his Dad. He, too, had a wonderful mini-vacay. And of course, my middle child, Little Miss Sunshine herself, wanted to close the beach and stay until nightfall!!!

 

Baby'f 1st beach trip.. photo credit @smartnsassymom

 

I love our little getaways. They are so refreshing. While it wasn’t a quaint little getaway just for me and my DH, we truly enjoy watching the kids smile. Its euphoric!

 

I always appreciate the bravery and selflessness of the soldiers that have gone too soon. Fighting for this soil that I’m fortunate enough to live on. I salute you and especially your families for your sacrifice.  To my fallen soldiers: I acknowledge you. I thank you and truly appreciated you. May each and everyone of you have eternal peace. God Bless America!

 

Oh and for those of you that are allergic to the sun….Tomorrow, I’ve got a treat for you!

 

Keeping it Smart & Sassy (KISS),

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: , , , ,

*GIVEAWAY! * One (1) Power Up Weekend Pass!!

May 28, 2012 by 6 Comments

HELLO! HELLO! HELLO! Like my new home? Thanks! (wink)

To kick off the launch of my newly re-designed blog, I’ll be giving away some goodies for the next few weeks… First up, I’m  giving away a weekend pass to the phenomenal Power Up Weekend…a conference and a celebration that you don’t want to miss!

What’s going on at Power Up Weekend? Gaining helpful insight on image and beauty, blogging (and monetizing), starting/growing your business, just to name a few. Power Up Weekend is a blend of dynamic keynotes, interactive break-out sessions, meaningful networking, and so much more! There will also be a conference within the conference for our young women ages 14-17.

So, join the celebration October 19-21st, in our nation’s capitol, Washington, D.C!

The weekend pass includes admission to all sessions and parties. Value: $159.

All you have to do to enter this giveaway is “like”, “follow”, and/or “tweet”. See rafflecopter below for details and Good Luck!

 
Power Up Weekend
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
 		

		
Filed Under: Giveaways  Tagged With: , ,  

	

		


				
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
 
		
		
May 26, 2012  by  Leave a Comment 
		

			
Whether its a vacation or a staycation for you…relax and enjoy it! You deserve it! As for me and my brood (minus one), we are off to the Jersey Shore!! The Big Kid is jet setting off to the Sunshine State, living the life!
 
We are hitting up the Jersey scene one last time before we change locale. It should be nice and of course, OVERCROWDED.
 
Toodles and don’t eat too much barbeque!
 
 
 
BTW, Hope you like my new digs… Exciting things coming your way. As always, thanks for the love!
 
 
 		

		
Filed Under: Travel  Tagged With: ,  

	

		


				
Hump Day Health Tip: Cardio Before Coffee!
 
		
		
May 23, 2012  by  2 Comments 
		

			
  
 
 		  
 
   
 
 I found this to be very interesting. I just can’t get UP early enough to do it. From a medical perspective, it makes perfect sense. 
  
 
Ok, here’s the tip:
 
 
When you do cardio, the overall best way to shed fat fast is to do cardio (30 min minimum) right when you wake up. Your body will search for energy to use, when it finds nothing in your stomach, it will go directly to your fat storage for energy and the fat will burn up so fast!
 
Hmmm…good to know. Now, if I could only get up and not repeatedly hit snooze, I can do this!
 
Remember, your health is your wealth!
 
Keeping it Smart & Sassy (KISS),
 Smart & Sassy Mom
 		

		
Filed Under: Health  Tagged With: , , ,  

	

		


				
30-minute Meal of the Week: Honey Soy Salmon
 
		
		
May 22, 2012  by  10 Comments 
		

			
Honey Soy Salmon
 

 
 
  
  
 
 photo credit: @carlyklock 
  
 

 
 
 
 I got this recipe from our friends over at Greatist and tweaked it, of course. It is healthy and SUPER easy…This should take about 20 MINUTES!! 
 
 
 Honey
 Soy Sauce
 Salmon filets (as many as you wish)
 Sea salt
 Pepper
 Minced Garlic
 Uncle Ben’s Fast Cook Recipe Rice/Or Microwavable Rice
 Broccoli florets (optional)
 
 
 
Preheat the broiler and combine 3 TBSP of  honey with 1 TBSP of soy sauce. Double it if your making more. My meals generally serve a family of four with leftovers. 
 
 
 (In my house, we have to eat something GREEN everyday so I’m adding the steamed broccoli to it). Prepare your water and vegetable steamer. Once it comes to a boil, add your broccoli, drizzle with olive oil and sea salt. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes. I like mine bright green with a little snap/crisp still. If you are making the Fast-cook rice, cook as directed, usually takes about 10 minutes.
 
 
 Season the 5-oz. salmon filets with A LITTLE sea salt, pepper and minced garlic broil for five minutes. Drizzle with honey-soy sauce and broil an additional 5-7 minutes. Serve with rice and steamed broccoli. Voila!
 
 
 
Next time, I’m thinking about adding some grated ginger to it….Mmmmmm…
 
 
 If you try this and find it enjoyable…Tell a friend!
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Keeping it Smart & Sassy (KISS),
 

 
 
Smart & Sassy Mom
 		

		
Filed Under: 30-minute Meals, Food  Tagged With: , , ,  

	

		


				
Happy Anniversary!!
 
		
		
May 21, 2012  by  6 Comments 
		

			
“Love begins in a moment, grows over time, and lasts for eternity.” – Anonymous
 
 
 
  
  
 
 Us in ’05 | photo credit @smartnsassymom 
  
 
 
From a biblical perspective, the number seven means completion or perfection….that’s pretty cool! Today is our 7th wedding anniversary!  Time, it seems, has definitely traveled at lightning speed. Feeling happy that this guy I met and started dating 10 years ago, stills calls me “Beautiful” and reaches for my hand like smitten teenager.  I looked at him this morning and thought to myself, “With my flaws and imperfections, he still loves me…in spite of.” He is a really great guy!
 
I’m truly grateful for our good days. I don’t sugar-coat…marriage is hard, but sooooo worth it. Before we got married, he promised to make me a happy wife, and so far, so good! Still treasuring that “alone time” we get. Date night is not optional! And I don’t know if it its good or bad, but we seem to still be learning each other. I guess its neat. Keeps you on your toes. Where’s the fun in being predictable, anyway?
 
I’m hopeful that we can do what my grandparents will be doing a few weeks from now and that’s celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary!!! A-freaking-mazing!!! That’s truly a blessing and a beautiful thing. I thank God for them everyday! They are such an awesome example of what a loving marriage is supposed to be. They crack me up with their antics. Whether they have good, bad, or indifferent feelings, at any given time, they love each other no matter what, and its obvious. Love them to death…they are the cutest!
 
So, usually, I like to give my guy a traditional gift each year. (I’m pretty good at that.) But this year its copper and wool….WTH?! Who came up with that?? And really…What do they expect for you to give each other? Cardigans and cable wire? I did give him a card with a penny in it, so I wouldn’t break my streak. I even thought about adding a corny poem about a penny, but that was just trying too hard! Even though, it would have been a good laugh if nothing else. I opted for a non-traditional anniversary gift this year instead. Next year, its “Bronze”…gotta whole year to figure that one out! We promised each other another year of working together and being committed to “the cause”. “The cause” meaning our marriage, our family, our legacy, and our memories. That’s good enough for me….On to the next chapter of our journey! Stay tuned…
 
Happy Anniversary Babe! XOXO
 
 
 
Keeping it Smart & Sassy (KISS),
 
Smart & Sassy Mom
 
 
 		

		
Filed Under: Lifestyle, Love, Marriage  

	

		


				
Product Review: Plum Organics Baby Food
 
		
		
May 18, 2012  by  Leave a Comment 
		

			
  
 “Don’t mess with my Plum!”
 
 
 
PlumP
 
 
 photo credit @smartnsassymom 
  
 
 
 
Ok….I’m in love! Yes, with my sweet baby, but now with her new food. I’m a self-proclaimed foodie and I cannot bring myself to feed my babies just anything. So, naturally, I researched “good organic baby food”. Tons of things came up in the search. Got a little frustrated and then I moved on.
 
I went to Babies R Us browsing the baby food aisle and saw something. The packaging screamed, “Sheree!! Over here!!” These little pouches were made by Plum Organics. And wait,  it gets even better…they were having a sale!! 10 for $10. I picked one of the pouches up and my heart started racing. No, seriously…I saw broccoli apple…sweet potato corn & apple…pumpkin & banana….spinach peas & pear…green bean, pear & greek yogurt and OMG! I even saw apple, raisin & quinoa!!!!!
 
I can’t even begin to list all of the delicious combinations they have. the combinations are tasty, healthy and guess what? All organic. Yes, indeedy!
 
Needless to say, I bought 10 of them and I cannot WAIT to get back to stockpile these babies! Of course, I taste them as we try new ones and every one of them are delicious. I want to eat them myself! That’s my definition of food for babies — Simply pureed food. Where were you Plum Organics when my other two were babies??
 
 
 
  
  
 
 My Plum Organics Baby food haul | photo credit @smartnsassymom 
  
 

 
 
 
So, I went to the Plum Organics website and saw that Babies R Us, Whole Foods and Target sells them!  I even found that Amazon sells them as well, which is great because I do tons of on-line shopping! They even have toddler food with “big kid” food coming soon! *swoons*
 
My sweet baby loves each of the flavors we’ve tried and hasn’t “pushed my hand away” ONCE! (That’s good for my Little Miss Personality). She is getting the hang of the pouch, which I can really see coming in handy while I’m driving or busy with other stuff.
 
 
 
Just wanted to tell you about this gourmet baby food find. I will do a little research and constantly try to find these on sale. Don’t judge me if you see me squeezing one of these bad boys in my own mouth…Hey! I’m a mom on the go!
 
 
 
Keeping it Smart & Sassy (KISS),
 Smart & Sassy Mom
 
 
 
 		

		
Filed Under: Baby, Food, Shopping  Tagged With: , ,  

	

		


				
6 Must-have apps for summertime for the WAHM
 
		
		
May 17, 2012  by  2 Comments 
		

			

 
 
 
Summer is fast approaching. Some of us, don’t opt for camps but a less structured and easy-going plan for our Summer time off. Well, I found some really neat apps on She Knows. Some of them I’m currently using and others I’m getting way too excited about. They will really help the WAHM, like myself (or any busy mom-on-the-go), stay connected and keep up with the kiddos!!!
 You’re basically turning your smartphone into a mobile office so that you can manage your time and still have a fun summer vacation. Let that smartphone or iPad work for YOU! Here are a few that I think would be nice:
 
 
 
Dropbox
 
Dropbox operates as a hub for all your files, allowing you to easily share (and protect!) your photos, videos, docs, PDFs and more between all your devices. So you can take everything with you wherever the summer leads you and your children….I personally need this.
 
 
Evernote
 
You know that feeling when you really need to remember something but you can’t? Don’t get me started! Evernote helps with that. It allows you to store notes, record audio reminders and more. So when that thought comes to you, you can make it last. Neat-o!
 
 
PDF Expert
 
If you receive a lot of PDF files during the day, your PDFs can be accessed, annotated, filled in and more with PDF Expert. So when that killer contract comes in or your client is ready to make an offer, while you and your kids are at the beach, you can fill it out and send it back without missing a beat. This can REALLY come in handy!
 
 
Dragon Dictation
 
Are you a big multitasking mom?  Umm, yeah… I think we all are!!! If so, Dragon Dictation is for you. It’s a speech recognition software that turns your talking into text so that you can prepare emails, blog posts, tweets and more without typing. I am almost positive that Roland Martin and a lot of heavy tweeters use this. There is NO WAY they can tweet that much by typing….I can’t wait to try this one!!! EEEK!
 
 
WordPress/Blogger
 
If blogging is part of your career, you are going to want the WordPress or Blogger apps. They allow you to prepare blog posts on your iPhone or iPad easily, inserting photos and more. So, there is no need to lug around your laptop this summer. Ummm….I’m using this one already and I love it!
 

 
 
Chat for Google Talk
 
I have this one already, too! I kinda forgot about it and stumbled on it last night. Its really nice to have when you have someone’s email address (especially Gmail to Gmail) and you don’t have their phone number to text them. You can keep up with all your contacts wherever you are with this app. It has push notifications for new messages, allows you to send and receive photos and also saves your chat transcripts. Super cool!!!
 
Keeping it Smart & Sassy (KISS),
 Smart & Sassy Mom
 		

		
Filed Under: Lifestyle, Motherhood  Tagged With: , , ,  

	

	
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