{Feature Friday} Vintage Cars

October 29, 2010

Today's Feature Friday comes from Stephanie of Spaceships and Laser Beams. This "How Savvy are They" Dessert table is a true Classic. Stephanie really captured every detail in her styling of this table for their Vintage Car Collection. She fondly named this tablescape a "life preserver for the mommy who is pulled in all directions."

All of the cakes and cupcakes were created by The Cake Box . The beautiful photography was done by barebonephoto and the printables are by Spaceships and Laser Beams . Janelle, a member of the Spaceships and Laser Beams team designed this classic collection.

This beautiful table is a reminder that Savvy Styling must be sensible. Stephanie purchased the mini cheese cakes, chocolates, drinks and even the apple slices all from a local grocery store. She says "I think it's realistic for the time constraints faced by many moms who work outside the home. And it's appropriate for a small, in home gathering". We would agree.

Here are some Savvy Things about this Collection and Spaceships and Laser Beams

Spaceships & Laser Beams is an Etsy collective of friends. They sell DIY printable party supplies just for boys. Their belief is that there is so much amazing stuff out there for little girls but the selection is very limited for boys. They like to say "Consider us a no princess zone."

The Vintage Car Collection, like all collections, was created by a professional graphic designer

All of the beautiful illustrations are 100% original and drawn by hand, they won't be found anywhere else

Each piece in the Vintage Car Collection can be purchased individually or as part of a Party Kit

Spaceships & Laser Beams believe that happy childhoods are about making every day feel special, 5% of all sales goes to the YMCA Strong Kids campaign -- to help young boys grow in to strong young men

Visit their etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/spaceshipslaserbeams or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/spaceshipsandlaserbeams

Smiles~
Amy & Bri

So this is how you do it!!!!

October 27, 2010

I never thought a week after having my son I would be sitting here blogging. All of the emotions I have been feeling and the questions I have had about becoming a mom for the second time have been overwhelming, to say the least! I have to say all the worrying the past 9 months have been put to rest. I could not love this experience more. I feel complete, in every sense of the word. Now, a week and a day into this journey as a Mom of two I wanted to share my "Ah Ha Moment" as Oprah would say!!!!

So yesterday was my first morning alone since being home from the hospital. I have been fortunate enough to have friends and family helping me out day and night and have greatly appreciated it all. It was now my turn to try out the role as a Mommy of two. As I was getting my 3 year old up and ready for school, things were going great. I started to make breakfast, pick out her outfit and pack up the diaper bag for the day. But then, it happened. Baby A was ready to feed. How was I going to get everything done in order to get out of the house and be at school on time? Before I knew it I was walking around the house breastfeeding with one hand and getting my 3 year old dressed and ready for school with the other. I stopped and realized, 'Oh, so this is how you do it!'. That question, 'How do you do it with two kids?' was asked many, many times throughout my pregnancy and the response I heard the most was, 'You just do it'. So in my silly little "Ah Ha Moment", I did just that.

Smiles~

Amy

Big Sister A

What Do you do when Your Best Friend Becomes a Big sister????

You Make her a Lucky Charms Frame of course........

And Lucky Charms Cupcakes........

Congratulations Big Sister A. Baby A is very lucky to have such a wonderful Sister to teach him all about life....And Lucky Charms(She loves them).

To make the Frame You will need

Michaels $1 Frame
Glue
Spray Adhesive
Polyurethane Spray
Your filler of choice (Lucky Charms)


1. Cover the frame with glue.

2. Apply the material of Choice to fill the frame

3. Spray 2 coats of Spray Glue (I use Craft Bond)

4. Spray 2 Coats of Polyurethane

Smiles~

Amy & Bri

2 Months of The Savvy Moms

October 26, 2010

We have reached our 2 Month Anniversary.....So hard to believe that 2 months ago 'We woke up in shock' that we had actually started this Little Blog the night before.

Oh what a whirlwind it has been

So Many Ups and Downs

Here is what we have learned the Last 2 Months... Image by KeepCalmShop

Coffee is Our Best Friend (other than each other).

2 minds are always better than one.

Sleep is not a necessity and is often short.

Hot Glue burns really bad when you keep hitting the same finger with it over & over.

Our to Do List IS NOT likely going to get done.

Our Husbands and Kids think we are crazy (and so do many of our friends).

You don't always get the right Advice, and when that happens just smile instead of cry.

We cry A Lot in joy and sadness, when tired and overwhelmed, and when no one else is watching
(oh & TP does not work like Kleenex when you are sobbing. It makes a mess).

You have to Align yourself with the right people for success and survival.

Just because You think You are "Savvy" does not mean others will.

Blogosphere Friendships mean a lot...And can grow without ever meeting.

Facebook can give you a complex...One minute 920 the next 910 "likes"

Winston Churchill said it best "Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm."

Through all of your kind words and support we will forever be Enthusiastic about The Savvy Moms Guide.

Image By The Love Shop

Smiles~

Amy & Bri

{Guest Blogger} No Sew Fleece Blanket Tutorial

October 24, 2010

It's that time of year again; time for the warm summer days to give way to the cool, crisp days of autumn. Time for flip flops and tank tops to be replaced by warm boots and chunky sweaters. And time to grab a cup of your favorite hot beverage and cuddle up under a cozy fleece blanket.

Over the past few years, my family and I received no sew fleece blankets from our crafty family members and we use these blankets throughout the year. This year, I decided to learn how to make the no sew fleece blanket and add it to my gift giving repertoire.
No sew fleece blankets are simple to assemble and can easily be made in an afternoon (or less time, depending on how fast you can knot!).

Here is how I put together a no sew fleece blanket:

Materials

• A coupon to your local fabric store so you get the best deal on the fleece!
• 2 yards of patterned fleece
• 2 yards of solid colored fleece, complimenting the pattern
• Straight pins (optional, but very helpful)
• Cardboard or cardstock to act as a template
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

(**These measurements are for the standard sized blanket. If you choose to make a blanket for a smaller child, I would recommend using a yard and a quarter of fleece.)

Begin by trimming the edges of your fleece. As you will notice below, my fleece had a strip of writing along the edge that I did not want showing up on my completed project.

Next, lay the two pieces of fleece on top of each other, being mindful that the wrong sides of the fleece are back to back. Generally there is a color and texture difference between the right and wrong sides of fleece. Once you have the fleece together, I recommend pinning two sides of the blanket together, paying close attention that your fleece is even on those sides. Follow up by pinning the last two sides together. I happened to have extra fleece on the last side I pinned, so I trimmed down that side. Be sure that each side is evenly matched up prior to trimming just in case; otherwise, you may cut useable fabric!

Measure out a 4 inch by 4 inch square from one corner of the blanket and cut out.

I like to use the corner I just cut out as a template to cut out the remaining three corners of the blanket.

Once the four corners are cut out, use your cardstock or cardboard and cut out a 1 inch wide by 4 inch long template. You will use this template to cut strips all the way around the blanket, starting from the corners. As you cut the strips, move the straight pins up above your cuts so that the blanket stays together better.

Once you have finished cutting the strips, it's time to start tying knots. Tie the top and bottom pieces of the fleece in a double knot. The best way to do so is using a square knot. You will want the solid color strip to end up on top so it contrasts with the pattern of the blanket and visa versa.

That's it! You've finished a no sew fleece blanket.

I love these blankets. Our family uses them to add extra warmth to our standard bedding. I have also used these blankets to throw down on the ground at home as a play area for my daughter when she was a baby or outside at the park when we picnic. And now I get to use them as presents for family and friends. The purple and print blanket featured above was put together as a Christmas gift. I included the star blanket, pictured below, in a gift for a friend's baby shower.

The best part of this craft is that the variety of fleece choices found at your local craft store continues to grow, from holiday prints for Christmas and Valentine's Day to licenced fleece in your favorite sports team or cartoon character. Which means you can give these blankets for any occasion to kids of all ages. Better yet, put together a craft night with your friends and make a few blankets to donate to charity.

It's getting cold outside; why not warm someone's heart with a fleece blanket!

Amy j is a long time friend of Savvy Moms' Amy & Bri. Married to her high school sweetheart, Amy j has the great pleasure of staying home with her 4 year old daughter while teaching online college courses

{How Savvy are You} Chic Damask Bridal Shower

October 22, 2010

Friday's Feature......."How Savvy Are You"?

This Savvy and Stylish Bridal Shower came from our longtime friend Carrie (we have known her since we were in High School). She got the color scheme and idea for the drink umbrellas from a "Real Party" feature from Hostess With the Mostess. All of the other Styling and details came from Carries creativeness. No other vendors, just her precious time and attention to detail.

She made everything.

Love the bright green with the Damask. Very Chic

Look at the Gorgeous hanging Centerpiece Carrie created by using her Chandelier. The Scalloped "Love Never Fails" Circles are Clever and Classy . The Hanging Cone vase with the beautiful flower Arrangement Welcomed the Guests.

Carrie definitely was able to take the initial Inspiration from Hostess with the Mostess and create absolute perfection. The use of the Damask paper umbrellas is a stylish touch alongside the Adorable Corset Carrie created for the Champagne.

And that Chair for the bride....it was a Thrift Store find that Carrie picked up specifically for the Event. She refinished it with the white paint and reupholstered the cushion with the damask she used throughout.


Look at the Banner.....And the Monogram. Carrie used Mod Podge to customize the Letters to match the theme of the Shower. Now that is Savvy Styling.

All of the details of this day were Perfection. Carrie used her Photoshop to design the labels. She used graphicsfairy.blogspot.com to create the Frame.

Friend, You are talented and Savvy. This Shower is Stylish and Chic. Thank You for Sharing.

Smiles,
Amy & Bri

A Box makes a Memory

October 21, 2010

So for the last 3 years we have gone back and forth on getting a 'Fake' Christmas Tree.

We finally did it.

Don't Judge.

Anyways, It came in 2 HUGE Boxes.

I left for a couple of hours to do my Savvy Duties and Daddy was in CHARGE......

This is what I came home to.....

Sometimes (most times to be real) Daddy is Just More FUN!!!!

They Create and build with their hands and their hearts.

Who needs toys when you can make a house out of a Box(s)

Thank You Husband of mine for Making a Memory and building a dream.

I love you. XOXO

Smiles,

Bri

A Peek into Baby's Room......

October 18th, 2010

When I found out I was preggo for the second time around, I am not going to lie, I had PINK on the brain. I already had the name and the room colors picked out. When my hubby and I heard, "It's A Boy!" I was shocked to say the least. I am such a girly girl and my daughter is following closely in my footsteps. I was not sure how I would be able to transition my fog of pink into shades of blue?? Once the shock was over the excitement definitely began!!

I wanted a room for my little boy that he would be able to grow into for years to come. My hubby and his family are very involved in the sport of Hillclimbing and dirtbike riding, so I wanted a touch of him and a touch of me incorporated in the room. I decided the room was shaping into "Vintage motorcycle meets Pottery Barn simplicity". I cannot tell you how many days and nights I spent on the Internet looking for ideas of inspiration. Some of the sites I loved looking at were Project Nursery, Pottery Barn Kids, and HGTV. I also found this amazing site called DecorPad, which is where I found the wall inspiration you see in the above pictures. I loved the unique color combo of oranges and browns, so I ran with it! I then turned to ETSY to have the crib bedding made to coordinate with the colors of the room. I found the very talented Wild Honey Pie Custom Designs to make the bedding from, Riley Blake My Minds Eye Orange All Star Collection.

I was at Lowes looking for storage containers one day and came across these orange plastic stack able shelves (for $15!!). I originally wanted a window seat for the room made from wood. When I brought them home it was Bri's genius idea to lay them out horizontally and make a window seat out of the shelves instead! So, with some 2X4's, a piece of foam batting and a few yards of coordinating fabric that matched the bedding, I had a window seat that completed the room perfectly (and cost effectively)!

The rest of the rooms accessories were pieces found here and there. To keep with the Vintage feel of the room I had black and white photos of my hubby and his Dad framed to anchor both sides of the personalized motorcycle jersey. I had such a great time creating this room for my lil' one to come and hope you all enjoyed it too!

Smiles~

Amy

{Guest Post} Boo Blocks with Nicole from Two Savvy Sisters

October 15, 2010
Hi everyone! I’m Nicole from The Two Savvy Sisters and so excited to be guest posting today for Bri and Amy. As Halloween gets closer, I thought sharing one of my favorite Halloween crafts would be the perfect for today. I designed these for my Halloween table and they were a hit for Halloween! You can make word blocks for any event and your guest will love them...they are great decor! You can also wrap them up with a bow for gifts as well.

Here’s what you’ll need:
• 3 wooden blocks, I found mine at Hobby Lobby for $1
• Scrapbooking paper of your choice, I picked Halloween paper
• Card stock for the letters
• Paint brush, sandpaper
• Mod Podge

And here are a few simple instructions:
1. Cut your scrapbook paper to fit each block then mod podge the paper onto the block
2. Cut out letters using a cricut or pre bought letters from a craft store then mod podge them onto the blocks
3. Once it is dry use sandpaper to sand off the extra paper on the edges
Viola...easy peasy!!

I hope you’ll visit my blog for lots of free printables and fun party and craft ideas! Thanks for letting me visit today Bri and Amy!

Pink for a Month Breast Cancer Awareness~Cupcake Recipe and Free Mini Card Printables HERE!!

Cookies and Milk Baby Shower

When my family and friends approached me about having a baby shower, I have to admit I was hesitant at first. I thought I had everything I needed as far as the essentials, but because this time around I am having a boy, I went ahead and agreed to it. OH how the party planning wheels began to turn!!!! I am known to have a sweet tooth and this pregnancy definitely supported that habit!! So, I remember seeing an adorable "Cookies and Milk" themed Birthday party on the Internet and thought why not have a shower around this adorable theme AND support my love of my nightly cookies and milk before bed?

With the help of family and friends I was truly blessed and was given one of the most adorable baby showers ever! Most of the details you see were hand made. The "A" on the front door was made by my talented sister, her amazing Cricuit, poster board and some Cookie Crisp cereal! My wonderful sister also made cookies on a stick that were made from Styrofoam, paint, wooden dowels, and some more Cookie Crisp cereal.

I wanted the colors of the shower to compliment my son's room (Pics to come). So we of course went with brown, whites and accented with orange. I love how the pop of orange made the whole table stand out. I asked my talented friend Donella of Ella B Photography to create a banner for me and she did not disappoint! "Got Cravings" was strung over the table with the complimenting colors of the shower and she even added little chocolate chip cookies on each letter.

I had also seen these blue and white paper straws on Bake It Pretty and knew they needed to be included in this shower. They were just too cute to pass up!

Not only did my amazing friends and family make a variety of dozen upon dozen of delicious cookies for the table, Jamie of Kolby Kakes also made her famous cake balls in the coordinating colors of the shower. She is so creative! I also asked her if she could create a milk bottle and chocolate chip cookie sugar cookie for the day and she perfected my vision! The only bummer was that I did not get to sample one, they were gone instantly!

I wanted to limit the usual baby shower games, so my sister came up with "Guess How Many Cookies are in the Cookie Jar?" She simply filled a jar with (again) Cookie Crisp cereal and had each of the guests put their guess on a slip of paper with their name.

I knew I wanted each guest to leave with some sort of cookie to remind them of the day, but was not sure what I wanted to put them in other than a bag? I was so excited when I found these ADORABLE milk cartons from Polka Dot Prints! I contacted Jordan, the owner and she was able to compliment the colors and the theme perfectly onto these mini milk cartons that were then filled with mini chocolate chip cookies from Trader Joe's. Aren't they SO unique? Stay tuned and we may just have a lil' Giveaway in the future (tomorrow....wink, wink!!)????

Thank you everyone who had a hand in throwing me not just a shower but a day full of memories that will last forever! I am beyond thrilled and excited to Welcome Baby Ayden into this world in just a few more days.

Stay tuned for our Giveaway from Polka Dot Prints......

Smiles~
Amy

{Giveaway} A Polka Dot Prints Designed Milk Carton

October 14, 2010

So you saw the "Cookies and Milk" themed baby shower yesterday and every detail was perfected at the hands of some talented people. When Amy came across these adorable milk carton printable favors, she knew they had to be a favor for each of the guests to swoon over!!! Thanks to Jordan from Polka Dot Prints she is offering a Giveaway in her shop for one of her original Polka Dot Prints designed Milk Cartons for your next party, shower or event that will surely add a touch of Savviness!!!!

3 Ways to Enter to Win
1) Head over to Polka Dot Prints and become a follower and tell us your favorite printable here!

2) Become fans of The Savvy Moms Guide and Polka Dot Prints on Facebook. Leave your Savvy Smiles and on these pages!

3) Suggest The Savvy Moms Guide to your Friends and Family and share that you did here!Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

Winner will be chosen on Monday, October 18, 2010 at 10:00pm (PST). Any entries received after this time will not be considered. Winner will be chosen using random.org

Smiles~

Amy & Bri

{Sneak Peek} A Whoot of FUN to come!!!!

Can you guess Whoooooo Came to our Play Date???? We had a "whoot" of a time!!!!

A special thanks to Anders Ruff Designs.....

Smiles~

Amy & Bri

Savvy Shopping with Savvy Chic Kids

October 8, 2010

The Savvy Chic Kids Sale is one of those events that I look forward to twice a year. Why? For a couple of reasons…I get to stand in line and chat with insanely crazy women like me, I get to have the adrenaline rush of getting that one great item (or in my case hundreds…serious), I get AMAZING deals and steals on perfect Secondhand Toys and Clothes, and I get to give back to other moms by buying their gently used “stuff”.

Let me start from the beginning. While I was pregnant with the twins I spent 21 weeks on bed rest. Yes 21 long weeks where I would pass the time shopping online (my husband banned the UPS man from delivering to me) and reading 20+ books on pregnancy, parenting, preemies, multiples and Loosing the “baby” weight (which clearly those reads I did not put into practice). Then I had 3 over the top baby showers and more 'after arrival' gifts than I knew what to do with. So when the twins turned 18 months my husband had a sit down talk with me about getting rid of some of the items the twins had outgrown, lost interest in and or toys that talked. I was devastated, I cannot let go of anything my precious babies wore, touched, or loved. So I ignored him for 4 more months. And then he came armed with a trash bag ready to handle the purge himself. Hold on I cried…I will do it. Then it happened. My girlfriend told me about The Savvy Chic Kids Sale and my OCD went into overdrive (to be clear my obsession with all things baby was out of control). In the first sale I sold over 100 items and purchased over 200. I was addicted!

So what is Savvy Chic Kids? Sale is a special 3-day consignment sale event, held in the spring and the fall, where families come to BUY great name-brand, gently-used items at amazing bargains and also SELL their unwanted and outgrown children’s items and turn them into cash! It is the most established and experienced kid’s consignment sale in the Inland Empire. We take great pride in providing our customers with the best quality items, largest selection, and a clean, organized shopping experience. See what our satisfied customers and consignors say about us

Next week the Fall sale begins and I will NOT BE THERE. I am so sad (grieving in fact)…..but I am suppose to be happy since I am going away with my husband to San Francisco childless for an amazing 3 day wedding (and I am excited). But still I am devastated that I am missing the sale (one of my girlies is getting my pass).

So my girlfriends who have never “Savvy Shopped” always ask why I care so much about this sale. They cannot understand my passion for it. Of course they can’t…you don’t understand till you have experienced it. So let me suggest if you love a good deal, if you know how to do laundry and use Lysol, and if you want an adrenalin rush check out a local Consignment Sale. If you have never shopped a Consignment Event I hope your experience is as good as mine always is at The Savvy Chic Kids Sale.

Don’t know where to find a sale in your area? A great resource for finding sales, tips and tricks is Consignment Mommies, a Consignment Sale Directory & Place for Swap Savvy Mommies to get Advice & Share Ideas.

Savvy Shopping friends!!!!

Smiles~ Bri

Sneak Peek at Anticipating Baby....

October 7, 2010

"A" wonderful day for Cookies and Milk.....a celebration of what is to come. Last week was Amy's Baby shower for baby A. We are so excited to share in pictures the day with you. What a special time for this soon to be Mommy of 2.

Somewhere in this Collage you will find our next giveaway...Can you guess what it will be????

Smiles~
Amy & Bri

Cupcakes for a Cure with a touch of Savvy

October 7, 2010

We are so excited to be part of the 1st Annual CupcakeCamp Inland Empire event that is being held here locally in Southern CA on November 7 at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Our girls Kolby Kakes- Edible Creations , and Sweet Things will be there showing their Sweet Saviness for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

If you live in Southern CA we would love it if you stopped by to say Hi!!!!

Smiles~
Amy & Bri

{Giveaway} A Candle & Coffee for a Cause...

Congratulations to Ginz . You are the Winner of our Candle & Coffee for a cause. Ginz Said "Wow, the Pumpkin Hollow scent sounds absolutely DIVINE! I love the coffee cozzees, I think my current favorite is "The Ginny". ;" Please email us at thesavvymomsguide@yahoo.com with your contact info. Smiles~

Did you know that Every 69 seconds, globally a woman dies of breast cancer. And 80-85 percent of breast cancer cases happen in women with no family history of breast cancer. These statistics are terrifying for us as mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. With October being Breast Cancer awareness month we decided to reach out and find amazing Mompreneurs who are raising money to help find a cure. I am sure you are all familiar with The Susan G. Koman Fund, a Worldwide Charity that has revolutionized research and funding for Breast Cancer. So many woman owned and operated businesses are doing the same.

We were thrilled to find Soy Breeze Candles, a home-based business located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Izabela followed her dream of creating a 100% natural soy wax candle that burns clean, lasts long and smells fabulous! After much research and trial Soy Breeze was born. We fell in love with Izabela and her candles and admire her for her entrepreneurial spirit. What is also admirable about Izabela is that she donates 20% of the sales of her Strawberry Shortcake Breast Cancer Candle.

We love all things girly. So we were excited to discover Melissa of The Coffee Cozzee. Coffee Cozee’s allow you to "Go Green the Fashionable Way!" with a reusable Coffee Cozzee. No more throwing away countless coffee sleeves from your favorite coffee shop... just one stylish Cozzee to reuse again and again! They are heat resistant to keep your hands cool on a hot cup... or if you get your drinks iced, they will keep your hands from freezing... AND the insulation actually keeps your drink colder LONGER!! Available in dozens of styles for every style and personality. Custom orders welcome, too!

For us a wonderful Fall morning (or really any morning) is made better with a Cup of Coffee (Pumpkin Spice Latte) and a yummy Candle Burning. What makes the start of this fall season better is that we are burning a delicious Strawberry Shortcake Candle from Soy Breeze Candles and Sipping a Latte with our Coffee Cozzee (we look super chic taking our coffee into preschool…we know that other Moms are jealous). And the cherry on top is that 20% of proceeds of these 2 Amazingly Savvy and Stylish finds go to Breast Cancer Awareness.
Since we hope you love coffee the way we do….since every house is better when a yummy candle is burning…since Breast Cancer is reality and there needs to be a cure and since we LOVE YOU!!! We are giving away a Coffee Cozzee and a Soy Breeze Candle

3 Ways to Enter to Win

1) Head over to Soy Breeze Candles and Coffee Cozze and check out their Shops and tell us your favorites here!


2) Become fans of The Savvy Moms Guide, Coffee Cozzee and Soy Breeze Candles on Facebook. Leave your Savvy Smiles and on their page!

3) Suggest The Savvy Moms Guide to your Friends and Family and share that you did here!

Please leave a separate comment for each entry.
Winner will be chosen on Sunday, October 10, 2010 at 10:00pm (PST). Any entries received after this time will not be considered. Winner will be chosen using random.org

Smiles~
Amy & Bri