Savvy Advent Garland

It is so hard to believe that December 1st and Christmas are Upon us.

This year I wanted to create an Advent Piece that would be fun, practical, and appealing. When I saw this Pottery Barn Advent I fell in LOVE. The problem is that it costs $299 and is not practical with 2 3 year olds. So I kept the image tucked away in my ever foggy mind and continued on with my crazy life.

Then Anders Ruff posted their Advent Cones and I knew exactly what I wanted to create.

With the Pottery Barn Advent as my inspiration I headed to our Local Dollar Tree. There I was able to get all of the materials I would need to complete my Savvy Style Advent Garland. I purchased the following items:

25 Pails (in sets of 3 so 9 sets) for $9

Twine $1

Clothes Pins $1

Santa Ornaments $2

Fillers $3

Anders Ruff Printables

Total Cost $21

Here is how I created the Advent Garland

I printed out my Anders Ruff Advent Cones and cut them to fit the Dollar Pails.

Then I hot glued the printable to the pail.

I wanted my advent to be a spiritual one (but you can always just use the idea as a countdown). One that would have teachable activities for my children. It just so happens that My Insanity had just shared her Advent and printable list. So in the spirit of Christmas I accepted her gift and am using her list for our advent. I filled each pail with snacks and treats, which coincided with each number, and the Action that each day inspires. I then hung the 25 pails evenly with the clothespins on my twine line.

And there it is...My Advent Garland.



I hope you find some inspiration and tips from my Savvy Seasonal project.

Smiles~
Bri

A Savvy Thanks~

With so much that goes on day in and day out in our lives, it is so important to take the time to stop and think of how much you have and are thankful for in this crazy thing called Life. But no matter how crazy things may be, we can always find something to be thankful for. I am reminded of the gifts in my life every day when I wake up to a loving and supportive husband, kiss the faces of my two beautiful children and share the laughter and memories with great family and friends.

Amy

In one word I am Thankful.

Thankful that the Lord thought enough of me to bless me with this life. The life of a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. I am reminded daily of how truly lucky I am to call this life mine. Even when things get rough, life gets crazy and I want to cry I am reminded that I am blessed.

Blessed beyond words, beyond measure and for that I am grateful...Thankful.

Bri

And to you.....How can we say Thank You?

Thank You for following Us.

Thank You for joining us on this journey.

Thank You for the Support, Kind Words, Comments and Warm emails.

Thank You for helping us realise our Dream.

Smiles~

{Guest Blogger} Great Grandma's Sour Cream Apple Pie and Inkspot Workshop Savvy Savings

November 22, 2010

We were so excited when Stacy of the Inkspot Workshop agreed to be a Guest Blogger for us.

She is so FABULOUS......

Her designs and creations are one of a kind.

And she has a Culinary Degree.

We knew you needed to meet her!

Hello everyone! I'm Stacy, owner and imagination behind InkSpot Workshop . I was thrilled to be asked by The Savvy Mom's Guide to be a guest blogger today and share a super special family recipe with you, choc-full of "how to" photos and even a down loadable file for you to print. Also be on the lookout for a special discount promo code for all of you SAVVY readers to enjoy at my shop. If your tummy is rumbling by the end of this post.....I've done my job well!

Today I am showing you how to make a "not so typical" apple pie and this tradition was handed down to me by my "not so typical" great grandmother Emma Geiger LaGorin. I was lucky enough to have my great grandmother alive and well until I was around 20 years old. I called her "great grandma on the farm" because...well... she lived on a farm of course! She was a first generation American, born of German immigrants who migrated to a very heavily German populated, rural area of Ohio, called Defiance (in the area of New Bavaria, Ohio). She grew up speaking German until WWII then everyone ceased speaking the language during those times. Grandma on the farm then married my great grandfather Albert, who was a first generation American, born of Swedish parents. Together they had 4 children (including my grandfather) and raised them all on the family farm. Without reservation I can tell you this bunch was seriously fed well.

By the time I came around there were no more animals on the farm, only crops. My grandfather would take me on the long drive from Cleveland to Defiance, a couple times a year and what educational car rides those were, even included smoking cigars together on a few occasions. I will forever treasure those rides, especially when I came to realize years later there was something called the Ohio Turnpike, which grandpa never took and cut the drive time in half! I grew up believing Ohio was huge and full of dirt roads only!

Each visit to grandma on the farm's house would begin with a huge dinner, farmer's wife style. When we arrived and walked through the back door, instantly you would be welcomed by the smell of her fresh baked Sour Cream Apple pie cooling in the pantry. I would rush through dinner just to get to this sweet, tangy, creamy pie! Till this day when I bake this pie I'm transported to grandma on the farm's house.

It wouldn't be until many years later that I would develop an interest in cooking, even obtain a culinary degree. Although I'm not really a baker, this is one pie I can't seem to tire of. Sure wish I would have spent more years in the kitchen with grandma, but I think she tried to get all the baking out of the way before we arrived so we could spend 100% of our time visiting:) Which is exactly how we spent our visits. My grandfather told me she would make this pie with peaches in the Summer! Wow. As a young adult I started making this pie for Thanksgiving and now this holiday is not complete without great grandma's Sour Cream Apple Pie.

Thanks for letting me go down memory lane with you today and share a recipe which is very near and dear to my heart. I hope this posting sparks a new tradition in your family for years to enjoy!

Gather All Ingredients
aka, Mise en place.

A little culinary lingo for you:)

fill your favorite pie pan, lined with your favorite crust, with enough cored, peeled and sliced apples (I prefer Granny Smith's)

I've included a recipe for my favorite pie crust
click here to download

beat together eggs, sugar, salt, lemon juice then sour cream


Pour sour cream mixture over apples and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
Then combine crumble topping, sprinkle over pie and bake at 350 degrees for another 35 minutes or until bubbly and yummy.


your house should be smelling amazing by now


Mmmmmm!

Hungry?
Click here to download your pretty recipe cards.

These cards will match your TOM Free Printable Thanksgiving Set
also from InkSpot Workshop by clicking here

SUPER SPECIAL
for all Savvy Mom's Guide readers!

From now until Monday, Dec 6th
receive $10.00 off your order
at InkSpot Workshop
just use coupon code SAVVY

Enjoy,

Stacy

The Cupcake Camp IE

November 18, 2010

Last week we had the great privilege of being involved in the 1st annual Cupcake Camp IE. This event was one that brought hundreds of people together to fight against breast cancer while enjoying some yummy cupcakes .

What a fun day it was!

Jamie of Kolby Kakes and Nicole of Sweet Things Kids shared in the day too. Christine Racz of Racz Phototgraphy captured the details through her lens.

It was a great way for us to support a wonderful cause, spend some girl time together and share in an event that brought awareness and passion to our community.

We did all of the styling and tablescape for the fabulous day. Since it was an event to support Susan G Koman we had to think Pink. Right away we knew we needed to turn to Kim of the TomKat studios to create the perfect printables for the event. And she did. Believe, Courage, Love and Thank You were more than fitting words and feelings for the day. For the fight that those diagnosed with Breast Cancer endure.

Kolby Kakes debuted her delicious Sweet Geraldine cupcake. It was delicious. And enjoyed by several hundred guests.

Nicole of Sweet Things Kids made adorable cupcake Aprons for us. And added the final touch to our table....an adorable Pink tutu and cupcake pillowcase dress.

We wanted you to enjoy the apron too so Nicole is hosting a GIVEAWAY for an adult Apron and a yummy cupcake mix. Enter to win.

We look forward to next year's event and hope that you will all come out to support The Cupcake Camp IE.

Smiles~
Amy & Bri

Savvy Savings.....Photo on Canvas Complete!

So those of you who Follow our Facebook Page know that we are always sharing Savvy Savings with you.

Remember those Canvas Savings we Shared from Canvas on Demand????

I cashed in!

Goodness I love these 2...They make my heart melt

They were taking the modeling thing very seriously.

Especially Miss Bean....

I am so happy with the way these Photos on Canvas turned out. I can not think of a better way to display these Amazing images Ella B captured at the Sweet Things Photo Shoot.

I think I might be addicted to putting my Photos on Canvas' instead of in frames......

And guess what?

There is a special going on now.

Save 22% through Thursday the 18th with Promo Code THXGIVING.

Smiles~

Bri

{Guest Blogger} Sweet Things and a Sweet Giveaway

November 15, 2010

Congratulations to JC's loft for winning the Sweet Things Giveaway!

Please email us at thesavvymomsguide@yahoo.com with your contact information.

Are you ready for a "Sweet" Post and an even Sweeter Giveaway?

We are certain you will fall in love with Sweet Things Kids just as much as we have. Nicole is talented beyond words. Enjoy spending time getting to know her and getting lost in her creations.

Hello all, my name is Nicole and I run a small business called Sweet Things! Amy and Bri kindly asked me to do a guest blog post on their Savvy site to introduce myself to their followers and leave you with a SWEET tip! So here it goes…

Growing up I am sure that none of my friends or family would have thought to say Nicole and “girly” in the same sentence, but here I am shortly after turning 30 and I have created my own little “girly” business, Sweet Things. When I had my first daughter back in 2007, I was convinced that she would be a tom boy, and I was right. She loves cars and bugs and can’t be bothered with tutus and frill!

Then little N came along and everything changed. She is now 22 months and into everything girly! So the mission was on: make affordable dress up costumes for my girly girl!

When starting the venture one of my biggest inspirations was, the one and only Gwen Stefani. I LOVE her! She is a sexy mommy and business woman, with amazing style. One of my favorite videos of hers is “What You Waiting For”. Her Alice in Wonderland interpretation made me start sketching and creating my first costume!

Well, once Tim Burrton’s “Alice in Wonderland” movie broke it big at the box office, I was off and running on my Alice creation. After several attempts I think the final product turned out perfect!

After that I was creating new costumes daily! Next came costumes inspired by Tinkerbell, Minnie Mouse, Dorothy, Fairies, Bumble Bees, Jessie and LOTS more. I am up to 15 creations and working on more all the time!

I don’t only make costumes. I also make everyday and special event tutus, pillowcase dresses, hair accessories, birthday hats and COMING SOON trendy kids clothes! I really try hard to make my designs unique and affordable for EVERY mommy (and daddy for that matter J)! Next year I plan on creating some more edgy kid costumes, clothes and adult costumes!

I am so lucky to be able to do what I LOVE in creating SWEET creations for your SWEET kids. I am also fortunate to have a supportive husband who will give his opinion on tulle color and shirt designs even though he would rather be watching the Dolphins, and I could never forget my two little ladies who put life into perspective and make every day SWEET!

“I'm just a girl in the world...
That's all that you'll let me be!”

So I guess I run with it!!

SWEET Tip:

How to make your little girl into a ROCK STAR on a budget! It’s easy to make a cute dress up costume from home!

What you will need:

An old pair of tube socks

An old mens collared shirt

Markers

Glitter

Kid friendly paint

Blue eye liner

Ribbon

Empty paper towel roll

Glue

Scissors

Pieces of 8 ½ x 11 paper

Flashlight

You favorite No Doubt or Gwen Stefani Music!

Set up your men’s dress shirt, tube socks, and empty paper towel roll on a table outside with the glue, glitter, markers and kid friendly paint and let them be creative. Make stars with the markers and circles with the glitter and let them make it colorful and unique! Inspire them to be their own designer by joining in! When the socks are dry cut small holes in the top for your little ones fingers.

During nap time let the items dry and start on the top of the microphone. Take the 81/2 x11inch sheet of paper and ball it up. Then dip it into glue and cover it with different colors of glitter! Make sure to leave one small piece of your paper with no glue or glitter so when it is drying you can leave it on that side and it won’t stick! Once it is dry glue it to the decorated paper towel roll with the undecorated side down.

Time for dress up:

Put your child in their shirts and put the tube socks on their arms. Wrap a ribbon around their waist. You can add some leggings or tights if your little one wants. Put there hair up in a teased pony tail and add some glitter. Take your Blue Eye liner and draw some stars on their cheeks! Give your little ones their microphones and set up the music and let them go to town! Shine flashlights on them to make them feel like they are on stage! (Mosh pitting not recommended for children under 8 hehe)

Anyone can be a designer! Just let the ROCK STAR in you come out!!

We told you you would love her..... And guess what she is giving away an adorable Cupcake Apron and Yummy Chocolate Chip cupcakes in a jar!!!!

3 ways to Enter to Win.

1) Head over to Sweet Things Kids and tell us your favorite Design! Here

2) Become fans of The Savvy Moms Guide and Sweet Things on Facebook. Leave your Savvy Smiles on their pages!

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

Smiles~

Amy & Bri

{How Savvy are They} Thanksgiving Kids Table Inspiration

November 12, 2010

How Savvy are They?

Super Savvy and Fun!

This week we wanted to share with you Kid Friendly Thanksgiving Stylings from some of our Favorite Blogs.

We hope you find some inspiration. We did!

Loving Everything about this Kid Friendly table from Frog Prince Paperie. Comfortable yet Chic. Truly Picture Perfect.

This "Tree of Thanks" is a Noteworthy Centerpiece.

Great reminder that all we are thankful for is beautiful and bright. And the best Part is that it comes with the Thanksgiving Printable Collection.

These Turkey Finger Puppets are sure to be a crowd pleaser. What a great addition to a kids table.

Everything about this table is Perfection. One Charming Party did a fantastic job.

Again Butcher Paper is the way to go. The kids can color and draw, no worries about stains and super Cost effective. Savvy Styling.....

This Turkey Bag Centerpiece is delicious both visually and because our kids love popcorn. This really is Clever and Creative!

The Place Setting is Fantastic. Paper Plates and Plastic Utensils. And to Keep the kiddos occupied a Corn on the Cob Place Card filled with fun treasures.

And these bite size pumpkin pies are ideal.

You can even include turkey trivia in your day.

This Simple yet Classic Kids Table from Southern Living is equally as charming and kid friendly. We especially love the Menu Review and Pennant name banner.

If you need more inspiration you can turn to Tip Junkie for her
20 Kids Table Ideas.

Just in case you needed a dessert that will make your kiddos Gobble with Glee we leave you with these Adorable Turkey Cupcakes and

These Extra Special Oreo Turkey's (we want to gobble them up)from Our Best Bites.

Smiles~

Amy & Bri

{Guest Blogger} A Delicious Apple Crisp

Hello, Savvy Friends!

I’m Jennifer, from the party website Passion-for-Parties.com, and I’m thrilled to be your guest blogger today! ☺

In the spirit of Fall and Thanksgiving, I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite dessert recipes.

One that is so warm and cozy that you won’t want to spend another Fall or Thanksgiving without it…

Warm, Sweet, Delicious Apple Crisp

A good apple crisp starts with good apples.

Firm apples with a hint of tartness work best for baking. Granny Smith, Jonathan, and Fuji are all good choices.

For this crisp, I used Granny Smith.

Here’s what else you’ll need for this yummy treat...

…with the addition of butter…I forgot to put it out for the picture! ☺

Once you’ve gathered all of your ingredients, peel, core, and slice your apples.

I LOVE my Pampered Chef Peeler, Corer, Slicer for this job!

Place all of your apple slices into a bowl, then drizzle them with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.

(I like to squeeze with the peel side down so the lemon seeds don’t drop into the bowl).

Combine some brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg, pour it over the apples and mix until the apples are good and coated. Don't they look yummy already?!!

Butter a baking dish and pour the apples in.

Now it’s time to make that yummy, crispy topping that gives this dessert its name!

Combine flour, sugar and oats in a small bowl. Cut in some cold butter until the mixture is good and

crumbly. Mix in some nuts for a little extra crunch, if you want. Mmmm, so good!

Sprinkle the mixture on top of the apples…

...bake...

...and ENJOY!

Sooo incredibly delicious!

Here’s the full recipe:

You’ll Need:

• 3 pounds (6 to 7 medium) apples (Granny Smith, Jonathan or Fuji work best)

• One fresh lemon

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1/3 cup rolled oats

• 4 (1/2 stick) cold butter

• 1/2 cup pecan pieces

• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

• Caramel ice cream topping (optional)



Instructions:

1. Peel, core and slice the apples and place them in a large bowl. Cut a fresh lemon in half and drizzle fresh juice over the apples to prevent them from browning.

2. Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl and pour over the apples. Mix well until the apples are nicely coated with the spice mixture.

3. In another bowl combine flour, sugar and oats. Cut the butter into small pieces and use a pastry cutter, butter knives or forks to cut the butter into the flour mixture until its crumbly. Stir in the chopped nuts for extra crunch, if you’d like.

4. Butter a baking dish, then pour in the apple mixture. Sprinkle with the crumbly flour mixture. Bake at 375° for 40 to 45 minutes, or until apples are tender and topping is lightly browned.

5. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel ice cream topping, if desired.



A big thanks to the Savvy Girls for allowing me to share this with you. I hope you all enjoy this recipe as much as I do! ☺



Happy Fall to all, and if you’re ever in need of fun party ideas, recipes, and more, please pay me a visit over at Passion-for-Parties.com.



Happy Celebrating!

Jennifer