{DIY} Savvy Peep Flower Topiary

March 29, 2011

Hey Savvy Peeps!! We are so excited Spring is here!! So many crafty projects coming up! With Easter just weeks away we were inspired by this cute and crafty project we saw in our Woman's Day magazine the other day! We are not fans of Peeps to eat, but they sure do make a cute flower topiary. This idea would be cute decor for a kids Easter party, not to mention it costs next to nothing to make!

Here's What You Need:

2 boxes of Peeps (Dollar Tree)

4 3/4 in. Styrofoam circle (2/$1 Dollar Tree)

Wooden dowel ( Pack of 12/Dollar Tree)

Mini clay pot ( Pack of 3 for $1 at Dollar Tree)

Easter grass or moss (Dollar Tree)

Green paint

Knife

Hot Glue

Begin by cutting out center of Styrofoam circle. The thinner the circle the better!

Once your center circle is cut out, place your Peeps on the circle with hot glue.

****The trick to putting these on is to not break them apart.****

*Place Peeps onto the circle by bending the Peeps slightly and placing them on with the hot glue.

*Allow the Peeps to dry, they can get sticky if you play with them too much!

*While waiting for the glue to dry, paint your dowel green.

*Place Peep Flower into the Styrofoam (use a dab of hot glue to secure).

*Place some more hot glue in the bottom of your clay pot and place other end of dowel into glue.

*Cover with Easter grass.

Here is a little more Peep inspiration for ya......

This FREE 8X10 printable from Flamingo Toes would be cute framed nest to your flower Peep topiary! And it comes in 4 fun pastel colors! Get yours here.

We cannot forget the kiddos! These FREE printable toppers from Eighteen25 are a great basket filler or gift for your kids teachers! Get yours here.

Or How about these 'Sweet Tweets' from It Is What It Is? Get yours here.

Thanks for being 'Our Peeps'!!!

Smiles~

Amy & Bri

Savvy Spring Wreaths

March 25, 2011

Spring is here! Time to start the season fresh with some Savvy Spring Wreaths that can easily be replicated! We hope you are inspired!

Image courtesy GoodHouseKeeping.com

This twig wreath is simple and classic. Add some colored eggs with vinyl lettering or scrapbook stickers and glue on. You can change out the wreath each season by adding real or fake summer citrus fruits, or fall leaves for some color!


Image courtesey A Diamond in the Stuff

This moss wreath is naturally beautiful! Your local dollar stores right now are a great resource when stocking up on items such as bagged moss, styrofoam rings, and other Spring decor/materials that you may need to create this look.

Image courtesey A Diamond in the Stuff

This square grass framed wreath is one of our favorites! The cost of materials on this one is next to nothing and makes the biggest statement!

Image Courtesey of A Soft Place to Land

We couldn't believe when we saw this one, that we were looking at a beautiful wreath made up of....Ping Pong balls!! Who knew ping pong balls could be so pretty?

Image Courtesey of Mary Janes and Galoshes

And finally, the simplicity of this one is what makes it so pretty! Brown paper bags, a scalloped paper punch and a styrofoam wreath lets you create this look!

Which one will you make?

Smiles~

Amy & Bri

SITS Bloggy Boot Camp....What an Inspirational Day

March 24, 2011

We survived Boot Camp!!!!

SITS Bloggy Boot Camp that is.

And what a great time we had (Thanks Tiffany, Francesca and Team).

We heard from some amazing and inspirational Business Women.

Little Miss Momma (Ashley) shared Ten Ways to Build Traffic to your Blog. She was Adorable!

And Lisa Leonard made starting a business seem easy. We adore her and all she stands for.



It was so great meeting the "Party Girls" and creating new friendships!! Here we are with Jillian of Catch My Party, The Superchick herself, Genevieve, JoAnne of Oh Goodie Designs, Rebecca of A Blissful Nest and Noelle and Kerry of Sweet Craft Cakes.

The conference ended on a good note.....FREE wine from Mirassou Winery! The California Moscato was our favorite!

Our Red Carpet moment......

And no Bloggy Boot Camp would be complete without Starbucks Cakeballs and coffee....Yes, for breakfast!

Smiles~

Amy & Bri

What's your Story......Want it Published? {The Beyond Series}

March 23, 2011

We are excited to share with you a wonderful Opportunity to have your stories heard and published. A second book in the 'Beyond Series' is being put together and the authors are looking for submissions. The book will be titled 'Beyond the Diaper Bag'. It will be a collection of stories, tips and inspiration covering all topics from pregnancy to kindergarten. They can be funny stories about embarrassing situations your children have landed you in or inspirational stories about how you overcame obstacles, such as postpartum depression or how you finally got your baby to sleep. Submit any stories you like and if they are selected, they will be publish them in the new book!

So what is this series and who are the authors?

OK Ladies take it away.....

We are titling all books in the series with 'beyond' in the spirit of thinking beyond ourselves. You can see the facebook page for our first book here. We donate all authors' proceeds to charity. Beyond the Diaper Bag's proceeds are being donated to The Mommies Network. Below are the details of our contest. The deadline is set for 3/30.

Melaina Lausen and Megan Bekkedahl are the authors of The Beyond Series. They are both Air Force wives. The first book, Beyond the Clouds, was actually started as a project to keep Megan busy while her husband, Josh, was on a deployment to Afghanistan. He is getting ready for his third deployment this August. Megan's family is currently stationed in Los Angeles. She has two little boys Mason is 5 and Chase is 2.

Melaina is a stay at home mom and romance novelist. She has four children. They are currently stationed in Pensacola, Fl.

Things you need to know.
*While we don't have a specific word count, we'd like the stories to range from 1-3 pages, single spaced.

*All proceeds will be donated to The Mommies Network. If you are selected as a winner of this contest, the prize is purely being included in this book. There are no entry fees and no monetary prizes.

*Having trouble getting started? Here are some ideas!
We are looking for honest accounts of parenting... the things nobody is talking about, but everyone is dealing with. We want to help and inspire new moms who aren't sure if they or their child is 'normal'. I think we've all been there! Here are some topics-
-body changes
-emotional changes
-how hard it actually is versus the illusion of the 'perfect baby'
-when it's not what you thought it would be
-embarrassing or humorous situations

**be sure to include how you dealt with these situations, what you did to get through them and good advice you were given- or have to give.

Let's inspire some new mommies!

Smiles~

Amy & Bri

{Product Review} Vintage Couture

March 21, 2011

We were thrilled when we were asked to do a review of an amazing line of children's clothing called Vintage Couture formerly known as My Vintage Baby. We knew whatever we would be reviewing it was going to be fantastic and chic!

If you are not familiar with this line, let us share a little bit about this amazing line of children's clothing.

'Vintage Couture creates specialty brands of high end clothing across a multitude of diversified segments with the goal of making each brand a globally recognized fashion industry leader in quality and design. Vintage Couture is also committed to leveraging their brands to create and support innovative approaches in raising funds for organizations that are also committed to making a difference in people's lives.

Vintage Couture, Inc. is committed to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and their goal of finding a cure for this awful disease. A percentage of profits from the sales of Vintage Couture clothing is donated to JDRF. In addition, at every opportunity, either product collateral or interviews of Vintage Couture celebrity spokesperson Trista Sutter, they are raising awareness of this disease and the need for others to get involved in finding a cure.'

Photography by Racz Photography

Our little fashionistas, for the day, got to model the super comfy cotton 'Ditsy Dot Dress and 2 Piece Set. Vintage Couture's exclusive Ditsy Dots fabric is bright, fun and full of energy! Their cotton knit is soft and comfy for those hot summer days. We just love that the inspiration behind this comes from the big gumballs we all loved as kids. (Stay tuned for some savvy bubble gum inspiration soon!)
Colors include: punches of pink, whitest white, and touches of teal.

Photography by Racz Photography

For the Dress:

It is made from the softest knit cotton and adorned with bright pink ruffled polka dot trim. The elastic empire waist makes for a perfect fit, giving the dress lots of room to twirl around in!

Photography by Racz Photography

For the 2 piece Set:

This soft cotton knit two piece set is just as sassy as it is sweet! This set has ruffles galore, bling touches found on the flower neckline and crop leggings with grow tab waist.

Both the dress and 2 piece set were truly a perfect fit and were made from high quality cotton. We were so surprised just how soft each piece was. As Mom's we think it is always important when purchasing clothing to know that it will be something that is of good quality but also something that is comfortable. The girl's really enjoyed wearing these Ditsy Dot Vintage Couture pieces. If you are interested in ordering from Vintage Couture, you can order from a consultant in your area. You can find a consultant by going to: Find a DSR and then clicking on the Consultant’s website.

Thank You Vintage Couture for this great opportunity!

Smiles~

Amy & Bri

The Fashionistas!!

For Japan

March 18, 2011

Today we join Hundreds, if not Thousands, in Honor of Japan. This will be the only thing you hear from us today as we join in a Bloggers Day of Silence.

We pray for Japan. And Send our Support and Love.

No blogging. No Twitter. No Facebook.

Please JOIN.

Smiles~

Amy & Bri

Drinks with a Twist!

March 17, 2010

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Weather you are enjoying

beef stew or corn beef hash tonight, why not enjoy a fun and festive drink to go along with it? Perhaps this beer with a twist or as the English/Irish tradition would call it, a Shandy!

Image Courtesy of Celebrations.com

Not a beer drinker? Check out some other fun twists to your favorite cocktails as well as recipes for your St. Patrick's Day festivities on Celebrations.com!!

Smiles~

Amy & Bri

{Giveaway} SewTamz Designs & Artsy Canvas Girl Designs

March 15, 2011

This week's Giveaway is from a talented Sister duo with a love for photography! We would first like to introduce you to Tammy of SewTamz Designs. Tammy was actually one of the first vendors to do a giveaway on our blog and we are really excited to be sharing her fabulous camera straps with you all again!

SewTamz creates personalized custom camera strap covers and straps for those Diva Photogs who want to look good and love designer fabrics & soft minky. SewTamz products are made from fresh and funky fabrics made by designers like Amy Butler, Michael Miller and Alexander Henry. The concept is to couple fashion with comfort by pairing designer fabrics with luxurious plush minky to create a super comfy, padded yet durable product.

Tammy also came up with a unique dual lens cap sleeve that provides functionality with personality. Simply slide the lens cap sleeve over your strap cover. It has dual pockets, one on each side so you can place your lens cap in one pocket and your ID, credit cards, business cards, SD/CF card, lens filter, USB or any other small goodies in the other pocket.

Next, we would like to introduce you to Tammy's sister Kathy of Artsy Canvas Girl Designs.
Artsy Canvas Girl Designs creates personalized custom photo art. Kathy takes your special moments and thoughts and creates a masterpiece of your life printed on to canvas or photo prints. Your photo is turned into Custom Photo Art using topography, textures and color enhancement.

Before

Photo taken courtesy Vikki Dinh Photography

After

Photo taken courtesy Vikki Dinh Photography

Before

Photo courtesy of Vikki Dinh Photography



After

Photo courtesy of Vikki Dinh Photography

We are so excited that both Tammy and Kathy are giving credit to their shops to ONE lucky Savvy follower!

SewTamz would like to give a $35 store credit to use on your favorite camera strap AND Artsy Canvas Girl Designs would like to give a $50 store credit to use on your most cherished photo. Talented and generous......so here's

6 Ways to Enter:

Congratulations the Di Ganci Family......you are the winner of this Giveaway!! Please contact us at www.thesavvymomsguide@yahoo.com as soon as possible!

1) "Like" SewTamz Designs on Facebook. "Like" her and visit her amazing Etsy shop then comment here with your favorite Strap Design.

2) Subscribe to follow SewTamz Designs blog and come back here leaving a comment letting us know you did!

3) "Like" Artsy Canvas Girl Designs on Facebook. Visit her fantastic Etsy shop then comment here with your favorite quote you would use.

4) Subscribe to follow Artsy Canvas Girl Designs blog and come back here leaving a comment letting us know you did!

5) Subscribe to Follow our Blog (on the left hand side)!

6) Become a fan of The Savvy Moms Guide on Facebook, and come back to let us know you are a fan here!

Winner will be chosen on Sunday March 20th, 2011 at 8:00pm (PST). Any entries received after this time will not be considered. Open to US only. Winner will be chosen using random.org. This is a sponsored post for The Savvy Moms Guide.

Smiles~

Amy & Bri

{Guest Blogger} Bamboo Pink Jewelry

March 12, 2011

Hi to all my fellow Moms out there...
I am a forty year old wife, mother of two beautiful children, part time consultant in the beauty industry and now helping to launch a new jewelry line called BambooPink. I love to teach and inspire other women to look and feel their very best. After turning 40, I realized that we as Moms, don't have to look old and "frumpy". We can still look "hip" before and after we turn the big 4-0. As a result, I created a You Tube Channel to help other women look and feel their very best - it's called The Hip Chick Online. If you join me you'll find videos on hair, makeup and outfits.

About a month ago, I heard about a new opportunity from a friend of mine in Dallas who was asked to help launch a new jewelry company. I am usually pretty skeptical about these types of businesses, but I figured "what do I have to lose?" and so I signed up. I am so glad signed up - this company is going to be AMAZING!

Why did I sign up with BambooPink?
BambooPink is backed by JudeFrances who sells beautiful high end jewelry at Neiman's and Saks. I don't think JudeFrances would put their name on anything they didn't truly believe in!
This beautiful fashion jewelry line will be priced at $19-$200.
This is truly a GROUND FLOOR Opportunity since the company has not officially launched yet. Sign-ups are FREE until March 15th.
I also loved the idea that I don't have to host the traditional home parties. I can sell via "virtual trunk shows", sell from my website and do a few parties with my friends.

Bamboopink will have one of the most lucrative compensation plans in the industry.
Since I signed up, I’ve been able to grow my team pretty quickly and wanted to share this opportunity with other Moms like you. I really feel that this will be an amazing opportunity and I'm excited to be a part of it.
I would love to have you on my team and I'll help you every step of the way. What are you waiting for? Sign up or email me for more information at bamboopinkvirginia@gmail.com.
It's nice to meet other Mom's like me.

Hope you all have a GREAT day!
Kim

{Feature Friday} Goldilocks & Three Bears Birthday Party

March 11, 2011

We are so excited to feature this positively precious Goldilocks & Three Bears Birthday Party submitted to us by our wonderfully talented friend Paula of Frog Prince Paperie. In fact, this party was so amazing that it got the recognition it deserved and was first featured on Amy Atlas yesterday! Congratulations Paula! So step in to a Classic Fairytale as told by Paula herself.....

I founded my business on a fairytale party (the frog prince), and it only seemed fitting that for my son's second birthday, another fairy tale should be the theme. Guests were invited to our Goldilocks and the Three Bears party with a Goldilocks board book with a bookplate/invitation on the inside cover sent "Bear Mail."

I attempted to create a feeling of being in the bear family house at baby bear's birthday. I used painted bead board as a backdrop with silhouettes of mama bear, papa bear and baby bear. Tiny sewn paper bunting added a birthday feel to the backdrop. The base table linens was sewn together patchwork gingham - casual, but mama bear's best! I topped this with a monogrammed white cloth.

The blocks were custom made by Laugh Loud Smile Big to match the party and spell out Brennan's name. (So to make my daughter happy, they also spell Madeline!)

The kids ate all their goodies and lunches at a four-poster twin bed I converted into a kid-sized table. Party favors were porcelain bowls and wooden spoons personalized with each child's name and a small teddy bear nestled in the bowl.



I used dark woods in crates, trays and tiny dollhouse chairs to display desserts that might find their way into a bear celebration: baked porridge topped with maple frosting and cinnamon, marzipan acorns, honey cupcakes, chocolate covered bear pops, bear sugar cookies, and all natural lollipops.

Allyson Jane provided the sugar cookies, and I baked the rest, save the cake! The cake was special; grandma flew in just for the party and made the cake for the birthday boy. Mama bear probably didn't deal in fondant or cake tips, so we left it very homemade with love looking and topped it with a little mini bunting and wooden bear.

Since we were entertaining 10 two year olds beginning at 10:30am, I also made a snack bar for the kids with berries (candy), mushrooms (cracker sticks with mushroom tops), twigs (pretzel sticks) and brown bears (teddy grahams.) Little boxes were set out at kid height so they could see what was in all the glass jars and help themselves.

There were also photo props for the kids to be silly with and have their picture taken.

Thank You Paula for letting us share this amazing day with all our readers. Your son's Birthday was yet another Classic Fairytale created by one fantastic Mama Bear! We look forward to reading more!

Smiles~

Amy & Bri

Credits:

Paperie and styling: Frog Prince Paperie

Photography: John McLaughlin and Paula Biggs

Sugar Cookies: Allyson Jane

Name Blocks: Laugh Loud Smile Big

Party hats: Southern Belle's Charm

Monogrammed birthday boy jon jon - 2 Manic Mommies Embroidery

Milieu Design Group's Kids Craft Suite

March 9, 2011

Martha Stewarts Dreamers into Doers is a Community filled with amazingly talented women. Last fall we met Margaret Norcott, Principal of Milieu Design Group through Dreamers into Doers. Her work is flawless and fabulous. We were totally smitten with this Kids Craft Suite she designed for the Atlanta Symphony Show House and Gardens. We knew we had to share it with you.

Be prepared to be inspired. And enjoy …

Did you see the color pencil mural.....And the window seat storage.

Really, Can you imagine having this in your home? Our kids would never want or need to leave their playrooms if they looked. Every Detail is perfection.

Now we want to run out and redecorate our Playrooms.

We told you it was Stunning.

This amazing space has been featured on Living Locurto, Project Nursery, and The Daily Decorator Blog, just to name a few. Honestly all things MDG creates are fabulous and Eye Catching. In fact their Beverly Hillbillies set from The Next Cool Thing Event has been invited to be showcased in The Atlanta Home Show. And Margaret will be speaking there too.

Off to color, paint, cut, sew and craft (we were inspired) by this space.

Smiles~

Amy & Bri

Paint by: Atlanta’s Paint Doctor (Archie Deese). Window Treatment by: Giordano Window Treatments (Donna Giordano). FLOR Tiles by: InterfaceFLOR (Atlanta Showroom). Chairs & Desk Lamps by: Room & Board (Atlanta Showroom). Womb Chair & Green Stones by: Knoll Furniture (Atlanta Showroom). Folk Art provided by: Matilda’s Cottage. Custom Recycled Violin & Recycle Sign provided by: re-Inspiration Gallery. Fabrics: Kravet Fabrics, Duralee and Trina Turk for F.Schumacher. Vendor information and Photos from Living Locurto