A Whoot of Thanks

November 1, 2010

November is a time of Giving Thanks. We have so much to be thankful for this year and wanted this Play Date to be nothing more than a "Whoot of Thanks". We try and instill in our kids that each day is a day to give thanks. And "Welcome" hearts that are Thankful!

For the "Whoot of Thanks" Play Date theme, our inspirations came from a collaboration of fall, Thanksgiving, and Owls. We wanted to feature natural elements such as woods, moss and leaves to compliment this inspiration. In planning we knew we needed to create a unique outdoor play date that was whimsical yet natural. We started by contacting Anders Ruff Custom Designs to create the printable collection around our “Whoot of Thanks” theme. We then provided them our patterns and colors which included oranges, browns, reds, and greens.

All design elements for each play date are usually purchased or created in a “Savvy” way. When it comes to the dollar bins at Target or our local Dollar Store we try and see more than just the value of an item.The tree stumps that were made into toad stools were covered in plastic tablecloths which came from the Target dollar bins along with scrapbook paper that was laminated with a leaf for the kids to use as placemats.The table the kids sat at was also made with 3 hay barrels and a piece of plywood covered with a piece of burlap. With the left over burlap we made pennants to hang our “Whoot of Thanks” banner from.

We wanted to keep with the natural feeling and create owls made from pine cones that also served as décor for the table. This idea came to life with the help of a tutorial from Bristol Moms. We then added our own Savvy touches.

For each play date we like to incorporate a snack that is kid created with easy to make steps. In this case we turned to Amy Locurto of Living Locurto who came up with an “Owl Smore” recipe that made this possible.

The moss boxes were created from left over scrap 2X4’s and pieces of sheet moss purchased from the Dollar Tree. These were perfect for showcasing our “Whoot Corn” popcorn cones made from scrapbook paper, and as a platform for the “Cheese Pies” to be displayed on. Our centerpiece, our version of a "thankful tree", was also created with the natural elements of our own backyard. We simply placed a tree branch into a tree stump and dressed it with our Anders Ruff printables and colorful leaves.

We alway include a healthy snack that compliments the theme or season. For this play date we selected a full meal for the kids to enjoy. First, an adorable turkey made from fruit, cheese and vegetables. And second “Cheese Pies” made from biscuits and cheese baked on a stick. These choices made the meal kid friendly, nutritious and delicious.

We encourage and support reading. So every Play Date has a story that pertains to the Holiday or Theme. For our "Whoot of Thanks" we chose Twas the Night before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey. A fun read that made the kiddos laugh... A Lot!

We usually end the play date with something sweet for the kids to remember the day. Kolby Kakes edible creations baked the yummiest cupcakes, cake balls and owl cookie pops that coordinated with the colors and theme perfectly. She is a Baking genius.

The day was captured by the one and only Christine Racz of Racz Photography. She did an amazing job capturing all elements of the day. Including the Priceless faces of the kids.

We hope you enjoyed our Play Party......We give a "Whoot of Thanks" for YOU!!!

Smiles~

Amy & Bri

{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