I'm sharing before and after photos of 3 relatively small home improvements that made a HUGE difference in the look and feel of my home. We've been in our home for almost 20 years, so naturally we've made updates along the way. The most recent update is one that really made an impact, so I decided to share in here on the blog. Our home is situated near heavy trees with a backyard view that looks almost like a treehouse. We couldn't enjoy the view, however, because of the bulky ...
This is the Best Home Improvement That I’ve Done In Years
The Best Black Bean, Corn & Feta Dip for a Party
This healthy, fresh & delicious black bean, corn & feta dip is sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next party, and it can be made in 30 minutes or less! If you want a fresh, light, no-cook party dip that everyone will love, look no further than this black bean, corn & feta dip. It is fresh, light, sweet, tangy, and always one of the dishes you'll find folks gathered around. ...
This is How FASTer Way to Fat Loss Has Improved My Health
My lab work and body fat test this week show exactly how Faster Way to Fat Loss has improved my health since almost a year ago. Last Year's Physical Exam My "why" for trying Faster Way to Fat Loss all stemmed from LAST year's physical (I share details in this blog post). Even though I didn't have a weight problem, I had a fat problem (i.e body fat). I decided that day to work to get my body fat within an ideal range. I knew that if I didn't, things would only get worse. ...
How to Make Black Bean Cuban Bowls (Instant Pot optional)
It is easy with an Instant Pot (or not) to make spicy black beans to use for Cuban bowls~fresh, healthy ingredients folks just layer in a bowl and enjoy! Whether feeding your family or a small group, I promise you that this "build your own Cuban bowls" idea is a winner. Everyone loves choosing his or her own ingredients to build a fresh, yummy bowl of healthy ingredients. ...
Things You Need to Create a Beautiful Girl’s Dorm Room
Here is a list of things you need to create a beautiful "girl" dorm room that is also practical, cozy, and fairly budget friendly. Photo: PB Teen Decorating a girl's dorm room doesn't have to be hard or outrageously expensive. When I decorated my twins' dorm room almost five years ago, I found many of the items on sale or at great prices. Remember, even though it is a "thing" to post instagram photos of the freshman dorm room, stay practical. Don't try to decorate for the instagram ...
Here are Some of The Best EVOO’s You Can Buy
If you need a little help picking out a good extra virgin olive oil, here are some of the best EVOO's you can buy (from supermarket to high-end) according to Cooks Illustrated taste tests. If you are like me, olive oil is a necessary can't-be-without condiment. My cupboard is never without a bottle, and when I run low, I restock so as not to risk running out. ...
How to Make the BEST Cake EVER (From a Cake Mix)
If you follow this foolproof method, you'll be making the BEST cakes EVER from any flavor cake mix~every single time. This savvy cake making method is one that I've used countless times for over a decade. I call it "cake mix magic" because it truly works every time. You don't have to be a cook or a baker to make a fabulous cake (easily) using this method. ...
How to Make Casual Outfits a Little More Chic
Here are a few easy ways I like to make casual outfits a little more chic and sophisticated (for summer). I am by no means a style maven or fashion expert, but I am trying to up my everyday look just a smidge (because I LIVE in athleisure). I put together a few simple, inexpensive outfits and then added a few touches to make them more chic. If you like anything you see, I link to everything at the end of the post. How to Make Shorts a Little More Chic ...
How to Style Colorful Summer Dresses and Tops (with White Jeans)
This summer, consider thinking bright (and maybe even neon) for your dresses and tops. Here are some of my faves..... The dresses that I'm loving right now are colorful, bright and so fun. Since we have a daughter getting married in August, I shopped early for some dresses to pull out for parties. Two of them are featured in the photos below. ...
The Perfect Gift Guide for Mother’s Day and Girl Graduation
Here are my top picks for PERFECT gifts for Mother's Day or graduation (girl), all of which can still be ordered online (with free shipping). Mother's Day is May 12, and most schools' graduation dates are soon thereafter. Since these two special days fall so close together, I've combined my "Mother's Day" and "Girl Graduation" gifts. Most every item on my gift guide would be a hit with any mom or girl graduate. If the Nespresso Creatista is a gift you'd love to give someone special, ...
8 Common Misconceptions About Faster Way to Fat Loss
Here are 8 common misconceptions about Faster Way to Fat Loss (from a FWTFL graduate who LOVES the FWTFL lifestyle)! FWTFL is all about weight loss. There is a difference between fat loss and weight loss. You can be thin and still have high body fat (I shared my story in this post). Although the FWTFL program will result in weight loss in most individuals (myself included), the path to weight loss is attained through eliminating unhealthy body fat. ...
How to Have a Louis Vuitton Look for Less
You can have authentic Louis Vuitton leather adorned pieces that give you a Louis Vuitton look (without spending a fortune). You may have noticed seeing lots more Louis Vuitton lately~and there is a reason. There is a new trend that is making it possible for anyone~no matter the budget~to have a Louis Vuitton look for less. What is Louis Vuitton? ...
Sensational Strawberry Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze
I'm sharing my "magic recipe" that turns a simple cake mix into a sensational strawberry bundt cake with lemon glaze that everyone will rave over! This sensational strawberry bundt cake recipe is a "cousin" of this strawberry brownies recipe that has been viral for the most part of 2019. If you love strawberry desserts (especially ones that are quick & easy), you'll want to try both of these yummy treats:-) ...
This is the Real Recipe for Taziki’s Cafe Basmati Rice
This is the REAL RECIPE for the Taziki' Cafe basmati rice, likely the most popular side ordered alongside the Greek grilled chicken, lamb and shrimp. In Birmingham, Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe literally has a cult following. Most everyone I know eats at Taziki's often, whether dine in or take out. The food is healthy, fresh, and always delicious. ...
10 Important Money Questions You Need to Answer Right Now
Ladies, here are 10 important money questions you need to answer right now (with your spouse if married) to determine how financially secure and prepared you are for now and for the future. Recently, my Empower Hour for Women small group was hosted for a financial mini seminar by the advisory team from Women's Wealth Connection at Warren Averett. Empower Hour is a biblically based small group where we address personal growth topics from John Maxwell's Make Today Count. Since ...
10 Reasons Why Maskcara Beauty is My New Favorite Makeup
After using Maskcara Beauty for almost a full year, it is officially my favorite makeup, for at least 10 reasons (which I share below). What is Maskcara Beauty? ...
How to Make Yummy Blackened Chicken Tenders in a Skillet
Here's how to make yummy blackened chicken tenders in a skillet in 30 minutes or less for a healthy, high protein low carb entree. This skillet blackening technique is one of the easiest, most flavorful ways I've found to cook chicken tenders. There is no marinating required, and the tenders are literally loaded with flavor. Even better, they are a healthy way to add protein to lunch or dinner. What is blackening? ...
How to Make Beautiful and Healthy Fruit Water Guests Will Love
It is super easy to learn how to make beautiful and healthy fruit water guests will love so that you can stop buying soft drinks and throwing away half-empty bottled waters. We routinely have lots of guests in our home, so I am always searching for savvy entertaining tips. My recently resurrected water dispenser has become my absolute favorite thing this year. It is hands down the easiest, most practical (and beautiful) way to serve water to a crowd~small or large. ...
How to HAC with Maskcara and Get Your Best Face Ever
Because I am obsessed with this miracle working makeup, I am sharing how to HAC with Maskcara and get your best face ever~for both day and night time looks. I've always loved makeup, beauty and skin care products, and things that can help us women look our best. Since I am currently obsessing over something that I think is fabulous, I'm sharing it here on Family Savvy. ...
How to Be a Chic Mother of the Bride at the Best Price
Here are some savvy tips and tricks on how to be a chic mother of the bride at the best price regardless of your style or budget. Anthropologie With my oldest daughter getting married in August, I am dedicating quite a bit of effort into figuring out how to be a chic mother of the bride at the best price. I've garnered quite a few tips and tricks to share about shopping for a MOB, so here goes! What is your MOB style? ...
How to Get the Perfect Nespresso Machine at the Best Price
I'm sharing how to get the perfect Nespresso machine at the best price along with my favorite recipes for the best hot and cold coffee drinks you can make with it! If you've been kicking the tires about buying a Nespresso machine but get overwhelmed by all the dizzying options~I can relate. But having finally found the perfect Nespresso machine for me~and at the best price possible~I'm sharing a few savvy tips and tricks that will hopefully help YOU. ...
My Favorite Things: Happy Galentine’s Day Gift Guide
Here are my favorite things for a Happy Galentine's Day gift guide~from pretty to practical to pink (and beyond)~for any girlfriend (or for yourself). XoXo Every time I post a gift guide, I feel like a disclaimer is in order. I want my friends and readers to know~I don't sit around and shop all the time LOL. That being said, I do enjoy shopping within reason, and I love sharing great finds with friends and on the blog. ...
Beef Brisket You Won’t Believe
Beef Brisket You Won't Believe cooks all day in a low oven and yields a savory, smoky & succulent platter of chopped beef that folks will literally devour. I can say with full confidence that this beef brisket you won't believe is some of the best brisket you'll ever make or eat. This decades' old family recipe has been delighting our friends and family for years. ...
“Tastes Like Frozen Hot Chocolate” COCO Collagen Smoothie
This decadent tasting, protein laden "tastes like frozen hot chocolate" COCO collagen smoothie is actually healthy, vegan, and packed with antioxidants. This rich, delicious protein & collagen packed smoothie is my current obsession I make this almost every day; when I don't, I miss it:-) It is everything I want in a smoothie (nut butter, chocolate, banana) with lots of what I need (protein, collagen & antioxidants). ...
Why I Tried “Faster Way to Fat Loss” and What It Did For Me
In my honest review, I share why I tried "Faster Way to Fat Loss," what it did for me, and why I think it can benefit anyone who takes it. Full disclosure: I am 53 and smack dab in the middle of menopause. Prior to midlife, "staying fit" was mostly about trying to stay thin. Now that I am older and wiser, staying fit it is about so much more than weight. Of course I want to look as good as possible~don't we all? But equally important is being healthy. Strong. ...
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pecans, Pears & Gorgonzola
Everyone will rave over this shaved Brussels sprouts salad with pecans, pears & Gorgonzola~a copycat recipe of my favorite salad at Pizzeria GM. This shaved Brussels sprouts salad is seriously SO yummy that I am obsessed. A girlfriend and I shared this salad at one of my fave new dining spots in Birmingham~Pizzaria GM. This salad ~along with the Giant Meatball~was the talk of the table! Everyone wanted to sample a bite:-) ...
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide, Giveaway, and Tips on Lasting Love
As February 14th draws near, I am joining some of my favorite blogger friends for a fabulous giveaway, and I am sharing my Valentine's Day Gift Guide and tips on lasting love as well. Love is in the air at my house. This weekend, my oldest twin got engaged. This is the perfect time for me to get with fellow bloggers and share a wonderful chance for a giveaway that will be PERFECT for Valentine's Day (or any day of the year). ...
7 Traits of a Great Father-in-Law (From a Daughter-in-Law’s Perspective)
Being a great father-in-law is important, so I am sharing 7 traits of a great father-in-law from a daughter-in-law's perspective. Today is my Father-in-Law's 80th birthday, and Zane asked each of us to write down qualities that we appreciate about his dad (aka Paul T.). Zane read these things to his dad at a birthday breakfast this morning. Zane encouraged me to share this on the blog. After all, many of us will likely have a father-in-law at some point in life. Many men will BE a ...
Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls
These addictively yummy no-bake chocolate peanut butter buckeye balls are easy to make and taste similar to homemade Reese's peanut butter cups! Although the holidays have come and gone for 2018, I must share this recipe for chocolate peanut butter buckeye balls~a yummy no bake candy that tastes like homemade Reese's peanut butter cups. ...
Chick-fil-A Superfood Salad Copycat Recipe
This Chick-fil-A superfood salad copycat recipe tastes almost exactly like the original and is super yummy, super easy, and super healthy!!! Chick-fil-A is simply the best. The company and the food exemplify excellence, and I definitely find my car inching through the drive through more than I probably need to. Unfortunately, my order usually does not include this salad (which I prefer to make at home:-). ...
Healthy Italian-Style Turkey Stuffed Peppers
These easy to make healthy Italian-style turkey stuffed peppers get HUGE flavor with seasoned basmati rice, marinara, and flavorful cheeses. I made these amazing turkey stuffed peppers this week and the kids went crazy over them (Zane was out of town). In fact, a little family feud broke out over who got the 2 left over peppers:-) For 2019, I am trying to incorporate more vegetables and more color (red, yellow and green) into our meals. These peppers fit the bill, and are delicious to ...
When kids fight over who gets the leftover peppers, you know these turkey stuffed peppers are a winner.
Party Charcuterie and Cheese Board: Shopping Guide and Tutorial
If you want an epic appetizer spread for your next soiree, bookmark this party charcuterie and cheese board shopping guide and tutorial to make the exact board featured below! I have lately become obsessed with charcuterie and cheese boards, thanks to the expertise of my savvy friend Marie. She served this fabulous charcuterie board at a recent dinner in her home, and I've been crazy over charcuterie ever since:-) This Christmas for our husbands' firm party, I asked Marie to do a ...
New Year’s Day Menu Made Easy: My Recipes for Peas, Greens, Cornbread and Ribs
This New Year's Day Menu Made Easy contains my recipes for peas, greens, cornbread and ribs~all easy, delicious, and (mostly) make ahead. Each year on January 1, I serve this New Year's Day meal made easy consisting of black eyed peas, greens, cornbread and ribs. I start buying and prepping for these recipes a day or two ahead. On the morning of New Year's Day, most of the food prep is done, and all that is left to do is to cook or reheat. Before I share my recipes, I thought it would ...
Merry Christmas & a Blessed 2019!!!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2019!!! ...
Leslie’s Cranberry-Jalapeño Salsa
If you are looking for a holiday appetizer that is fresh, healthy and delicious, my friend Leslie's cranberry-jalapeño salsa from Dear Party Diary is a winner! My friend Leslie Byars Register shared this recipe on her blog, Dear Party Diary, and I bookmarked and made it for Thanksgiving with family. It was SO delicious! It was a fresh, healthy way to enjoy cranberries, and the vibrant cranberry salsa in a purple cabbage bowl was perfectly lovely. ...
No-Bake White Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy
This no-bake white chocolate peanut butter candy is easy to make, insanely yummy, and the perfect Christmas candy for giving helpers during the holiday season. ...